Strategic Sourcing - Raw Materials:

- Own end-to-end category strategy.

- Drive dual-sourcing for every critical RM within 12 months - no single-source dependency for any product contributing >1% of revenue.

- Lead annual rate negotiations for all A-category RMs; benchmark prices against import parity, alternative sourcing geographies (China, EU), and domestic alternatives.

- Ensure 100% procurement fill-rate at all factories.

- Build a structured vendor evaluation process.

- Be embedded in the NPD gate process from Stage 1: procurement feasibility and cost inputs must be present at ideation, not as an afterthought.

Strategic Sourcing - Packaging Materials:

- Own PM sourcing across rigid (HDPE/PET/PP bottles, jars, pumps), flexible (laminate pouches, sachets), printed cartons, labels, outer packaging etc.

- Manage multi-brand, multi-channel packaging complexity: D2C, marketplace, QC-compliant and export-compliant packaging.

- Run an annual PM rationalisation exercise to identify cross-brand component standardisation opportunities without compromising brand identity.

- Own PM development timelines for new launches - coordinate between design, R&D, and co-packer so PM is never the bottleneck.

Procurement Operations & Compliance:

- Design and build MRP Tool with ERP integration.

- Institutionalise PO management in ERP: auto-triggered POs from approved indents, lead-time libraries, and goods receipt reconciliation.

- Ensure 100% statutory compliance.

- Design supplier performance and satisfaction rating system, including timely payments for all supplier partners.

- Build a supplier risk management framework: financial health monitoring, geopolitical risk (China-sourced APIs), monsoon/crop-failure risk for botanical RMs.

Cross-Functional Integration & Commercial Impact:

- Integrate procurement with demand and supply planning: translate the 13-week rolling demand plan into procurement schedules with appropriate safety stock buffers.

- Own COGS as a shared KPI with Finance: track purchase price variance (PPV), inflation passthrough vs negotiated savings, and report monthly.

- Partner with manufacturing/co-packers to ensure material availability never delays production.

Team Building & Systems:

- Recruit and develop a high-performance team to manage RM buying, PM buying, indirects buying, and procurement operations.

- Evaluate and implement a procurement tech upgrade path: e-sourcing module, vendor portal, and spend analytics.

- Establish a monthly Procurement Review: savings tracker, vendor scorecard, risk register - make procurement visible and accountable to the business.

Key Result Areas:

- COGS Reduction: YoY procurement savings vs prior year spend baseline (6 - 10% annualised).

- Vendor OTD: % POs delivered on or before commitment date (>95%).

- Material Availability: % production orders without material-related holds (>100%).

- Dual Source Coverage: % A-category RMs with a qualified alternate source (100% within 12 months).

- NPD Procurement TAT: Days from final formulation brief to first RM/PM sample receipt (<45 days).

Ideal Candidate Profile:

- 10 - 14 years in procurement/supply chain.

- Hands-on experience in Foods & Beverages or nutraceuticals or pharma or personal care.

- Strong PM procurement experience: has managed packaging development, designed and executed strategic sourcing for PM and comes with knowledge of supplier base for key packaging materials.

- Startup temperament: can build systems while managing the 'here & now' needs.