Global Procurement Director (m/f/d)

About KD Pharma Group

KD Pharma Group is a midsized, internationally active business based in Bexbach, Saarland. The company develops and manufactures customized products for a worldwide customer base. It is among the few organizations globally that produce Omega-3 concentrates with purity levels reaching up to 99.5%. This capability is supported by a strong commitment to research and technology development in Omega-3 fatty acids, helping customers offer differentiated solutions in competitive markets.

Role overview

The company is seeking an experienced Global Procurement Director to join the Global Procurement function and oversee all commercial and sourcing work for direct materials, including raw materials, packaging, and components. The position requires a combination of strategic leadership and hands-on execution: defining category strategies, negotiating with suppliers, maintaining material availability across sites, and balancing cost, quality, and delivery goals. The role also involves day-to-day purchasing support for sites while guiding global sourcing direction.

Key responsibilities

• Take ownership of sourcing, negotiations, and contracting for direct materials to deliver savings, protect quality, and secure uninterrupted supply.
• Lead global category management by building sourcing plans, carrying out market comparisons, and strengthening competitive positioning.
• Run supplier business reviews and category sessions with Procurement, Technical, and Operations stakeholders to keep everyone aligned.
• Source, assess, and onboard new suppliers to improve market competitiveness and reduce supply exposure.
• Work with Finance to translate procurement savings into P&L impact and make cost drivers visible.
• Handle complex commercial negotiations using cost structures, buying volumes, and market movements as leverage.
• Prepare negotiation guides with the Strategic Sourcing Specialist and implement them with cross-functional support.
• Manage long-term supply contracts, payment conditions, and escalation terms in line with global procurement goals.
• Ensure adherence to group policies, contractual obligations, and governance standards.
• Carry out detailed cost and market analyses to identify opportunities for better pricing, supplier rationalization, or alternate sourcing.
• Create and maintain cost models, monitor raw material indices, and analyze variances to predict cost changes and negotiate ahead of time.
• Review supplier offers, freight developments, and payment-term effects to determine total cost of ownership.
• Turn complex data into practical insights and recommendations for category strategy and supplier negotiations.
• Partner with the Senior Procurement Analyst to align methods and validate outputs while retaining ownership of strategic interpretation and decisions.
• Prepare analytical updates for leadership, outlining risks, opportunities, and financial consequences of sourcing choices.
• Strengthen supplier relationships through structured performance reviews, scorecards, and improvement initiatives.
• Confirm that suppliers comply with KD Pharma expectations for quality, regulatory compliance, and sustainability.
• Work closely with QA and Technical teams to address non-conformances and establish preventive actions.
• Lead cross-site discussions to align specifications, rationalize minimum order quantities, and support cost reduction initiatives.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain and Planning to forecast material needs and secure capacity.
• Support strategic efforts such as supplier consolidation, global tendering, and harmonization of payment terms.
• Contribute to procurement excellence work, SOP updates, and audit preparation.
• Act as a mentor and escalation contact for sourcing or supplier-related matters within the Procurement team.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree plus 5 to 10 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain management, ideally in manufacturing or a regulated environment such as pharma, nutraceuticals, or chemicals.
• Professional certifications such as CSCP, MCIPS, or an equivalent credential are preferred.
• Strong background in negotiating and managing contracts for raw materials, packaging, and services; formal training in negotiation or strategic sourcing is an added advantage.
• Experience with supplier qualification programs and supplier audits is required.
• Solid analytical and financial capability, including cost modeling, spend analysis, and total cost of ownership evaluation.
• Well-developed project management, planning, and organizational skills.
• Good knowledge of cGMP and quality management requirements.
• Confident use of ERP tools such as SAP, NAV, and Business Central, along with advanced Excel and Power BI skills.
• Strong written and spoken English communication skills.
• High self-starter mindset with the ability to work independently, take ownership, and deliver results.

Benefits

• Interesting and varied work in an innovative environment with flat structures and fast decision-making.
• Personalized career growth and development prospects in an internationally operating company.
• Competitive pay with extra benefits including Christmas and vacation bonuses.
• Company pension plan.
• Complimentary beverages such as water and coffee.
• Employee pricing on company products.
• Regular staff and company events designed to strengthen team spirit.

Additional information

This is a full-time onsite position based in Bexbach, Saarland, Germany. The role sits within a global procurement organization and combines strategic category ownership with operational purchasing support. Applicants should be comfortable working across functions and sites in an international manufacturing setting.