Global Head, API Procurement

Global Head of API ProcurementLocation: Europe – Hybrid or Remote from Selected Countries with up to 30% travelSector: Generic Pharmaceuticals We are partnering with a leading international pharmaceutical organisation to appoint a Global Head of API Procurement with significant experience managing large-scale API spend within a global generics environment. This is a high-impact leadership role with responsibility for global API strategy, supplier performance, savings delivery, alternate-source implementation and leadership of senior procurement professionals. It is also a great time to join: there is real scope to build, shape and strengthen the function, improve supply resilience and deliver commercial value that ultimately supports the availability and affordability of medicines for patients. Location & Working ModelHybrid (3 days onsite) from the European headquarters, with relocation support available; orRemote from selected European countries, with up to 30% travel to HQ and other business/supplier locations. Key ResponsibilitiesOwn a significant global finished API portfolio, ideally around €100m+ annually.Develop and execute API sourcing and supplier strategies across Europe and Asia.Lead major negotiations, supplier allocation and Finance-validated savings delivery.Drive alternate-source programmes end to end through qualification, implementation and realised P&L benefit.Lead and develop senior procurement professionals while remaining hands-on in key commercial decisions.Help shape the future capability and operating model of the global API procurement function. Candidate ProfileRecent Head-level or equivalent ownership of a major API procurement portfolio.Personal responsibility for approximately €100m+ annual API spend, with strong candidates from around €80m+ also considered.Strong experience purchasing finished APIs, ideally within generic pharmaceuticals.Direct supplier experience across Europe, India and China.Proven delivery of recurring, implemented and Finance-validated savings.End-to-end experience implementing alternate API sources, beyond supplier scouting alone.Formal leadership of senior procurement/category professionals across geographies.Strong commercial understanding of areas such as PPV, EBITDA, Budget, forecasting, working capital and savings pipelines.Able to operate strategically while remaining hands-on in a lean organisation. Particularly Relevant BackgroundsCandidates are likely to come from generic or established pharmaceutical manufacturers with substantial small-molecule API portfolios. This is an opportunity to take ownership of a strategically critical global category, build something meaningful and leave a lasting impact on cost competitiveness, supply resilience and patient access to affordable medicines.