Develop and implement category strategies for pharmaceuticals, APIs, and related materials.Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers (local and international) based on quality, price, reliability, and regulatory compliance.Negotiate long-term agreements, pricing, payment terms, and supply contracts.Maintain a preferred supplier list and conduct regular business reviews.Oversee the purchase order lifecycle from requisition to delivery, ensuring alignment with production schedules.Manage inventory levels to prevent stockouts while minimizing carrying costs and expiry write-offs.Coordinate with warehouse and logistics teams to ensure proper storage, cold chain management, and timely distribution.Ensure all procurement activities comply with Good Distribution Practice (GDP), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), and local pharmaceutical laws.Collaborate with Quality Assurance (QA) to manage supplier audits, certifications, and documentation (e.g., COAs, stability data, DMFs).Implement processes to prevent counterfeit or substandard products from entering the supply chain.Develop risk mitigation strategies for raw material shortages, geopolitical disruptions, and price volatility.Manage supplier qualification for backup sourcing and dual-supplier strategies.Adhere to anti-bribery, anti-corruption, and ethical sourcing guidelines.Track KPIs: OTIF (On Time In Full), cost savings, purchase price variance (PPV), supplier defect rate, and inventory turnover.Lead tender processes, RFPs, and e-auctions for high-value pharmaceutical products.Prepare monthly procurement dashboards and budgets. Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Supply Chain Management, or a related life sciences field.Certification in procurement/supply chain (e.g., CIPS, CSCP, APICS) – highly desirable.Knowledge of GMP/GDP regulations and pharmaceutical serialization requirements.Minimum 5–7 years of procurement experience, with at least 3 years in pharmaceutical or healthcare procurement.Proven track record of sourcing APIs, excipients, finished dosage forms, or medical devices.Experience managing international suppliers (e.g., India, China, Europe, USA) and navigating import/export regulations (customs, duties, drug licensing).Familiarity with ERP systems and procurement modules.Strong understanding of pharmaceutical supply chain risks (e.g., temperature-sensitive logistics, short shelf life).Knowledge of regulatory documentation: COA (Certificate of Analysis), Stability Studies, Vendor Qualification Files.Contract law fundamentals and negotiation tactics.