Procurement Manager

We are seeking a proactive, process-oriented Procurement Manager to lead and optimize the sourcing and purchasing of key inputs including raw materials (primarily silkworms), factory engineering supplies, consumables, and R&D-related requirements. This role is critical in ensuring timely, cost-effective, and compliant procurement across both commercial production and research verticals.

As a strategic partner to operations, R&D, and quality functions, the Procurement Manager will play a pivotal role in driving cost efficiency, supply reliability, and product performance. This is a high-impact role where procurement decisions directly influence product quality, innovation timelines, and overall operational effectiveness.

Responsibilities

1. Raw Material Procurement

•           Identify, onboard, and manage vendors who collect, dry, and supply silkworm pupae.

•           Build long-term, trust-based relationships with suppliers.

•           Ensure adherence to Loopworm's SOPs for preprocessing (cleaning, drying, hygiene standards, storage protocols).

•           Conduct regular vendor audits and quality checks in collaboration with the QA/QC team.

•           Understand and apply commercial tools such as rebates, discounts, credit periods, and volume-based incentives effectively. 

•           Forecast raw material demand based on production/sales pipeline and ensure timely procurement.

•           Maintain traceability of batches to source and lot-level.

2. Procurement of Non-Raw Materials

•           Manage sourcing of:

◦           R&D consumables (lab chemicals, culture media, reagents)

◦           Maintenance tools and plant consumables (bearings, belts, gloves, cleaning materials)

◦           Packaging material (bags, cartons, labels)

◦           Utility supplies (diesel, power backup inputs, lubricants)

•           Identify reliable suppliers for each category and negotiate best prices, lead times, and payment terms.

3. Vendor Relationship Management

•           Build a strong ecosystem of suppliers with a focus on sustainability, quality, and cost-effectiveness.

•           Implement vendor rating systems based on delivery, quality, and compliance.

•           Ensure contracts/MoUs and KYC's are in place with key vendors, where applicable.

•           Troubleshoot supply chain disruptions and maintain alternate vendor options.

4. Process Compliance & Documentation

•           Ensure all procurement activities follow company SOPs and audit requirements.

•           Ensure timely issuance of POs, follow-up for confirmations, and proactive tracking of dispatch and delivery timelines.

•           Draft and maintain documentation for purchase orders, delivery challans, quality reports, and vendor payments.

•           Support finance with timely documentation for procurement-related accounting.

5. Cost and Inventory Control

•           Monitor and control raw material and non-raw material procurement costs in line with budgeted COGS.

•           Optimize working capital by aligning purchase schedules with consumption forecasts.

•           Coordinate with the inventory team to maintain healthy stock levels and reduce dead-stock.

6. Cross-functional Coordination

•           Work closely with:

◦           QA/QC team for sample testing and approvals

◦           Production for daily material requirements and planning

◦           Finance for invoice clearance and vendor payments

◦           R&D for sourcing lab and trial materials

Qualifications

•           5–8 years of experience in procurement, preferably in agri/food/feed industries.

•           Strong understanding of perishable supply chains, quality control in fresh produce/meat, and vendor management.

•           Prior experience with sourcing from decentralized rural setups is a plus.

•           Fluency in Hindi & Kannada languages and willingness to travel frequently to remote vendor locations.

•           Strong negotiation, communication, and documentation skills.