Head of API Procurement

Overview

In this role you drive Zentiva’s global API and KSM sourcing strategy to secure supply, cut costs, and build resilient supplier partnerships. You’ll lead a multi‑market procurement scope across Europe, India, and China, aligning with growth plans and product launches. You will shape category strategy, manage supplier ecosystems, and ensure regulatory and quality readiness while embedding ESG into sourcing. This is a senior, impact‑focused leadership role with a clear path to transform procurement into a strategic partner for the business.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the multi‑year global category strategy for APIs and KSMs, and own the annual budget and savings pipeline.
• Lead major supplier negotiations, long‑term agreements, and executive‑level supplier relationships across global markets.
• Develop risk‑mitigation plans to ensure uninterrupted supply, including dual sourcing and contingency plans.
• Act as senior procurement partner to cross‑functional teams (Operations, Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain, Finance, R&D, Commercial).
• Lead API category governance, drive data‑driven decisions, and align with Procurement CoE for standardized processes and tools.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience (10+ years) in procurement or category management within pharmaceuticals, APIs.
• Proven track record in global API category management and supplier relationship management.
• Strong understanding of GMP, DMF/CEP, supplier qualification, audits, and regulatory implementation.
• Demonstrated delivery of material savings and complex negotiations.
• Strong financial acumen (COGS, PPV, long‑range planning, cost‑driver modeling).
• Proven people leadership across multicultural teams.
• Excellent executive communication, stakeholder management, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• Fluent in English; travel ~20%.