Deputy General Manager – Direct Procurement

Job Description – Deputy General Manager (DGM) – Direct ProcurementDesignation: Deputy General Manager (DGM) – Direct Procurement Department: Supply Chain / Procurement Location: Thane Reporting To: Vice President – OperationsAbout Inventia Healthcare:Inventia Healthcare is a pioneer in pharmaceutical development and manufacturing, with over 40 years of expertise in Oral Solid Dosage (OSD) forms. Our global presence spans 45 countries with over ten international facility approvals. Backed by Platinum Equity, we continue to innovate and grow with a strong R&D base in Thane and manufacturing in Ambernath.Job PurposeTo lead and drive the Direct Procurement function by developing and executing strategic sourcing initiatives for raw materials, packaging materials, APIs, excipients, and other production-critical materials. The role is responsible for ensuring uninterrupted supply, optimizing procurement costs, managing supplier relationships, mitigating supply risks, and supporting business growth while adhering to quality, regulatory, and compliance requirements.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Procurement & SourcingDevelop and implement sourcing strategies for direct spend categories aligned with organizational objectives.Lead procurement of raw materials, packaging materials, APIs, excipients, and other manufacturing inputs.Drive cost optimization initiatives through strategic negotiations, value engineering, supplier consolidation, and market intelligence.Identify, evaluate, and develop alternate sources to ensure supply continuity and mitigate operational risks.Monitor market trends, commodity pricing, and industry developments to support informed procurement decisions.Development & Commercial ProcurementManage procurement requirements across both Development Scale and Commercial Scale operations.Collaborate closely with R&D, Product Development, Technology Transfer, and Manufacturing teams for sourcing materials required for development batches, scale-up activities, validation batches, and new product launches.Ensure timely availability of materials for commercial production through robust planning, supplier engagement, and inventory management.Support technology transfer and commercialization projects by establishing reliable supply chains and qualified suppliers.Address procurement challenges associated with new and niche materials while ensuring smooth transition from development stage to commercial manufacturing.Vendor ManagementBuild and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers and manufacturing partners.Conduct supplier evaluations, audits, performance reviews, and capability assessments.Lead commercial negotiations, annual rate contracts, and long-term supply agreements.Drive supplier performance improvements in quality, delivery, compliance, responsiveness, and cost competitiveness.Supply Continuity & Inventory OptimizationPartner with Planning, Manufacturing, QA, SCM, and Regulatory teams to ensure uninterrupted material availability.Drive inventory optimization initiatives while balancing business continuity and working capital requirements.Develop risk mitigation plans for supply disruptions, shortages, and price fluctuations.Commercial & Contract ManagementManage high-value procurement contracts and strategic supplier agreements.Ensure adherence to procurement policies, governance standards, and delegated authority frameworks.Review commercial terms, payment conditions, and contractual obligations to maximize value and minimize business risks.Team LeadershipLead, mentor, and develop the procurement team to achieve operational and strategic objectives.Establish procurement KPIs and drive continuous improvement initiatives.Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and performance excellence.Stakeholder ManagementWork closely with Manufacturing, Finance, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Engineering, and R&D teams to align procurement activities with business objectives.Provide management with regular updates on procurement performance, savings initiatives, supplier risks, and market trends.Support capacity expansion and business growth initiatives through strategic sourcing and supplier development.Educational QualificationsBachelor's Degree in Engineering, Pharmacy, Supply Chain, Operations, or a related discipline.MBA / PGDM in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Procurement, or equivalent preferred.Experience18-20 years of relevant experience in Direct Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, or Supply Chain Management within Pharmaceutical, CDMO, Specialty Chemical, Nutraceutical, or Manufacturing industries.Proven experience in handling high-value procurement portfolios and strategic supplier negotiations.Must have substantial experience in managing raw material procurement for both Development and Commercial operations.Demonstrated exposure to sourcing materials for product development, scale-up, technology transfer, validation batches, and routine commercial manufacturing.Strong understanding of supplier qualification, alternate vendor development, and supply chain risk management.Experience in global sourcing and import procurement will be an added advantage.