Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Vendor Management & Development:

- Lead global and domestic strategic sourcing for IVD raw materials (biochemicals, antibodies, enzymes, plastics/molding, cold-chain components) and equipment/analyzers.

- Identify, audit, and onboard high-performing suppliers while managing vendor risk, performance evaluations and SLA compliance.

- Build strong supplier partnerships to secure long-term pricing, volume discounts and priority allocation.

2. Cost Optimization & Strategic Savings Projects:

- Design and execute strategic cost-reduction initiatives across direct and indirect spend without compromising quality or compliance.

- Implement value engineering, shoulder-cost modeling, alternate vendor development and localization projects.

- Track and report quarterly purchase price variance (PPV) and bottom-line savings to senior leadership.

3. Operational Procurement & Supply Chain Alignment:

- Direct daily purchasing operations, contract negotiations, purchase orders and lead-time reductions.

- Collaborate with R&D, Quality Assurance and Production teams to ensure seamless procurement aligned with manufacturing plans.

- Oversee specialized procurement logistics, including cold-chain (2C8C / -20C) temperature-sensitive shipments and hazardous material handling.

4. Regulatory & Quality Compliance:

- Ensure all suppliers and procured materials conform to ISO 13485, CDSCO and applicable global IVD regulatory frameworks.

- Maintain rigorous vendor qualification records and lead purchasing-related audit preparation for internal/external regulatory bodies.

Key Candidate Profile:

Education:

- Bachelors degree in Engineering, Biotechnology, Pharmacy or Supply Chain Management. An MBA or PGD in Materials Management/Supply Chain is highly preferred.

Experience:

- Minimum 20 years of progressive experience in procurement/purchasing with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.

Industry Focus:

- Strong background in IVD, Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals or Lifesciences is required.

Core Competencies:

- Proven track record of executing strategic cost-saving projects in a manufacturing environment.

- Deep expertise in vendor development, contract negotiation and Domestic/ International sourcing.

- Hands-on knowledge of ERP systems (SAP S/4HANA, Oracle, or similar).

- Familiarity with cold-chain logistics and quality management systems (QMS).

Functional & Technical Skills:

- Deep domain knowledge of IVD materials: enzymes, antibodies, magnetic beads, lateral flow membranes, plastic injection molding and diagnostic analyzer components.

- Expertise in international trade, customs documentation, import/export tariffs and forex risk management.

- Mastery in ERP systems (SAP MM, Oracle SCM) and advanced data analytics/dashboarding.