Sourcing Manager - Discovery Research

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Job Description

O BJECTIVES:

Main focus on R&D categories, specifically Discovery Research.

Drive end-to-end Source-to-Contract process for defined categories spend thresholds.

Develop and execute sourcing strategies aligned with Global Category Manager direction and business needs.

Identify and drive value levers (cost, demand, innovation, risk, ESG); support Category Managers to drive value.

Lead negotiations with suppliers, driving value and competitive advantage to Takeda.

Accountability and ownership on relationships with suppliers and stakeholders, when managed by the value delivery team.

Primary anchor category: Discovery Research (R&D) - preclinical CROs, in vitro and in vivo services, DMPK, toxicology, chemistry and biologics discovery partners.

Support scientific agility and speed to candidate selection while ensuring value, compliance and IP protection.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Sourcing Strategy & Execution Develop and own sourcing strategies for Discovery Research categories aligned with business priorities and category strategies

Identify and drive value levers (cost, demand, innovation, risk, ESG)

Prepare sourcing events and align with Central Finance on Rf(X) execution

Maintain the project pipeline in Wave; drive continuous improvement against quality targets

Business Partnering & Stakeholder Engagement Act as primary procurement interface for Research and Discovery Units, Preclinical Sciences, R&D Finance, Legal/IP and Biosafety in sourcing

Challenge demand, specifications, and sourcing approaches constructively

Socialize procurement best practices (preferred suppliers, SoW optimization, BuyEasy@Takeda etc.)

Collaborate with business partners, Procurement CoE, Finance, and Takeda Business Solutions

Supplier & Market Management Support supplier selection decisions, segmentation, and performance governance

Support strategic supplier relationships and escalate risks to Sourcing Lead

Standardization & Process Excellence Implement and enforce standardized sourcing templates, playbooks, and workflows

Identify opportunities for automation with digital and AI for process optimization and simplification

Supplier & Risk Management Deliver value through supplier relationships, governance, and performance management across the Discovery Research portfolio managed by the value delivery team

Identify and mitigate supply chain risks to ensure business continuity and patient supply security

Develop contingency plans and alternative sourcing strategies for applicable categories

Negotiation & Contracting Lead negotiations and contract finalization for assigned sourcing events within defined thresholds

Define negotiation strategies using should-cost models and benchmarks

Ensure alignment with Category Manager, Legal, Finance, and risk frameworks

Value Delivery & Governance Support delivery of savings targets and value realization (cost, demand, innovation, risk, ESG)

Contribute to supplier risk management and compliance

Ensure alignment with Takeda procurement policies and governance standards

Drive CI and performance management of KPI’s

Interface to Operational Procurement (Procurement Solutions) Collaboration with operational buyers in Central Finance on execution and service delivery

Ensure smooth handover of sourcing inputs and outputs for operational Rf(X) execution

Category-Specific Expertise - Discovery Research (R&D) Lead sourcing for discovery and preclinical services: medicinal and synthetic chemistry, screening, in vitro/in vivo pharmacology, DMPK, GLP toxicology and bioanalysis.

Source specialist capability including antibody and cell line development, CRISPR/gene editing, omics, structural biology and animal models.

Structure FTE, fee-for-service and milestone-based agreements with clear IP ownership, publication and confidentiality provisions.

Partner with Research leadership on flexible capacity models that support fast-changing scientific priorities.

Ensure compliance with GLP, animal welfare (AAALAC/IACUC), biosafety and export control requirements.

EDUCATION, BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS:

Bachelor degree in relevant field

Behavioral:

As members of Global Procurement, you are expected to demonstrate ways of working that support our strategic ambition and shape how we create value for Takeda. You will contribute to a procurement function that:

Shapes strategy upstream through close business partnership

Deliver total enterprise value beyond savings

Takes ownership of spend and outcomes end to end

Uses curiosity, insights, and data to drive better decisions

These principles define how we partner with the business, our suppliers, and each other. Role-specific examples of these behaviors are embedded throughout the objectives, accountability, and skills outlined in this job description.

Competencies and skills:

Experience: 12+ years in procurement, sourcing, or shared services. Experience with indirect categories are preferrable

Technical skills:

In-depth knowledge of strategic sourcing with ability to leverage digital and AI improvements in ways of working

Strong commercial acumen and negotiation experience; ability to define strategies using should-cost models and benchmarks for professional services and marketing spend

Experience managing complex business stakeholders across Clinical Operations, Pharma Sciences, Finance, Legal, and Business Units

Proficiency with SAP Ariba or equivalent eSourcing tools; experience with Wave pipeline management

Category-specific technical expertise - Discovery Research (R&D):

Scientific literacy across discovery and preclinical workflows sufficient to challenge scope and evaluate technical proposals.

Experience with FTE-based and milestone-based research contracting, and with IP, publication and background-IP terms.

Awareness of GLP, animal welfare accreditation and biosafety/export control requirements.

Experience working in a complex global environment preferred.

Exceptionally skilled at stakeholder management.

Proven ability to manage senior, cross-functional stakeholders.

Collaborative and diplomatic, with demonstrated track record of operating successfully with limited day-to-day direction and ambiguity.

Strong attention to detail.

Exceptional communication and presentation skills both oral and written.

Extensive experience using Microsoft desk top applications (e.g. PowerPoint, Excel) and experienced with using Generative / Agentic AI

Languages : Fluent written and spoken English

Locations

IND - Bengaluru

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time