Procurement Lead

About the role

Our global client in the pharmaceutical industry is seeking an experienced Procurement Lead to direct the strategic procurement of direct materials, ensuring continuity of supply, cost efficiency and the development of alternate suppliers.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic sourcing strategies for APIs, excipients, raw materials, packaging and related indirect categories.
• Lead RFI/RFQ/RFP processes, supplier selection, market analysis and commercial negotiations using TCO, benchmarking and market intelligence.
• Ensure reliable material availability while balancing inventory, working capital and obsolescence risks.
• Build a resilient supplier base through alternate vendor development, localisation and second‑source initiatives.
• Partner with Quality and Regulatory teams on supplier qualification, audits, agreements and CAPA activities.
• Deliver cost savings and COGS improvements via negotiation, benchmarking, alternate sourcing and value engineering.
• Identify and manage supply risks, creating mitigation and business continuity plans.
• Lead, coach and develop procurement professionals, establishing KPIs for supply security, savings and supplier performance.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business, Pharmacy, Science, Engineering or related field.
• Post‑graduate qualification and/or CIPS certification.
• 8–10 years progressive procurement/strategic sourcing experience, preferably in pharmaceutical or regulated manufacturing.
• Proven experience managing significant direct‑material spend and complex supplier portfolios.
• Strong understanding of pharmaceutical quality, regulatory requirements and business continuity.

Required skills

• Strategic sourcing
• Supplier relationship management (SRM)
• Negotiation and commercial contracting
• Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis
• Benchmarking and market intelligence
• Supplier qualification, audit management and CAPA