Sourcing Specialist (JHB North) at Aspen Pharma Group

OBJECTIVE OF ROLE

• The Sourcing Specialist will have direct responsibilities working with the external co-manufacturing network to identify, source, and deliver products to support Aspen’s growth in New Product Innovation as well as to ensure our existing supply portfolio has supply continuity. Support in driving cost optimization and customer satisfaction through the identification and implementation of supply opportunities on Finished Goods and Materials.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy Delivery

• Support in planning and managing an overall finished goods product sourcing strategy as aligned by overall sourcing strategy.
• Support in delivery of the supply chain strategy to support delivery of business growth agenda in terms of supply continuity.
• Input into supply strategies with manufacturing sites and 3rd parties and aid in identification and leading of cost savings opportunities.
• Source products/molecules and CMO onboarding to improve service, cost and cash.
• Build strong and sustainable relationship with new and existing 3rd party suppliers for new projects.
• Support in Business Case preparation, sign off & implementation through thorough analysis, cross functional collaboration in requirements building and supplier negotiations.

Supplier Sourcing & Negotiation

• Execute analyses and make suggestions for improvement feeding into the overall sourcing strategy.
• Source suitable contract manufacturer considering technical, regulatory requirements, cost, logistics & freight and supply chain efficiency as well as overall tech transfer and project management costs.
• Provides input into the development contract management instructions and policies.
• Represents the company initially in negotiating contracts and formulating supplier agreements.
• Responsible for negotiations with CMOs to drive performance as well as supply resilience in supply in longer horizons. Including coordination and negotiation of SLAs with suppliers.
• Supports in on-time delivery linked to all new projects.
• Ability to analysis global trends from a pharmaceutical procurement perspective and guide the business in terms of risk and opportunities.

Supplier Management

• Support to drive operational efficiency and new projects to a point of handover at CMO’s to deliver Aspen’s growth agenda.
• Support in routine supplier performance reviews, especially on new projects and feed supplier strength and strategy.
• Conduct supplier bench markings and contract reviews to continuously optimize cost, cash and cost.

Technical Evaluation

• Evaluation of solids, sterile and liquids manufacturing processes to assess facility capacity and capability.
• Due diligence check - expected compliance in line with current regulatory guidelines (SAHPRA/PICS/EU Guidelines).
• Due diligence check - GMP practices according to necessary requirements.

Requirements
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Matric (Grade 12)
• Degree in Pharmacy, Chemistry or Supply Chain Management is a mandatory requirement
• Procurement qualification (CIPS) would be an advantage

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a pharmaceutical, supply chain, or manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing, legal and regulatory requirements (SAHPRA/ GMP environment in marketing and manufacturing)
• Demonstrated success in product sourcing, negotiations and realignment of manufacturing sites.
• Project management experience.
• Technical understanding of supply chain operations and planning.
• Knowledge of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)
• Experience with supplier performance management and cost optimization.
• Deep understanding of latest pharmaceutical product trends and procurement / technology trends.
• Strong understanding of procurement frameworks, methodologies, processes and industry best practices
• Experience managing supplier relationships including periodic cross functional supplier review sessions and / or risk analysis.

SOFT SKILLS AND COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS

• Good organizational skills
• Strong negotiation skills
• Responsibility, accountability and ownership of goals and tasks
• Excellent communication skills
• Able to deal with ambiguity and embrace change
• Manage stakeholders across all levels
• Can deliver costs effective solutions to support the growing business.
• Ability to problem solve complex issues within supply chain.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills