Lead Procurement - One Africa

Cipla; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellness program

Birthday leave

Great Place to Work vibes

Green office spaces

Job summary

Cipla Africa in South Africa seeks a Head of Procurement & Finished Product Sourcing to lead strategic procurement for direct materials and packaging, ensuring continuity and cost efficiency across Mirren and CMM operations.

This in-office role partners with internal stakeholders and CMOs, driving supplier performance, risk management and sustainable sourcing. The position requires extensive leadership experience and a track record in regulated manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Commerce, Business, Pharmacy, Science, Engineering or related discipline. Postgraduate qualification and/or CIPS advantageous
• 8-10 years progressive procurement/strategic sourcing experience, preferably in pharmaceutical, healthcare or regulated manufacturing
• Experience managing significant direct-material spend and complex supplier portfolios
• Strong API, excipient/raw material and/or packaging sourcing, negotiation and SRM experience
• Proven people leadership experience
• Multi-site manufacturing and CMO material-supply experience advantageous
• Strong understanding of pharmaceutical quality, regulatory, supplier qualification and business continuity requirements

Responsibilities

• Strategic Procurement Strategy & Execution
• Supply Security & Material Availability
• CMO Material Supply Support
• Cost Savings & Value Delivery
• Risk Management & Business Continuity
• Commercial & Contract Management
• Team Leadership & Capability Development
• Market Intelligence & Continuous Improvement
• Stakeholder Management
• Procurement Governance & Performance Management
• Sustainability & Responsible Sourcing

Job description

Head of Procurement & Finished Product Sourcing - OneAfrica

In-Office

Supply Chain Management

Procurement & FPS

Employment Type

Permanent

Closing Date

9 October2026

At Cipla, Caring for Life is more than a purpose, it’s a deeply held belief that every life matters, and every action counts. It’s what brings us together and drives us forward, every single day.

Here, your work goes beyond tasks and targets. It touches lives. It helps someone breathe easier, live longer, or access the care they deserve. No matter your role, you become part of something bigger, a shared commitment to making healthcare more accessible and meaningful across the continent.

Growth That Matters

We believe in nurturing not just careers, but people. At Cipla, you’re encouraged to be curious, to challenge, to learn and to grow into the best version of yourself. You’ll be part of a team that supports your journey, celebrates your progress, and inspires you to keep reaching further.

A Place Where You Belong

At our core, we are people who care for our patients and for each other. We create spaces where every voice is heard, every contribution valued, and every individual feels seen. Here, you don’t just join a company, you find a community.

Whether you’re in the lab, in the field, or behind the scenes, your work has meaning here.

Because at Cipla, you don’t just build a career, you help Make Life Thrive.

To lead and manage the strategic procurement of direct materials, ensuring continuous supply, cost efficiency and the development of alternate suppliers. The role maintains strong supplier and internal stakeholder partnerships to support Cipla's manufacturing operations at Mirren and CMM. The Procurement Lead works closely with the Finished Product Sourcing Lead to ensure timely availability of Cipla-procured raw materials and packaging materials at Contract Manufacturing Organisations (CMOs), where applicable, including materials supplied free of charge for conversion into finished products. The role drives procurement excellence through supply security, competitive sourcing, cost savings, supplier performance, compliance, quality and sustainable business continuity.

Accountabilities

• Strategic Procurement Strategy & Execution
• Supply Security & Material Availability
• CMO Material Supply Support
• Cost Savings & Value Delivery
• Risk Management & Business Continuity
• Commercial & Contract Management
• Team Leadership & Capability Development
• Market Intelligence & Continuous Improvement
• Stakeholder Management
• Procurement Governance & Performance Management
• Sustainability & Responsible Sourcing

Qualification and Relevant Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Commerce, Business, Pharmacy, Science, Engineering or related discipline. Postgraduate qualification and/or CIPS advantageous
• 8-10 years progressive procurement/strategic sourcing experience, preferably in pharmaceutical, healthcare or regulated manufacturing
• Experience managing significant direct-material spend and complex supplier portfolios
• Strong API, excipient/raw material and/or packaging sourcing, negotiation and SRM experience.
• Proven people leadership experience
• Multi-site manufacturing and CMO material-supply experience advantageous
• Strong understanding of pharmaceutical quality, regulatory, supplier qualification and business continuity requirements

Employee Benefits & Perks

• We don’t just care for life, we power up your growth while we’re at it
• Wellness First: physio, mindfulness, mobility sessions & more
• Full-Day Birthday Leave
• Recognition & Great Place to Work Vibes
• Green Office Spaces Built for Well-being