Job Description
The Procurement Specialist – Plastic Items & Drug Delivery Devices will be responsible for strategic sourcing, supplier management, cost optimization, and contract negotiations for critical plastic components and drug‑delivery systems used in pharmaceutical products. This role requires deep technical understanding of pharma devices, strong commercial acumen, and the ability to manage global suppliers while ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory and quality requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Sourcing & Procurement
- Develop and execute category strategies for plastic items and drug‑delivery devices aligned with business and lifecycle needs.
- Lead end‑to‑end procurement activities including supplier identification, RFQ/RFP processes, commercial evaluation, and contracts award.
- Manage sourcing for high‑complexity components and systems including:
- Disposable and reusable pen devices
- On‑body drug delivery devices (wearable injectors)
- Plastic needle guards
- Prefilled syringes (PFS)
- Syringes and associated plastic components
- Ensure continuity of supply for commercial, clinical, and development programs.
Supplier & Contract Management
- Build and maintain strategic partnerships with global suppliers of pharma‑grade plastics and devices.
- Lead commercial negotiations, including pricing, tooling costs, long‑term supply agreements, and indexation models.
- Negotiate and manage contracts covering supply, quality, confidentiality, and intellectual property.
- Drive dual‑sourcing and risk‑mitigation strategies to strengthen supply resilience.
Technical & Cross‑Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with R&D, Packaging Development, Device Development, Quality, Regulatory, Manufacturing, and Program Management teams.
- Participate in design‑to‑cost, should‑cost modeling, and value‑engineering initiatives.
- Support technology transfer, scale‑up, and lifecycle management of device platforms.
- Evaluate supplier capabilities related to injection molding, precision plastics, assembly, sterilization, and clean‑room manufacturing.
Quality, Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure suppliers meet GMP, ISO 13485, FDA, EMA, and other relevant regulatory standards.
- Support supplier audits, change controls, and deviation management in collaboration with Quality teams.
- Proactively identify and mitigate supply, quality, and cost risks throughout the product lifecycle.
Cost & Performance Management
- Deliver year‑on‑year cost savings/value creation through negotiations, productivity improvements, and design optimization.
- Track and improve supplier performance using KPIs related to cost, quality, delivery, and innovation.
- Manage spend visibility, budgeting, and forecasting for the category.
Key Skills & Competencies
Technical & Category Expertise
- In‑depth understanding of pharmaceutical drug‑delivery devices, including:
- Strong knowledge of plastic materials, tooling, injection molding, assembly processes, and sterilization methods relevant to pharma use.
Commercial & Negotiation Skills
- Proven expertise in high‑value commercial negotiations and long‑term supply agreements.
- Strong financial acumen including cost breakdowns, should‑cost analysis, and TCO modeling.
- Experience managing global supplier portfolios and complex contracts.
Behavioral & Leadership Skills
- Excellent stakeholder management and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
- Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making abilities.
- Ability to operate independently in a fast‑paced, regulated environment.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Plastic Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or a related discipline (Master's preferred).
- 8–12 years of relevant procurement experience specifically within:
- Pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, or medical device industries
- Sourcing and negotiating plastic items and drug‑delivery devices
- Demonstrated experience working with global suppliers and regulated manufacturing environments.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting combination products or device‑led drug programs.
- Familiarity with design control and product development processes.
- Exposure to sustainability initiatives related to plastics and medical devices.
