Assistant Manager, Contract Manufacturing Sourcing

The role of Assistant Manager, Contract Manufacturing Sourcing involves being responsible for identifying, evaluating, and onboarding new manufacturing partners for Nutraceutical and personal care products. You will manage new projects under New Product Development (NPD), possess good negotiation skills, handle contract management, implement cost-saving initiatives, and ensure timely coordination with cross-functional teams. A strong understanding of formulations, regulatory frameworks, costing methodologies, and supplier relationship management is essential. You will be proactive in presenting business cases and proposals to leaders with a positive approach. Your contributions will include: Costing & Commercial Negotiations of contract manufacturers: - Driving open book costing discussions to evaluate true cost structures. - Benchmarking costs and negotiating competitive pricing while maintaining quality standards. - Supporting cost-saving initiatives through alternate sourcing and scale efficiencies. New Product Development (NPD) Support: - Collaborating with R&D, Marketing, and QA to identify sourcing needs for new product concepts across various dosage forms. - Coordinating supplier scouting and capability evaluation for NPD requirements. - Ensuring timely availability of samples, cost inputs, and trial materials from suppliers. - Leading commercial evaluation and techno-commercial feasibility of shortlisted products. - Tracking NPD timelines and supporting cross-functional teams to ensure launch readiness. New Contract Manufacturer Development: - Identifying and developing new CMOs/third-party manufacturers aligned with business growth. - Conducting technical, quality, and commercial assessments and supporting audit readiness. - Maintaining a database of approved and potential vendors by category and capability. Agreement & Contract Management: - Negotiating commercial supply agreements, development agreements, and NDAs. - Liaising with Legal, QA, and Regulatory teams to ensure end-to-end compliance. Cross-Functional Coordination: - Working closely with internal teams throughout the NPD and sourcing lifecycle. - Facilitating vendor meetings and supporting resolution of technical and operational issues. Data Management & Reporting: - Maintaining sourcing trackers, NPD dashboards, and vendor cost matrices. - Presenting timely reports on sourcing status, vendor performance, and risk areas. The Global Product Sourcing team is newly rebranded and reorganized to leverage global category management and expertise. This team collaborates with over 50+ Direct Sourcing colleagues worldwide, focusing on identifying opportunities for sourcing in different regions, delivering value and innovation back to the brand and customer. Skills required for this role include advanced computer skills, strong knowledge of healthcare formulations and machinery, experience in contract manufacturing and project management, familiarity with QA, QC, Manufacturing, and Supply topics, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, familiarity with industry standards and regulations, effective written and verbal communication, organized thought process in communication, and strong analytical skills. The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 5-8 years of experience in a Cost Negotiation/Contract Manufacturing/supply chain/Project/CM sourcing role in a GMP/FSSAI environment. A Bachelor's degree or university degree in Pharmacy, Food tech, Economics, Finances, Engineering, or related fields is required, while a Master's degree is a plus.,