Ref. 4466

Head Strategic Purchasing

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The company is a Swiss-based subsidiary of an internationally active pharmaceutical group headquartered abroad. It serves as a global centre of excellence and production within the group, with a particular focus on the development and manufacturing of pharmaceutical active ingredients. The site is equipped with modern production facilities, highly skilled specialists and a robust quality management system aligned with the requirements of international health authorities.Within the group structure, the Swiss site plays a pivotal role across the entire value chain, from research and development through process optimisation to the large-scale manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients. A key focus lies on the synthesis and further processing of active substances, which are produced both for the company’s own product portfolio and for external customers and partners.In addition, the site acts as an innovation hub for new approaches in chemical manufacturing. It drives the advancement of synthesis methods, invests in efficient and resource-conserving technologies and places strong emphasis on occupational safety and environmental protection. Through this strategic position, the company makes a significant contribution to the global supply of high-quality pharmaceutical active ingredients and strengthens the group’s competitiveness in international markets.

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Background Information:
We are recruiting a Head of Strategic Procurement (m/f/d) of active pharmaceutical ingredients for an internationally operating pharmaceutical group with several production sites in South America. In the context of acquiring a regionally leading pharmaceutical company with a portfolio of around 200 active ingredients and a network of approximately 160 manufacturers, the role focuses on the strategic direction, consolidation and further development of the entire supplier base.
Over the next 1–2 years, the main priorities will be to build and manage a structured quality and supplier management framework. This includes the prioritisation and evaluation of existing partners, the initiation and approval of quality assessments, as well as close collaboration with an internal quality team responsible for planning and conducting the required quality management audits.

 

 

Tasks/skills:
Leadership & strategy
 Overall leadership of strategic procurement for APIs in South America, including vision, targets and roadmap.
    •    Definition and implementation of category strategies for key API clusters.
   Supplier base development
    •    Design and execution of a supplier consolidation and development programme (approx. 160 manufacturers/suppliers).
    •    Development of a preferred supplier network based on clear criteria (cost, quality, risk, service).
   M&A integration
    •    Integration of the acquired portfolio of around 200 APIs into the existing procurement strategy.
    •    Harmonisation of contracts, prices, delivery terms and service levels following the acquisition.
   Quality & compliance
    •    Close steering of the collaboration with the internal quality team for the planning and approval of quality management audits.
    •    Ensuring that all suppliers meet regulatory, GMP and internal compliance standards.

 

Additional Information:

  • The main focus is on the procurement of active ingredients for the company's facilities, either through distributors or directly from manufacturers.
  • The distributors are mainly located in Europe, mainly Germany, but also Switzerland or Italy.
  • The manufacturers are mainly located in China or India.
  • The procurement volume is often small, but the processes are complex.
  • Project management with South America
  • Travel activities,  1-2 weeks every 2-3 months

 

Additional Information:

  • We are looking for an experienced Head Purchasing ideally in the field of pharmaceutical raw materials, whether from a trading or manufacturing company.
  • Knowledge of the GMP environment is essential
  • Intercultural understanding and experience of dealing with different nationalities is required
  • Experience of South America is an advantage but not essential

Application & Contact

Erik Wirz
Erik Wirz
Managing Partner
wirz phone +41 44 515 02 60 wirz email erik.wirz@w-gruppe.com
Recruitment Process

In an initial conversation, we will give you a detailed insight into the role, the company, the culture and your development opportunities.

After an initial conversation with the partner (headhunter), you will receive further information about the role and our client's expectations. If you are interested, please send us your documents. Wirz & Partners will draw up a longlist which will be discussed with the client. From this longlist, 4-6 candidates are selected for the shortlist.

 

Time until feedback: 2-3 weeks

If you make it to the shortlist, you will move on to the next round. During the interview with Wirz & Partners, we will get to know you professionally and personally. You will receive additional information about the client, the offering, the services, the team and the KPIs. Based on all interviews and documents, we prepare a complete dossier on you for the client, including an executive summary. These documents form the basis of the structured interview process with the client. We prepare you for the interview.

 

Duration until the interview with the client: Up to 2 weeks

The first meeting with the client is about getting to know each other on an equal footing, getting to know the people and the culture. This takes place in person at the client's location and usually lasts around an hour.

The second interview focuses on professional competencies and leadership issues. You will get to know the team, the strategy and the operational goals.

You will then receive a salary proposal and an overview of the overall offer.

 

Duration until feedback: 1-2 weeks

A de-briefing with you and the client takes place after the final meeting.

We help you negotiate the contract and clarify further details. The contract is drafted and we support the onboarding process with the client.

 

Duration until feedback: Up to 1 week

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