Strategic Sourcing Manager- Direct Materials and Distribution

In this vital role you will serve as the Sourcing Manager for Direct Materials & Distribution. Reporting to the Amgen India Direct Lead, you will support the sourcing strategy for Direct Materials & Distribution. This includes identification, evaluation, and negotiations with suppliers to ensure the delivery of efficient and effective sourcing solutions that support our organizational goals. Your responsibilities will include supporting development of Strategic Sourcing Go-To-Market planning, aligned to both Business and Category Strategies, which can include conducting in-depth market analysis, determining and managing the sourcing process, working with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure overall alignment in sourcing activities and engaging with suppliers to achieve optimal terms and performance.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute global strategic sourcing initiatives to drive cost optimization, supplier performance, and risk management
• Lead supplier evaluations, negotiations, and contract management (end to end) to ensure best-in-class procurement practices
• Analyze large datasets related to procurement, supplier performance, and market trends to identify cost-saving opportunities and operational efficiencies
• Utilize data analytics tools to generate insights, create reports, and support strategic decision-making
• Collaborate with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to align sourcing strategies with business objectives. Act as a trusted advisor and thought leader across the organization, delivering insights on market trends, supplier capabilities and best sourcing strategies with accountability back to those leaders based on outcomes
• Understand and influence business needs to drive procurement strategies that support enterprise priorities in a proactive manner
• Establish and manage key supplier relationships to enhance quality, innovation, and long-term value.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, risk mitigation strategies, and sustainability initiatives.
• Work effectively with internal stakeholders and suppliers, demonstrating strong communication and collaboration skills
• Work closely with Procurement Commercial Category team to ensure sourcing execution alignment with the overall procurement strategy
• Provide guidance to junior team members and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.

Leadership

• Guide and facilitate collaboration across cross-functional teams and regional stakeholders, ensuring that sourcing execution meets the diverse needs of the organization and are implemented effectively.
• Ensure that all Direct Materials & Distribution procurement activities are managed in compliance with regulatory, contractual, and operational risk requirements. Partner with Legal, Compliance, Data Privacy, and Cybersecurity teams to maintain oversight of risk mitigation strategies and ensure alignment with best practices.
• Collaborate with Strategic Sourcing peers to oversee the strategic approach to complex negotiations for contracts, providing guidance and ensuring that the right processes and frameworks are in place for RFPs, supplier evaluations, and contract development. 
• Maturity to activate procurement resources towards category priorities while managing expectations with stakeholders.
• Responsible for delivering results aligned to Financial targets aligned and set by the Category Team, while also informing cost savings forecasting through strategic sourcing

Functional Skills:

Must-Have Skills:

• Proven Strategic Sourcing Experience
• Strong Supplier Negotiation skills 
• Experience with Global Procurement e-Sourcing and CLM Tools (e.g., SAP Ariba, Workday Strategic Sourcing, Sirion Labs) 
• Proficiency in English language

Good-to-Have Skills:

• Demonstrated leadership in Direct Materials & Distribution, including vendor management, cost optimization, and performance measurement
• Experience with negotiating with suppliers endemic to this category in Life Sciences, which in some instances may include Academic Institutions
• Deep understanding of sourcing management principles, supplier relationship management, and contract lifecycle management
• Experience leading large, cross-functional teams and managing complex global projects in a matrixed environment
• Strong financial, legal, and contractual fluency to navigate Direct Materials & Distribution service agreements and deliver business-aligned outcomes.
• Exceptional ability to communicate sourcing strategies and influence senior stakeholders
• Familiarity with procurement platforms such as Ariba as well as ERP systems and advanced analytics tools to support decision-making and process automation
• Understanding of regulatory landscapes with the ability to navigate and manage compliance requirements

Soft Skills:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work effectively with global, virtual teams
• Ability to navigate ambiguity
• High degree of initiative and self-motivation
• Ability to manage multiple priorities successfully
• Team-oriented, with a focus on achieving team goals
• Influencing and Change Management skills

Basic Qualifications:

Master’s degree and 4 to 6 years of Sourcing experience OR
Bachelor’s degree and 6 to 8 years of Sourcing experience OR
Diploma and 10 to 12 years of Sourcing experience