Senior Procurement Specialist

Business Unit: Aid and Development

Job Title: Procurement Specialist

Location: UK, Ireland or The Netherlands

Reports To: Procurement Manager, Aid and Development

Uniphar Group is a global leader in the supply of medicines and medical supplies, with a business unit that specifically focuses on delivering life-saving pharmaceuticals to low- and middle-income countries through partnerships with UN organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and government bodies. As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting international health and humanitarian efforts, we seek to strengthen our procurement team. The Procurement Specialist will play a crucial role in sourcing pharmaceuticals and medical supplies from the UK and EU markets, ensuring that the necessary medications and supplies are available in a timely and cost-effective manner to meet the needs of vulnerable populations.

Role Purpose:

The Procurement Specialist will be responsible for sourcing pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and related supplies from the UK and EU markets to support Uniphar Group's Aid and Development business unit. This role involves managing the end-to-end procurement process for medicines and medical supplies, from identifying suppliers to negotiating pricing, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and maintaining an efficient and cost-effective supply chain. The position requires expertise in procurement best practices, strong relationships with suppliers, and a keen understanding of the complexities involved in sourcing for humanitarian and development projects. There is a team of two purchasing executives reporting into the role.

Key Responsibilities:

Sourcing and Supplier Management:

• Identify and assess suppliers across the UK and EU who can provide the required pharmaceutical products, medical supplies, and equipment.
• Establish and maintain relationships with key suppliers to ensure the timely and cost-effective procurement of goods.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with suppliers while ensuring alignment with the business's budget and procurement strategy.
• Monitor supplier performance and manage any issues related to quality, delivery, or compliance.

Procurement Process Management:

• Manage the procurement process from requisition through to order placement, including handling RFQs (Request for Quotation), purchase orders, and ensuring timely delivery of goods.
• Work closely with logistics teams to coordinate the delivery of goods and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements for international shipments, including customs clearance and import/export regulations.
• Ensure that all procurement documentation is accurate, up-to-date, and in compliance with Uniphar Group's internal policies and industry standards.

Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance:

• Ensure that all procured products meet required international quality standards, including the World Health Organization (WHO) Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and other relevant certifications.
• Coordinate with regulatory bodies, suppliers, and internal teams to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations related to pharmaceutical procurement and distribution in target countries.
• Maintain an in-depth understanding of the evolving regulatory landscape affecting pharmaceutical procurement for low- and middle-income countries.

Budget and Cost Control:

• Support the procurement manager in achieving cost savings and improving procurement efficiencies, ensuring procurement stays within budget while meeting quality and delivery requirements.
• Regularly track and report on procurement budgets, identifying any potential variances and proposing corrective actions when necessary.

Inventory Management and Demand Forecasting:

• Collaborate with the supply chain and logistics teams to maintain appropriate inventory levels, ensuring that essential medicines and medical supplies are available to meet project and program requirements.
• Participate in demand forecasting to ensure continuity of supply for long-term projects, considering lead times, seasonal factors, and geopolitical risks.

Risk Management:

• Identify and mitigate procurement risks related to product shortages, price volatility, and supplier performance.
• Develop contingency plans for potential disruptions in the supply chain, including alternative suppliers and transportation routes.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Education: A Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Pharmacy, or a related field. A Master's degree or relevant certifications (e.g., CIPS) is a plus.
• Experience: Minimum 5-7 years of experience in procurement, supply chain, or sourcing, preferably within the pharmaceutical, medical supplies, or humanitarian aid sectors.
• Knowledge:
  • Strong understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, including sourcing, regulatory requirements, and international trade.
  • Knowledge of UK and EU pharmaceutical suppliers and sourcing procedures.
  • Familiarity with Indian and Chinese suppliers
  • Knowledge of international humanitarian aid and development supply chains.
• Technical Skills:
  • Proficiency in procurement software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
  • Strong Excel skills for reporting, analysis, and budgeting.
  • Knowledge of international import/export regulations and customs procedures.
• Team management Skills: Strong interpersonal, and communication skills to engage with internal and external stakeholders effectively.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to anticipate and address procurement challenges in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Key Interactions:

• Internal:
  • Procurement Manager - To report on sourcing activities, discuss strategic procurement plans, and ensure alignment with overall business objectives.
  • Supply Chain Team - Collaborate on inventory management, order fulfilment, and logistics planning.
  • Finance and Budgeting Teams - Work closely to ensure procurement aligns with project budgets and financial constraints.
  • Quality Assurance and Regulatory Teams - Coordinate to ensure that products meet regulatory standards and quality requirements.
• External:
  • Suppliers and Vendors - Negotiate contracts, manage relationships, and ensure timely delivery of goods.
  • Logistics Providers and Customs Authorities - Work together to ensure compliance with shipping and import/export regulations.

Results-Oriented: Ability to prioritize and focus on achieving key procurement objectives within tight deadlines. Attention to Detail: Precision in managing documentation, procurement processes, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Negotiation Skills: Strong ability to negotiate favourable terms with suppliers while maintaining positive, professional relationships. Communication: Ability to communicate clearly and effectively across diverse stakeholders, both internal and external. Problem Solving: Proactive approach to identifying potential issues and offering practical solutions. Adaptability and Resilience: Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, managing competing priorities and navigating challenges in global supply chains. Team Collaboration: Effective at working within cross-functional teams to deliver results.

Location

This role can be based at one of our offices in London (UK), Dublin (IR) or Lelystad (NL) with travel to HQ, suppliers and conferences as required.