Deputy General Manager Third Party Procurement

About The Company

A leading pharmaceutical organization, focused on providing quality medicines across sub-Saharan Africa. The company operates at scale with a broad portfolio of branded prescription and consumer healthcare products, maintaining trusted brands andWith a vision to become the regions leading healthcare champion over the coming years. Its Global Supply Organization spans the entire value chain from product conceptualization to commercial delivery.

Position Overview

The Deputy General Manager – Procurement (Third Party) leads strategic procurement of third-party products across domestic and international markets, ensuring competitive cost, quality, supply continuity, and timely availability to meet business and production requirements. This role drives supplier development, alternate sourcing, cost optimization, and strategic sourcing initiatives across India, China, Africa, and Kenya. The position reports to the Vice President Procurement.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute third-party procurement strategy aligned with business, production, and commercial needs.
• Lead sourcing of third-party products from India, China, Africa, Kenya, and other strategic markets.
• Ensure timely availability of products to support monthly production and cycle plans across all manufacturing units.
• Evaluate sourcing options and lead Make-or-Buy decisions based on cost, quality, capacity, lead time, and business requirements.
• Lead commercial negotiations with approved suppliers to optimize price, quality, availability, and service.
• Develop and maintain a strong supplier base, including identification and qualification of alternate and competitive suppliers.
• Monitor supplier performance, pricing, lead times, quality, and supply continuity; establish strategic supplier relationships and negotiate long-term agreements.
• Drive annual cost reduction and procurement savings targets through market benchmarking, should-cost analysis, and value-engineering projects.
• Partner with Finance to validate and track procurement savings and identify opportunities for direct sourcing and improved commercial terms.
• Track international market trends, supplier capabilities, pricing movements, and sourcing risks, including geopolitical and regulatory factors.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Finance, Supply Chain, Production, Quality, Regulatory, Commercial, and Manufacturing teams to align procurement with business goals.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the third-party procurement team while establishing governance, supplier evaluation mechanisms, and performance metrics.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, approved supplier processes, and financial controls; drive continuous improvement and digitalization of procurement processes.

• Education: Bachelors degree in engineering, pharmacy, Packaging Technology, or MBA (preferred).
• Experience: 15+ years in third-party pharmaceutical procurement, preferably formulations and finished goods.
• Leadership: Proven experience leading procurement teams and managing supplier risk across multiple international markets including India, China, Africa, and Kenya.
• Technical Expertise: Strategic sourcing, negotiation, data analytics (Excel, Power BI, ERP systems), GMP and pharma regulatory environment, formulation manufacturing and equipment knowledge.
• Soft Skills: Strategic thinker, strong analytical capabilities, leadership and stakeholder management, risk assessment, problem-solving mindset, high ownership and accountability, ability to work in fast-paced, cost-driven environments, and cross-cultural collaboration.

Why Consider this Opportunity

• Lead strategic third-party procurement impacting multiple international markets and supply chains.
• Drive cost optimization and supplier development with significant influence on business growth and operational excellence.
• Shape resilient and compliant supply chains through data-driven, insight-led decision-making.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to align procurement with production and commercial objectives.
• Opportunity to lead a high-impact team and drive continuous improvement and digital transformation in procurement processes.