Purchase Assistant

Fermbox Bio; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 450,000 - 650,000; Full time

Job summary

Fermbox Bio in Bengaluru, Karnataka, is seeking an experienced Purchase Assistant to support procurement in life sciences. The role focuses on sourcing raw materials, lab reagents, consumables, and equipment for biotech R&D and production.

You will coordinate with R&D, QA/QC, Production, and Finance, negotiate with suppliers, manage ERP data, and ensure timely delivery and compliance with GST and import docs.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of lab chemicals, bioprocess inputs, and technical equipment.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and vendor management skills.
• Hands-on ERP experience.
• Understanding GST, import docs, and regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency in Excel and documentation practices.
• Experience with import procurement and customs clearance.
• Exposure to ISO, GMP, or GLP environments.

Responsibilities

• Execute and manage the procurement of chemicals, reagents, lab consumables, packaging materials, and production inputs for biotech R&D and manufacturing operations.
• Collaborate with internal departments (R&D, QA/QC, Production, Finance) to assess procurement requirements and ensure timely availability of materials.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard vendors; maintain healthy supplier relationships and drive cost optimization initiatives.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery timelines; prepare comparative statements and purchase orders.
• Track order status, follow up on delays or discrepancies, and ensure timely delivery and invoicing compliance.
• Maintain and update procurement databases, vendor master lists, and purchase records in ERP systems (SAP / Tally / Zoho / etc.).
• Assist in import coordination, documentation, and liaising with logistics partners and customs agents when needed.
• Support internal and external audits by maintaining compliance with procurement policies and documentation standards.
• Monitor inventory levels and collaborate with stores and planning teams for reorder requirements.

Skills

Negotiation

Vendor management

Sourcing lab supplies

Import coordination

ERP literacy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Chemistry, or related field

Diploma in Materials Management or Supply Chain (a plus)

Tools

ERP systems (SAP / Tally / Zoho)

Job description

Roles and Responsibilities

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Purchase Assistant to support our procurement operations in the life sciences and biotechnology domain. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in sourcing raw materials, lab reagents, consumables, and capital equipment relevant to biotech R&D and production. This role requires excellent negotiation skills, vendor coordination experience, and the ability to manage end-to-end procurement workflows.

Key Responsibilities:

• Execute and manage the procurement of chemicals, reagents, lab consumables, packaging materials, and production inputs for biotech R&D and manufacturing operations.
• Collaborate with internal departments (R&D, QA/QC, Production, Finance) to assess procurement requirements and ensure timely availability of materials.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard vendors; maintain healthy supplier relationships and drive cost optimization initiatives.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery timelines; prepare comparative statements and purchase orders.
• Track order status, follow up on delays or discrepancies, and ensure timely delivery and invoicing compliance.
• Maintain and update procurement databases, vendor master lists, and purchase records in ERP systems (SAP / Tally / Zoho / etc.).
• Assist in import coordination, documentation, and liaising with logistics partners and customs agents when needed.
• Support internal and external audits by maintaining compliance with procurement policies and documentation standards.
• Monitor inventory levels and collaborate with stores and planning teams for reorder requirements.

Desired Characteristics, Technical / Managerial / Communication Skills & Personal Attributes

Required Skills:

• Familiarity with scientific products, lab chemicals, bioprocess inputs, and technical equipment.

Personal Attributes:

• Strong negotiation, communication, and vendor management skills.
• Hands-on experience with ERP systems and procurement software.
• Understanding of GST, import documentation, and regulatory requirements related to material procurement.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and documentation practices.
• Experience with import procurement and customs clearance processes.
• Exposure to ISO, GMP, or GLP quality environments.

Preferred Attributes

• Proactive, organized, and capable of multitasking in a fast-paced environment.

Required Educational Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Chemistry, or a related field.
• A diploma in Materials Management or Supply Chain is a plus.

Years and Type of Experience

• 4–6 years of experience in procurement roles within a life sciences, biotech, pharmaceutical, or chemical manufacturing environment.

Reporting Structure

Reports to Purchase Manager / Head – Supply Chain

Location

Bommasandra Jigani Link Road, Bangalore, India