Procurement Category Manager - Packaging

Role Overview

The Procurement Category Manager for Packaging at Sandoz India is responsible for leading and managing procurement projects aligned with business priorities, resource allocation, and budget considerations to deliver targeted outcomes. This role involves defining project scopes, objectives, and applying procurement best practices including total cost of ownership and should-cost modeling.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and manage procurement projects by prioritizing resources and budgets, monitoring issues and constraints to meet goals; use relevant software tools for project tracking and reporting.
• Analyze and map the value chain to identify opportunities and scenarios for process improvement and cost efficiency.
• Engage actively in financial discussions and budgeting processes including tax considerations, structuring complex deals with ecosystem partners.
• Ensure compliance and risk management throughout the procurement cycle, monitor vendor and contract compliance, and implement corrective actions to address gaps.
• Analyze industry dynamics including mergers and acquisitions; consolidate data into actionable insights for category strategies; maintain and improve procurement applications and processes including e-catalogs and user portals.
• Conduct spend analysis, assess demand and supplier markets, and analyze competitor landscapes to support sourcing decisions.
• Balance business requirements and corporate strategy by collaborating with stakeholders to identify cost-effective solutions.
• Lead the Source-to-Contract process involving strategy development, negotiation tactics, supplier onboarding, and continuous improvement of procurement methodologies.
• Review and optimize specifications linking them with customer value; challenge and communicate specification changes effectively to stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships across business structures, demonstrating political awareness and stakeholder engagement.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (mandatory); Master’s degree or advanced qualifications in Business Administration or Supply Chain preferred.
• 7 to 10 years’ procurement experience within pharmaceutical or consumer packaged goods sectors, with emphasis on category or supplier management focused on packaging procurement.
• In-depth knowledge of sourcing processes such as RFI/RFQ, negotiation strategies, and project management.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and market analysis skills aimed at driving operational excellence.
• Experience working within global matrix organizations across multiple geographies and cultures.
• Proficient project management skills.

Key Skills

• Customer needs analysis and satisfaction measurement
• Effective negotiation techniques
• Root cause analysis and problem resolution
• Vendor management and relationship building

About Sandoz

Sandoz supplies generic and biosimilar medicines worldwide, with over 900 million patient treatments delivered across more than 100 countries as of 2024. As a pioneer in this sector, Sandoz is investing heavily in new capabilities, production facilities, acquisitions, and partnerships aimed at expanding patient access to affordable, quality medicines sustainably.

The company fosters an open and collaborative workplace culture supported by talented and motivated colleagues. Employees enjoy an agile, flexible hybrid work environment, where diversity is embraced and personal growth is encouraged.