AGM:- Purchase (API & intermediates)

Purpose of the Role

To lead strategic sourcing and procurement of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), intermediates, and key raw materials by ensuring uninterrupted supply, cost optimization, regulatory compliance, and strong supplier partnerships. The role is responsible for supplier development, commercial negotiations, inventory optimization, and cross-functional coordination to support manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing plans for APIs, intermediates, and critical raw materials aligned with business objectives.
• Identify and qualify reliable domestic and international suppliers to ensure continuity of supply.
• Build a robust supplier base to mitigate supply chain risks.

Procurement & Commercial Management

• Lead end-to-end procurement activities including RFQs, techno-commercial evaluations, negotiations, purchase order release, and contract management.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, delivery schedules, Incoterms, and long-term supply agreements.
• Achieve annual procurement cost-saving targets through strategic negotiations, alternate sourcing, and value engineering initiatives.
• Monitor commodity and API market trends, pricing movements, and supply-demand dynamics to develop effective sourcing strategies.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain long-term strategic relationships with key suppliers.
• Conduct supplier performance evaluations based on quality, cost, delivery, responsiveness, and compliance.
• Drive supplier development initiatives and resolve commercial or supply-related issues proactively.

Supply Continuity & Inventory Management

• Ensure uninterrupted availability of APIs and intermediates to support production schedules.
• Monitor inventory levels, reorder points, safety stock, and lead times to prevent stock-outs or excess inventory.
• Coordinate closely with production planning and warehouse teams for material availability.

Regulatory & Quality Compliance

• Procure materials only from approved and qualified vendors in compliance with GMP, cGMP, and company quality standards.
• Coordinate with Quality Assurance (QA), Quality Control (QC), Regulatory Affairs (RA), and R&D teams for vendor qualification and regulatory documentation.
• Ensure availability of COA, DMF, TSE/BSE declarations, GMP certificates, and other regulatory documents required for procurement.

Logistics & Import Coordination

• Coordinate with logistics, CHA, freight forwarders, and customs agents for import/export shipments.
• Monitor shipment status, customs clearance, and on-time delivery of materials.
• Resolve logistics-related issues to avoid delays in manufacturing operations.

Cross-functional Coordination

• Work closely with Production Planning, QA, QC, Finance, Regulatory Affairs, Stores, and Manufacturing teams to ensure seamless procurement operations.
• Support new product launches by ensuring timely availability of required APIs and intermediates.

Reporting & MIS

• Prepare procurement dashboards and reports covering supplier performance, purchase price variance (PPV), cost savings, inventory, lead time, and procurement KPIs.
• Maintain procurement documentation and ensure compliance with internal SOPs and audit requirements.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Procurement cost savings achieved.
• Supplier on-time delivery performance.
• Material availability to support production.
• Inventory turnover and stock optimization.
• Purchase price variance (PPV).
• Supplier quality performance.
• Lead time reduction.
• Regulatory compliance and audit readiness.
• Supplier development and alternate source creation.
• Procurement cycle time.

Educational Qualification

• B.E./B.Tech (Chemical) / MBA in Supply Chain or Operations preferred.

Experience

• 8–15 years of experience in API procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain within the pharmaceutical industry.
• Strong exposure to sourcing APIs, intermediates, solvents, and specialty chemicals.
• Experience in regulated markets (USFDA, EU-GMP, MHRA, WHO-GMP) will be preferred.

Technical Skills

• API sourcing and procurement.
• Strategic sourcing and category management.
• Supplier evaluation and development.
• Commercial negotiations and contract management.
• Import procurement and customs processes.
• Inventory and demand planning.
• GMP/cGMP and regulatory documentation.
• ERP/SAP procurement modules.
• MS Excel and procurement analytics.
• Cost analysis and market intelligence.

Behavioral Competencies

• Strategic thinking.
• Negotiation and influencing skills.
• Analytical and commercial acumen.
• Supplier relationship management.
• Planning and execution.
• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Cross-functional collaboration.
• Communication and stakeholder management.
• Results orientation.
• Integrity and compliance mindset.