Head of API Procurement

About the role

The Head of API Procurement leads Zentiva’s global sourcing strategy for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and Key Starting Materials (KSMs). This senior position ensures supply security, cost competitiveness and strong supplier partnerships across Europe, India and China, supporting the company’s growth and sustainability goals.

Key responsibilities

• Define and execute a multi‑year global category strategy for APIs and KSMs, aligned with growth and financial targets.
• Own the annual budget, savings pipeline and PPV performance, delivering at least 5% year‑on‑year validated savings.
• Build and manage a high‑performing global supplier ecosystem, leading negotiations, long‑term agreements and strategic alliances.
• Develop risk‑mitigation plans to ensure uninterrupted supply, including dual sourcing and geographic diversification.
• Partner with Quality, Regulatory Affairs and the Procurement CoE to integrate ESG criteria and ensure compliance.
• Act as senior procurement partner to Operations, R&D, Finance and other functions, influencing early involvement in product development and launches.
• Lead, develop and mentor a multicultural API procurement team, fostering capability in category strategy and negotiation excellence.

Required profile

• 10+ years of procurement or category management experience in pharmaceuticals, focusing on APIs and KSMs.
• Proven track record in global category strategy, supplier relationship management and delivering material savings.
• Deep knowledge of GMP, DMF/CEP requirements, supplier qualification and regulatory processes.
• Strong financial acumen (COGS, PPV, cost‑driver modelling, FX exposure).
• Demonstrated people leadership of multicultural, geographically dispersed teams.
• Fluent English; additional European or Asian languages are a plus.

Required skills

• SAP Ariba
• GEP
• Coupa
• Advanced analytics tools
• Supplier‑risk platforms