Procurement Lead, Direct Materials

Job Title: Procurement Lead, Direct Materials

Location: Piscataway, NJ (4 Days onsite with remote flexibility on Fridays)

Reports to: Senior Procurement Manager

Compensation: The estimated salary range is $100,000 - $110,000, based on experience. 

Job Overview: 

The role is responsible for leading the direct procurement team, managing end-to-end sourcing and procurement of direct materials and consumables to support production. Key duties include ensuring daily operations meet SLA and KPI targets, overseeing material planning for critical items, and driving strategic sourcing initiatives. The candidate will manage vendor relationships, negotiate contracts, and identify cost-saving opportunities through category management and market analysis. Close collaboration with cross-functional teams is essential to ensure supply continuity, compliance with quality and regulatory standards, and readiness for audit requirements.

The ideal candidate is able to thrive in a high-volume and fast-paced environment, and has managed projects and initiatives from end to end. 

Job Responsibilities: 

• Supervise the direct procurement team to ensure smooth daily operations and compliance with SLA and KPI targets, and effectively manage team performance.
• Oversee material planning for Green Channel item replenishment to meet inventory KPIs while ensuring continuity of supply.
• Lead strategic sourcing and manage the procurement process for direct materials and consumables used in production, ensuring alignment with cost objectives, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop alternative vendors for critical materials and components to ensure supply continuity and mitigate supply chain risks.
• Conduct category management to identify cost-saving opportunities through vendor consolidation and the use of alternative materials or components.
• Leverage negotiation, analytical, and market research skills to drive value through cost reduction initiatives. Track and report KPIs related to cost savings, cost avoidance, on-time delivery (OTD), and efficiency improvements.
• Execute vendor management by building supplier profiles, conducting regular business reviews, and securing both short- and long-term pricing contracts and Master Supply Agreements (MSAs).
• Serve as the primary point of contact for negotiating and executing contracts and agreements in coordination with the legal team.
• Collaborate closely with production team to provide effective procurement support by understanding production processes, tracking changes in material consumption, and proactively addressing critical issues with urgency.
• Maintain active communication with suppliers of critical materials to stay updated on market conditions, ensure timely deliveries, and identify potential risks and opportunities.
• Work cross-functionally with quality, finance, and other departments to ensure procurement processes remain compliant with company policies and regulatory standards.
• Respond to internal and external audit challenges by providing complete and accurate procurement documentation and justifications.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Business, Supply Chain Management, Biology and Chemistry, or other related fields.
• 3-5 years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing or planning of direct materials, preferably in the biotech or pharmaceutical industries
• Demonstrated leadership through previous experience in people management or project management
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and communication skill.
• Good knowledge of materials used in biotech/pharma production, including raw materials, consumables and packing materials.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex situations and demonstrate agility in identifying opportunities for cost reduction and problem-solving.
• Proficiency in ERP systems of SAP and S2P is a plus

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