Current Opportunities at Aspen Pharma Group

OBJECTIVE OF ROLE 

• Execute the SA Commercial Finance Functions with direct responsibility for preparing, analyzing and submitting accurate, useful financial reports to key stakeholders in the business on time and in full. The role supports decision making in line with company’s strategic objectives with a focus on maximizing profitability.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Month-end Close and Reporting:

Analysis, Reporting and Management of:

• Sales (including discounts, dealing and rebates), COGS and Gross Profit
• Operating Expenses
• Accruals and Provisions including applicable balance sheet reconciliation and management
• Journal preparation and posting

Analyzing and explaining all variances to Budget, Forecast and Prior Year by (where appropriate):

• Brand
• Customer
• Division etc.

Budgeting and Forecasting:

• Annual Budget, Five Year Plan and Quarterly Forecast Processes
• Facilitate Budget, Forecast & Five-Year model processes
• Prepare and maintain calculation templates including loading and analyzing calculated values (e.g. Log Fees, Distribution Fees, Trade Expenditure)
• Price, volume mix analysis
• Detailed review analysis and explanation of all Income Statement lines
• Insightful reporting on variances
• Input into Budget presentation pack
• Address queries timeously
• Projects and Business Partnering:

Ad hoc tasks to be performed in line:
with applicable policies and levels of authority
Pricing:

• Selling prices
• Discounts & Dealing
• COGS
• Review and critically analyse New Product Launch P&L statements with reference to marketing plans and other input from the business
• Facilitate robust Brand Plan processes, including template development, maintenance, and management by working closely with appropriate stakeholders
• Support the Business Heads and their teams in preparing for quarterly brand and performance reviews by providing templates, information, and meaningful analysis
• Provide day-to-day financial support and training to the business
• Address ad hoc queries (including internal and external audit requirements)
• Perform ROI analysis
• Review and sign off commission calculations
• Projects as assigned
• Perform designated approval function in line with approvals framework
• Identify and document risks and opportunities
• Third-party reporting in line with contractual requirements
• Process flow improvements
• Ensure transactions are accounted for in line with IFRS
• Ensure adequate financial controls are designed and implemented for the respective business units
• Ensure that reports are balanced between systems and supporting documents
• Review, approve, and update SOPs from a financial control perspective

Requirements
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Matric / Grade 12
• CA(SA) or CIMA

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• At least 3 years working experience in a commercial finance environment, post articles
• Prior experience in the interpretation and use of accounting standards and the Companies Act
• Pharmaceutical / FMCG industry experience / exposure preferred

SOFT SKILLS AND COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS

• Effective planning, organising and co-ordinating skills to prioritise tasks, manage projects and deliver high quality work under pressure
• Highly numerate
• Excellent analytical skills (Scenario analysis) and attention to detail
• Logical reasoning
• Results driven
• Problem solving and decision making
• Commercial and strategic awareness
• Independent and self-directed individual who can drive execution.
• Effective interpersonal skills and able to influence people and decisions
• Clear written and verbal communication
• Management Accounting & Analysis
• Financial Accounting (IFRS)
• Knowledge of Master Data Management (MDM) principles

COMPUTER SKILLS REQUIRED

• MS Office
• Advanced Excel (Financial Modelling preferred)
• ERP systems (SAP advantageous)

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OBJECTIVE OF ROLE

• Perform quality control and stability testing on raw materials, in-process products, finished goods, components, and water to ensure compliance with established quality standards. Reviewed and verified product compliance with GMP requirements, quality standards, and product specifications. Provided quality support services in alignment with the production plan.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Planning and Operational Support

• Optimise and facilitate implementation of current processes
• Propose changes or improvements to processes, tools and techniques

Test Preparation

• Prepare and analyse samples according to SOPs
• Prepare and operate laboratory equipment according to SOPs
• Perform calibration checks on equipment according to calibration procedure, to ensure accurate results
• Prepare reagents and solutions for testing
• Maintain good housekeeping

Testing

• Perform HPLC/GC analysis using MOA
• Perform routine analysis on in-process and final products, raw materials and components
• Perform routine stability tests such as related substances, assay and dissolution to assess quality of product
• Perform daily and weekly water testing according to SOP
• Support testing for OOS investigations to establish any systematic issues in process or testing
• Handle problems efficiently according to quality policy
• Report feedback on services or outputs regularly to customers
• Check HPLC/GC runs regularly during the shift
• Provide internal customers with accurate HPLC/GC results
• Propose, develop and update methods for improving customer service
• Check, document and report operational output against actuals
• Communicate deviations for production and process improvements
• Utilise technology as per qualification requirements

Reporting and Record-Keeping

• Document and store data according to SOPs and regulation
• Consolidate information for reports on weekly/ monthly basis
• Analyse consolidated data and provided recommendations
• Record, interpret and report testing results to management, including OOS results

Requirements

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Matric (Grade 12)
• National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry  

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• 2+ years’ laboratory experience

SOFT SKILLS AND COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS

• Advanced understanding of pharmaceutical testing methods
• Understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing and corrective action programs
• Experience on HPLC/GC and practical knowledge of Empower software
• Pharmaceutical standards and compliance requirements
• Ability to interpret and implement policies, processes and objective
• Interrogating Information
• Meeting Deadlines
• Following Procedures
• Maintaining Accuracy
• Customer Awareness

COMPUTER SKILLS REQUIRED

• The applicant must be proficient in the various applications (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) within the Microsoft Office bundle.

DRIVERS LICENCE

• The successful candidate must have a valid driver’s licence and be able to travel as per the expectations of the role.

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OBJECTIVE OF ROLE

• The Sourcing Manager manages the East London factory raw and packing materials ensuring transparency of spending, generating and implementing efficient sourcing and category management strategies. The role is responsible for calculating costs of procurement and suggests methods to decrease expenditure as well as increasing supply reliability of the service/product. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Supplier Performance

• Apply strong analytical skills and leverage technology to evaluate and measure vendor performance relative to contract and customer experience.
• Use data and insights to determine areas for improvement, manage relationships to deliver change and customer experience excellence.
• Interact with internal cross-functional groups and suppliers to define, coordinate, and deploy improvement activities utilizing project management and operational tools.
• Manage supplier relationships and conduct regular performance reviews to ensure service level agreements are met or exceeded.
• Identifies trends poor performing suppliers and then takes action as necessary to improve supplier performance and capability.
• Drives key stakeholders to define and deliver the corrective action plans ensuring results are achieved and sustainable with a key focus on production improvement.
• Supports Procurement, Production, Engineering, Quality and other departments in supplier action plan in case of recurring performance deviations, escalade issues until acceptable performance is reached.
• Prepare and present reports, performance metrics, and recommendations to senior management.

Sourcing

• Lead Sourcing activities from supplier identification to post implementation performance management.
• Optimise the supply base through consolidation and leverages and negotiates pricing on combined volumes with industry leading suppliers to reduce the cost of goods and overheads.
• Increase spending under contract and negotiates supply agreements with vendors, improving commercial conditions.
• Take responsibility for productivity/ cost efficiency targets and key compliance metrics (e.g. process compliance, internal audits).
• Identify and evaluate potential suppliers, conduct supplier assessments, negotiations, and contract management.
• Analyse market trends, pricing, and supplier performance to drive cost savings and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including operations, engineering, labs, warehousing, and supply chain teams, to understand their requirements and align sourcing activities accordingly.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization, automation, and cost reduction in the sourcing and procurement function.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement sustainable sourcing practices and support corporate social responsibility initiatives.
• Manage supplier qualifications and on boarding through supplier risk assessment and follow on supplier risk mitigation activities including regular notifications to suppliers regarding their performance.
• Maintain the enterprise level Approved Supplier List (ASL). Participate and spear head group ESG initiatives for the East London Factory.
• Identify and propose new suppliers when ASL gaps are identified.

BBBEE:

• Implementing and maintaining Inclusive and Responsible Sourcing strategy, policy, procedures, standards and associated reporting.
• Monitor local and BEE procurement performance and encourage and motivate improvement activities.
• Ensuring monthly and regular ad hoc BBBEE Procurement reporting is conducted.
• Ensuring systems are in place and reports are compiled for internal and external use and presentation to management.
• Provide guidance as it relates to Inclusive Procurement and BBBEE In South Africa.
• Drive continuous improvement of procurement governance framework.
• Support in supplier pre-qualification, on-boarding on to supplier database and maintaining the supplier database, updating all missing information

Requirements

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Matric (Grade 12)
• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Supply Chain Management, Engineering or a similar field.

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• 5-10 years’ relevant experience in a supply chain or planning or procurement role
• 3-5 Proven People and Process Management Experience
• Knowledge of Pharmaceutical, Food and or FMCG manufacturing processes and operations environment
• Experience in leading and developing teams
• Experience with Material Requirements Planning (MRP)
• Knowledge of Logistics Management
• Experience in Sourcing and Procurement
• Managing and monitoring Supplier Performance

SOFT SKILLS AND COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS

• Customer Awareness
• Meeting Deadlines
• Making Decisions
• Planning and Organising
• Interrogating Information
• Offering Insights

COMPUTER SKILLS REQUIRED

• The applicant must be proficient in the various applications (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) within the Microsoft Office bundle.

DRIVERS LICENCE

• The successful candidate must have a valid driver’s licence and be able to travel as per the expectations of the role.

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OBJECTIVE OF ROLE

• Lead supplier development, manage supplier negotiations, and oversee RFQs while driving the CMO category strategy for major suppliers. The role also focuses on identifying and implementing continuous improvement opportunities to enhance supplier performance, procurement efficiency, and overall supply chain effectiveness.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Supplier management

• Communicate and negotiate with suppliers.
• Monitor quality standards and identify performance failures.
• Conduct supplier audits and report on supplier performance.
• Manage supplier communications and documents and process flow, including RFIs, RFP, RFQ, and RFB’s.
• Resolve supplier issues; maintain working relationships with key suppliers.
• Set up new vendors and coordinate with legal to support new contracts; maintain/ update existing contracts.
• Identify new suppliers and products in the marketplace.
• Vet potential suppliers’ capabilities (delivery, quality, services).
• Review insourcing and outsourcing opportunities.
• Negotiate with suppliers to carry stock for fast moving items.
• Assist in the drafting of specifications as required and provide advice and guidance to customers on procurement processes.
• Review and approve price variances (Order vs Invoice Prices).
• BBBEE and procurement administration.

Risk management

• Maintain and report on adherence to internal and external compliance requirements.
• Actively reduce third-party risk exposure.
• Carry out risk management processes within CMO category.

Quality and qualifying products

• Assist quality teams to obtain products needed to conduct finished product testing.
• Schedule product trials and coordinate samples.

Quality and qualifying products

• Assist quality teams to obtain products needed to conduct finished product testing.
• Schedule product trials and coordinate samples.

Reporting and record keeping

• Maintain repository of procurement-related knowledge.
• Maintain complete, compliant documentation of purchasing activities.
• Maintain standards and update SOPs for documentation and filing requirements

Budgeting

• Manage and optimise use of Category budget.
• Provide input into required changes in resources to enable achievement of objectives.
• Monitor, track and report on expenditure against budget.

Planning and coordination

• Optimise processes, identify gaps in policies, procedures and legislation, and propose changes or improvements to management.
• Provide technical advice to internal stakeholders.

Requirements

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Matric
• National Diploma in relevant field (Procurement, Logistics, Supply Chain Management or Finance).

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• 6 years relevant experience
• Experience in a manufacturing procurement environment, and preferably with significant experience in a CMO environment.
• Computer literacy

SOFT SKILLS AND COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS

• Customer Awareness
• Meeting Deadlines
• Making Decisions
• Planning and Organising
• Interrogating Information

COMPUTER SKILLS REQUIRED

• The applicant must be proficient in the various applications (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) within the Microsoft Office bundle.

DRIVERS LICENCE

• The successful candidate must have a valid driver’s licence and be able to travel as per the expectations of the role

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Operations systems

• Super user and administrator for all entities across Aspen
• Provide administrative functions to users on a daily basis
• Initiates approval process for all configuration changes, new users, new sites, new groups, updating of business lists
• Trouble shooting workflow errors and assisting in resolving errors to ensure business continuity
• Escalating unresolved issues with Vendor and tracking progress until a resolution is established and system is workable again.
• Re-assigning of changes as and when required by the business and on instruction by the SME
• Identify gaps in current policies and procedures 
• Facilitate implementation of new users into system and provide ongoing support thereof
• Maintaining all training records, user access, group setups and business list documentation for auditing purposes
• Track production losses and high maintenance cost assets, prioritise critical opportunities, establish and implement action to reduce losses or high costs
• Extract and Circulate Monthly/Daily report for executive review and oversight. 

Continuous improvement and support for projects

• Support project teams in operational related activities by utilising operational systems to streamline daily activities. 
• Review and provide input on implementing of process enhancements 
• Reporting of budget and early escalation of risks to project leads. 
• Technical oversight on process enhancements by trending of data generated in operational systems to support in improvement initiatives. 
• Launch management status reporting

Requirements

• Matric/ Grade 12 
• PMP diploma/project-related work experience in pharma certifications/ registrations in PMP 
• Minimum 5 years’ experience
• 2-4 years’ relevant experience
• Knowledge of workflow systems and process mapping/ enhancements 
• System support management
• GMP knowledge 
• Samples management – import/ export/ sourcing