Sourcing / Supply Chain Manager - API & Excipients

Role Summary

The Sourcing / Supply Chain Manager will lead procurement and supply chain activities for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) and excipients, specifically focusing on regulated markets (US/EU). The role involves managing supplier relationships, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, cost optimization, and timely delivery of high-quality materials to meet business requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Sourcing and Procurement

• Identify and develop reliable suppliers for APIs and excipients catering to regulated markets (US/EU).
• Conduct thorough supplier evaluations, including audits, to ensure compliance with regulatory standards (e.g., USFDA, EU GMP).
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms with suppliers to achieve cost efficiencies while maintaining quality and delivery timelines.

Supply Chain Management

• Oversee the end-to-end supply chain process for APIs and excipients, including demand forecasting, procurement planning, inventory management, and logistics.
• Ensure uninterrupted supply to meet production schedules and avoid stockouts or overstock situations.
• Monitor and manage supplier performance metrics, such as on-time delivery and quality compliance.

Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of international regulatory requirements for APIs and excipients in regulated markets (US/EU).
• Collaborate with QA/QC and regulatory teams to ensure that all sourced materials meet the required standards and documentation requirements.

Vendor and Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with global and domestic suppliers.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders, including R&D, manufacturing, QA/QC, and regulatory affairs, to align sourcing strategies with business goals.
• Support cross-functional teams during product development and commercialization phases.

Cost Optimization and Risk Mitigation

• Develop and implement cost-saving initiatives and alternative sourcing strategies.
• Identify and mitigate risks in the supply chain, such as dependency on single suppliers or geopolitical challenges affecting material availability.

Qualifications and Skills

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy, Chemical Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. A postgraduate degree (MBA or equivalent) in supply chain management is a plus.
• Experience: Minimum 10 years of experience in sourcing and supply chain management for APIs and excipients, with significant exposure to regulated markets (US/EU).
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements, including USFDA and EU GMP standards.
• Proven ability to manage supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, and achieve cost optimization.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Proficiency in supply chain tools, ERP systems, and data analysis software.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Supplier on-time delivery performance.
• Quality compliance rate for sourced materials.
• Cost savings achieved through effective negotiations.
• Inventory turnover ratio and reduction of excess stock.
• Adherence to sourcing timelines for new product launches.