
Singapore] Supplier Relationship Manager, Packaging Category Lead (Japanese Speaking)
- Singapore
- Permanent
- Full-time
The role involves setting the sourcing strategy, matrix management of the SRT, building strong supplier relationships, ensuring compliance with quality standards, negotiating contracts & prices, mitigating risks, and driving continuous improvement in the supplier network. The role is critical in ensuring that Santen maintains a robust, high-quality, and cost-effective supply chain to support its operations and business growth.Job Description1. Supplier Relationship Management:
- Develop and maintain strong, long-term partnerships with key suppliers, acting as the primary point of contact between Santen and the suppliers for strategic discussions.
- Build and lead the cross-functional SRTs, monitoring supplier performance against key metrics and leading continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service, quality and reliability.
- Conduct supplier benchmarking to ensure competitive pricing and best-in-class negotiation practices.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives that lead to cost reductions, whilst maintaining or improving quality and supply reliability.
- Work closely with Finance to monitor and report on procurement performance metrics, including savings achieved and impact on the company's revenue.
- Monitor market trends, supplier landscapes, and industry developments to identify potential opportunities or risks.
- Establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to evaluate supplier performance in areas such as quality, delivery, cost, and responsiveness.
- Through the SRT, conduct regular performance reviews and audits to ensure adherence to contractual obligations and quality standards.
- Collaborate with suppliers on continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness, monitoring the agreed initiatives through to execution.
- Negotiate and maintain manufacturing and supply agreements, ensuring compliance with Santen's procedures and procurement policies.
- Timely manage contract renewals, amendments, and terminations as needed.
- Identify and mitigate risks related to supplier performance, supply disruption and regulatory compliance. Develop business continuity plans to address potential supply chain disruption.
- Ensure suppliers are in full compliance with internal policies including ethical and sustainable sourcing practices.
- Proactively assess and manage risks associated with global geopolitical factors.
- Collaborate with relevant quality assurance teams to ensure supplier compliance with Santen quality standards (e.g., GMP, GDP).
- Support QA to address quality issues promptly and work with the suppliers to implement corrective and preventive actions.
- Stay informed about industry regulations and ensure supplier alignment.
- Support and collaborate closely with the Manufacturing Procurement and Sourcing team to enable seamless supply of materials for the factories. Partner particularly with Supply Chain Division to create a cohesive approach to sourcing and materials' management.
- Partner with internal stakeholders, including R&D, manufacturing, supply chain and finance, to align supplier performance with organizational needs.
- Support new product development by identifying and onboarding capable suppliers.
- Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Business Administration or another related field.8+ years of experience in procurement, supplier management, or supply chain within the pharmaceutical, medical device or life sciences industry.
- Knowledge of GMP standards and regulatory compliance
- Proficiency in supply chain management software and tools, including SAP and other ERP systems used for procurement.
- Proven experience in contract & price negotiations, cost control and supplier performance management.
- Experience with managing a global supply base
- Fluent Japanese and English speaker