Associate Director, Global R&D Sourcing Lead

Tapi; India; On-site; INR 3,000,000 - 5,400,000; Full time

Job summary

TAPI in India is seeking a Global R&D Sourcing Leader to drive global strategies for KSMs, SMs, and other direct materials from development to first commercial launch. You will lead a cross-functional team, partner with R&D, Quality, Regulatory, and Finance, and ensure supply assurance and cost competitiveness across the product lifecycle.

The role emphasizes building a best-in-class sourcing organization, standardizing processes, and delivering measurable savings while aligning with corporate

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Natural Sciences, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology or equivalent.
• MBA preferred with 10+ years of direct procurement experience in pharma.
• Minimum 3 years leading a Direct Procurement team for API/intermediates.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and inspire a global team of R&D Sourcing Managers with a collaborative culture.
• Develop and execute global R&D sourcing strategies for direct materials supporting development through launch.
• Lead end-to-end sourcing for direct materials, supplier selection, negotiations, and contracts.
• Deliver year-on-year cost competitiveness and sustainable savings.

Skills

R&D Sourcing

Global sourcing

Negotiation

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Natural Sciences

MBA preferred

Job description

At TAPI, we're not just a companywe're a community committed to advancing health from the core. As the world's leading supplier of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), we partner with 80% of the top 50 global pharmaceutical companies. With a legacy spanning over 80 years and a portfolio of more than 350 products, as well as custom CDMO services, we're shaping the future of health worldwide.

Our strength lies in our peoplea team of over 4,200 professionals across 13 state-of-the-art facilities in Italy, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Israel, Mexico, and India. Together, we innovate, solve problems, and deliver excellence. Join us and be part of a mission that transforms lives.

Job Description

The Global R&D Sourcing Leader is responsible for leading and developing a global team of R&D Sourcing Managers supporting sourcing activities for key starting materials (KSMs), starting materials (SMs), and other direct materials from early stage development through first commercial launch.

This role drives the development and execution of global R&D sourcing strategies that ensure supply assurance, supplier selection, cost competitiveness, savings delivery, and risk mitigation throughout the product development lifecycle. By partnering closely with R&D, Procurement, Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain, and other cross functional stakeholders, the Global R&D Sourcing Leader ensures sourcing activities support project timelines, regulatory submissions, and successful product launches while aligning with TAPI's corporate strategy and financial objectives.

In this Role, the Global R&D Sourcing Leader is accountable for establishing a high-performing, best-in-class global sourcing organization by strengthening capabilities, standardizing processes, developing talent, and fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

Lead, develop, and inspire a global team of R&D Sourcing Managers, fostering a high-performing culture focused on collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. Develop and execute global R&D sourcing strategies that support product development, regulatory submissions, and commercial launches while aligning with business objectives. Lead end to end sourcing activities for direct materials, including supplier selection, supplier relationship management, commercial negotiations, contracting, and supply assurance. Delivering year on year cost competitiveness and sustainable savings through strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, and value driven procurement initiatives. Ensure the timely, cost-effective, and compliant supply of key raw materials and packaging components through proactive planning, supplier management, and strategic sourcing. Partner with R&D, Procurement, Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain, Legal, Finance, and other cross functional stakeholders to support project execution and business priorities. Identify and mitigate supply, quality, regulatory, and commercial risks by leveraging market intelligence, supplier insights, and robust risk management practices. Drive sourcing excellence by optimizing processes, implementing best practices, and utilizing digital sourcing tools to improve operational efficiency and decision making. Ensure compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, ethical standards, sustainability commitments, and patient safety expectations.

Qualifications

Master's degree in Natural Sciences, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, or equivalent required; MBA preferred10+ years of Direct Procurement experience within the pharmaceutical industry, preferably at API and/or intermediates manufacturing companiesMinimum 3 years of experience leading and managing a Direct Procurement teamProven experience sourcing KRMs, SMs, APIs, and other direct materials on a global scaleStrong project management skills with the ability to lead cross-functional initiativesExcellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skillsStrategic thinker with strong negotiation and influencing capabilitiesExceptional analytical and problem-solving skillsDemonstrated ability to work effectively in a multicultural, global environmentHigh energy level, results-oriented mindset, and strong bias for actionFluent in English, both written and spokenDeep understanding of the generic pharmaceutical industry and its supply chain dynamicsSolid knowledge of procurement and strategic sourcing best practices, market trends, and industry benchmarksAbility to translate analysis into strategic insights and actionable plansStrong capability to summarize, present, and communicate complex information to stakeholdersAbility to identify, quantify, and deliver financial benefits from procurement opportunities and initiativesConsistent track record of achieving measurable results, including cost savings, efficiencies, and value creationHigh level of cultural awareness and sensitivity within a .