Job Purpose
Overview we are looking for a motivated and experienced Procurement Specialist to join our direct procurement team. In this role, you will act as a strategic Business Partner for internal stakeholders and a key point of contact for our suppliers, ensuring the smooth, end-to-end management of procurement operations. Beyond executing daily processes, we expect you to take initiative in developing sourcing strategies, effectively utilizing digital platforms, and driving sustainability-focused cost optimization to contribute to our organization’s dynamic growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Category Management: Manage the end-to-end strategic procurement processes for APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients), excipients, and packaging materials.
- Alternative Source Development: Work closely with cross-functional teams to identify, assess, and onboard alternative suppliers in line with business requirements and procurement strategies.
- Digital Sourcing & Vendor Management: Effectively use internal vendor management and e‑tender platforms to manage the supplier pool and execute transparent, competitive tender processes.
- Strategic Collaboration: Coordinate closely with the Planning department to manage MRP processes and demand projections, ensuring production continuity.
- Sustainable Procurement: Incorporate environmental, social, and ethical sustainability criteria into supplier selection and evaluation; contribute to logistics and raw material solutions aimed at reducing the carbon footprint.
- Operational Support & Logistics: Work in close coordination with the Customs Operations Specialist to support customs clearance for import orders.
- Process Tracking & Performance: Diligently track order cycles from start to finish and take full ownership of OTIF (On‑Time In‑Full) performance.
- Compliance & Procedure Management: Ensure full compliance with internal procurement procedures and play an active role in updating procedures according to changing dynamics.
- Global & Regional Contribution: Take an active role in MENA region and international projects, providing professional contributions to cross‑functional working groups.
Candidate Profile & Requirements
- University degree in relevant departments (Preferably graduated in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering).
- Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in procurement (preferably in direct Materials) in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Digital Proficiency: knowledge of SAP S/4HANA and skilled in using Vendor Management and E‑Tender platforms to manage bidding and sourcing processes.
- Contract Management: Knowledgeable in drafting commercial contracts, following legal procedures, and managing procurement risks.
- Ownership & Solution Orientation: Ability to take initiative in ambiguous situations and lead projects from end-to-end with a result‑oriented mindset.
- Role Model in Teamwork: A constructive professional who supports a culture of collaboration and sets a positive example for colleagues.
- Resilience & Stress Management: Capable of managing cross‑departmental relationships in multi‑stakeholder, high‑speed environments and making sound decisions under pressure.
- Mobility & Growth Mindset: Eager to take on different roles (rotation) throughout the career journey; no restrictions for international travel.
- Proficient English writing and communication skills are required.
Travel
- Based in Istanbul, with the flexibility to work at our Çerkezköy Factory at least one day a week.
- Availability for domestic and international travel; no travel restrictions.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, develop and reward without regard to, amongst others, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, physical or mental ability, race, ethnicity, political or religious belief.