Direct Procurement Manager (m/f/d)

KD Pharma Group is a medium-sized, internationally operating company headquartered in Bexbach, Saarland. We specialize in the manufacture of custom products that meet the diverse needs of the global market. KD Pharma Group is one of the few companies worldwide offering Omega-3 concentrates with a purity of up to 99.5%. This is achieved through a dedicated focus on research and technology development for Omega-3 fatty acids. This enables KD Pharma Group to provide tailored solutions, allowing each customer to differentiate themselves from competitors in the global marketplace.

We are looking for an experienced **Direct Procurement Manager (m/f/d)** within the Global Procurement organization, who is responsible for managing all commercial and sourcing activities related to direct materials (raw materials, packaging, and components). In this role you will drive category strategies, lead supplier negotiations, and ensure continuous material availability across sites while achieving cost, quality, and delivery objectives. This role combines a strategic partner and a hands-on executor capable of managing sourcing strategies globally while also providing direct support to sites through day-to-day purchasing activities.

## Aufgaben

**Strategic Procurement Leadership**

• Lead sourcing, negotiation, and contracting for Direct materials to achieve savings, quality, and supply continuity.
• Own assigned categories globally develop sourcing strategies, conduct market benchmarking, and drive competitive positioning.
• Lead supplier business reviews and category meetings, ensuring alignment between Procurement, Technical, and Operations teams.
• Identify and qualify new suppliers to enhance competitiveness and reduce supply risk.
• Collaborate with Finance to quantify savings impact on P&L and ensure transparency on cost drivers.

**Negotiation & Commercial Strategy**

• Lead complex supplier negotiations, leveraging cost breakdowns, volume leverage, and market trends.
• Develop negotiation playbooks with the Strategic Sourcing Specialist and execute them effectively with cross-functional alignment.
• Manage long-term agreements, payment terms, and escalation clauses in line with global procurement objectives.
• Ensure compliance with group policies, contracts, and governance processes.

**Analytics & Performance**

• Perform independent cost and market analyses to identify opportunities for price improvement, supplier consolidation, or alternate sourcing.
• Build and maintain cost models, track raw material indices, and perform variance analysis to anticipate cost changes and negotiate proactively
• Analyze supplier quotations, freight trends, and payment-term impacts to determine the total cost of ownership (TCO).
• Transform complex data into clear insights and recommendations for category strategies and supplier negotiations.
• Collaborate with the Senior Procurement Analyst to align methodologies and validate results but maintain ownership of strategic interpretation and decision-making.
• Develop and present analytical summaries to management, highlighting risks, opportunities, and financial impact of sourcing decisions.

**Supplier Relationship & Risk Management**

• Maintain and improve supplier relationships through structured performance reviews, scorecards, and improvement plans.
• Ensure suppliers meet KD Pharma quality, compliance, and sustainability standards.
• Partner with QA/Technical teams to resolve non-conformances and ensure preventive actions.

**Cross-Functional Collaboration**

• Lead cross-functional discussions across sites to align material specifications, MOQ rationalization, and cost-saving projects.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain and Planning to anticipate material requirements and secure capacity.
• Support key strategic initiatives such as supplier consolidation, global tenders, and payment-term harmonization.
• Support procurement excellence initiatives, SOP updates, and audits.
• Act as a mentor and point of escalation for sourcing or supplier-related issues within the Procurement team.

## Qualifikation

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five – ten years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain management in a manufacturing or regulated environment (pharma, nutraceutical, or chemical industry preferred).
• Certifications such as CSCP, MCIPS or equivalent are strongly preferred.
• Proven expertise in negotiation and contract management for raw materials, packaging, and services. Formal training in negotiation, or strategic sourcing, is an advantage.
• Demonstrated experience in vendor qualification programs and supplier audits is required.
• Strong analytical and financial skills (cost modeling, spend analysis, TCO evaluation).
• Excellent project management, planning, and organizational skills.
• Strong understanding of cGMP and quality management requirements.
• Proficiency with ERP systems (SAP, NAV, Business Central) and advanced Excel / Power BI skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills in English.
• High level of initiative, autonomy, and accountability in delivering business results.

## Benefits

• A varied role in an innovative company with flat hierarchies and short decision-making paths.
• Individual career and development opportunities in an internationally operating company.
• Competitive compensation with additional benefits such as Christmas and vacation bonuses.
• Company pension scheme.
• Free beverages (water and coffee).
• Company products at employee prices.
• Recurring employee and company events to foster a strong team spirit.