Global] Director, Strategic Procurement

**Company Description** Santen is a specialized life sciences company with a proud 130-year heritage focused exclusively on ophthalmology. As a Japan-originated, global company with our footprint in over 60 countries, we are dedicated to delivering innovative treatments and digital solutions for eye health and addressing vision-related social issues for people around the world.**

**PURPOSE OF ROLE**

The Strategic Procurement Director for Direct Materials is responsible for leading the procurement strategy for key raw materials, specifically Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), excipients, and packaging materials. This position is critical in ensuring reliable supply of cost-effective, quality materials. The position focuses on high-level strategic sourcing, and on high value/low count items, making it business critical. The role requires strategic foresight, deep industry knowledge and strong leadership capabilities to navigate complex supplier markets and foster partnerships.
- ** Strategic Sourcing Leadership**:

- Develop and implement global sourcing strategies for APIs, excipients and packaging, ensuring alignment with company goals and maximizing value creation.
- Lead initiatives to identify and engage with strategic suppliers to secure favourable terms, risk mitigation, and long-term partnerships.
- Oversee strategic sourcing projects, including market analysis, supplier negotiations, and contract management.
- ** Supplier Relationship Management**:

- Build and maintain Supplier Relationship Teams (SRTs) to develop robust partnerships with key suppliers, fostering trust and ensuring a stable supply chain.
- Monitor supplier performance against key metrics and lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service quality and reliability.
- Ensure supplier adherence to GMP standards and regulatory requirements through regular audits and performance reviews.
- ** Risk Management and Compliance**:

- Develop and execute comprehensive risk management strategies to address potential disruptions and safeguard supply continuity.
- Ensure procurement activities are in full compliance with internal policies, industry regulations, and ethical practices.
- Proactively assess and manage risks related to supply availability, pricing volatility, and geopolitical factors.
- ** Cross-functional Collaboration**:

- Support and collaborate closely with the Manufacturing Procurement and Sourcing team to enable seamless supply of materials for the factories. Partner particularly with Supply Chain to create a cohesive approach to sourcing and material management.
- Collaborate with R&D, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Manufacturing to align sourcing strategies with product development and production needs.
- Engage with finance to develop procurement budgets and track cost-savings initiatives.
- ** Leadership and Team Development**:

- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of procurement professionals focused on global sourcing and strategic supplier management.
- Promote a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and accountability within the SRTs
- ** Cost Optimization and Value Delivery**:

- Drive strategic initiatives that lead to cost reductions while maintaining or improving quality and supply reliability.
- Monitor and report on procurement performance metrics, including savings achieved and impact on the company’s revenue.

**Qualifications**
- ** Education**: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Business Administration, or other such related fields. A Master’s degree or MBA is preferred, as is a professional procurement qualification.
- ** Experience**: Minimum 12-15 years of direct procurement experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with extensive exposure to strategic sourcing of APIs, excipients and packaging
- ** Technical Expertise**:

- Deep understanding of the supplier markets for APIs, excipients and packaging
- Proficiency in SAP and other ERP systems used for procurement.
- Knowledge of GMP standards and regulatory compliance.
- ** Skills**:

- Strong strategic planning, negotiation, and analytical skills.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
- Ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.
- Fluent English speaker; basic Japanese an advantage
- ** Professional Competencies and Values**:

- Customer Focused Value Creation: Prioritize sourcing strategies that meet customer and business needs.
- Integrity and Trust: Uphold ethical standards in all interactions.
- Expertise Application: Leverage deep industry and market knowledge to make informed decisions.
- Strategic Planning: Demonstrate the ability to foresee industry trends and adapt strategies accordingly.
- Change Leadership: Lead the team through changes and innovations.
- Collaboration Beyond Boundaries: Foster cross-functional teamwork and effective communication, also as leading the SRTs.
- HR and Organizational Development: Commit to the growth and develop