Assistant Manager

Assistant Manager / Deputy Manager - Purchase (Ophthalmics)

Role Overview

We are looking for an experienced Assistant Manager / Manager Purchase to lead Indirect and Project Procurement activities for our growing Ophthalmics business. The role will be responsible for strategic sourcing, vendor development, techno-commercial evaluation, negotiations, cost optimization, and ensuring timely and compliant procurement.

The position will work closely with Engineering, Projects, Finance, Quality, Operations, and Management to support procurement planning and ensure successful execution of ongoing and upcoming projects at the Indore facility.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Sourcing & Procurement

• Lead indirect and project procurement activities in line with business and project requirements.
• Develop and implement strategic sourcing plans for various procurement categories.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard suitable vendors based on quality, cost, capability, delivery, and compliance requirements.
• Manage the complete RFQ/RFP process, including quotation analysis and techno-commercial evaluation.
• Ensure timely conversion of Purchase Requisitions (PRs) into Purchase Orders (POs).

2. Vendor Management

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and strategic vendors.
• Conduct vendor selection, qualification, performance evaluation, and development.
• Monitor vendor performance related to quality, cost, delivery, service, and compliance.
• Resolve commercial and operational issues with vendors in coordination with internal stakeholders.
• Identify alternate and reliable sources to ensure supply continuity and reduce procurement risks.

3. Commercial Management & Negotiation

• Lead price negotiations and commercial finalization with suppliers.
• Benchmark market prices and evaluate quotations to achieve competitive commercial terms.
• Drive cost reduction, value engineering, and value optimization initiatives.
• Negotiate payment terms, delivery schedules, warranty terms, service conditions, and other contractual requirements.
• Ensure procurement decisions are aligned with approved budgets and business objectives.

4. Project Procurement

• Manage procurement requirements for new projects and facility expansion activities.
• Coordinate with Engineering and Project teams to understand technical specifications, timelines, and procurement priorities.
• Ensure timely procurement of project equipment, services, materials, and other requirements.
• Track procurement schedules against project timelines and proactively address delays or bottlenecks.
• Support project teams in techno-commercial evaluation and supplier finalization.

5. Budget & Procurement Planning

• Support annual and project-wise procurement budgeting and planning.
• Monitor procurement spend against approved budgets.
• Track savings, cost avoidance, and other procurement performance metrics.
• Ensure adherence to procurement policies, approval processes, and internal controls.

6. MIS & Process Management

• Maintain and monitor PR/PO cycle time, procurement status, project procurement schedules, vendor performance, savings, and MIS.
• Prepare regular procurement reports and dashboards for management review.
• Analyse procurement data to identify opportunities for cost optimization and process improvement.
• Ensure proper documentation and compliance with company procurement procedures.

7. Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work closely with Engineering, Projects, Finance, Quality, Operations, and Management to ensure smooth procurement execution.
• Participate in project planning meetings and provide procurement inputs related to cost, timelines, and vendor capabilities.
• Coordinate with Finance for commercial approvals, budget availability, and payment-related matters.
• Ensure procurement activities are aligned with business priorities and project timelines.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong expertise in Strategic Sourcing and Procurement.
• Excellent Negotiation and Commercial Management skills.
• Strong experience in Vendor Development, Evaluation, and Performance Management.
• Hands-on experience in Project Procurement and Techno-Commercial Evaluation.
• Strong understanding of Cost Reduction, Cost Optimization, and Value Engineering.
• Experience in Procurement Planning and Budget Management.
• Proficiency in SAP S/4HANA Procurement / MM.
• Strong MIS, reporting, and data analysis skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management and cross-functional coordination.
• Strong leadership, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and procurement priorities simultaneously.

Preferred Experience

Candidates with experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing / healthcare / engineering projects / plant expansion / facility setup and exposure to project and indirect procurement will be preferred.

Experience in procurement of engineering equipment, plant utilities, services, facility-related requirements, and other project categories will be an added advantage.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Procurement cost savings and cost avoidance.
• Timely completion of PR-to-PO cycle.
• Adherence to project procurement schedules.
• Vendor performance and delivery adherence.
• Procurement spend versus approved budget.
• Successful vendor development and alternate source creation.
• Commercial optimization and negotiation outcomes.
• Compliance with procurement policies and processes.