Associate Director, Commercial Strategic Sourcing Supplier Relationship Management

The Commercial Sourcing Associate Director, Supplier Relationship Management is a pivotal role responsible for ensuring compliance with procurement policies and processes governing Otsuka’s supplier management practices. This individual will collaborate closely with internal and external partners within the Commercial ecosystem, including Strategic Sourcing, Business partners, and suppliers, to ensure supplier contractual compliance, procurement policy adherence, and drive efficiencies across a combination of onshore and offshore processes. This role will drive metrics reporting, facilitate business reviews, and enhance supplier performance. The position enforces all policies, processes, and systems related to commercial purchasing in OAPI / OPDC / OPH.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Supplier Management :

Lead overall relationship and support portfolio performance for Commercial suppliers across all functions (Sales, Marketing, CE Ops, and Global).

Governance Meetings :

Plan and execute supplier governance meetings to ensure alignment and performance.

Primary Contact & Escalation Point :

Act as the main point of contact for suppliers and manage escalations at the relationship level.

Performance Management :

In close partnership with the Commercial Strategic Sourcing team and other internal constituents; set performance targets, monitor progress, and implement corrective actions as necessary. Ensure contractual and organizational expectations are met.

Process Improvement :

In collaboration with internal partners and suppliers, identify and implement supplier process improvement initiatives.

Financial Oversight :

Assist Finance and Commercial Strategic Sourcing in supporting business partners with budget oversight.

Stakeholder Engagement :

Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to drive initiatives and build strong partnerships.

Reporting & Analysis :

Provide regular performance reports and analyses to senior management, highlighting key metrics and insights.

Risk Management :

Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to safeguard departmental and organizational objectives.

Qualifications / Required

Knowledge / Experience and Skills :

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field; Master’s degree preferred.

Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in commercial sourcing or formal supplier management roles within the pharmaceutical industry, supporting both Corporate (Services, Indirects, etc.) and Commercial functions.

Apply supplier management principles, practices, and procedures to complete supplier assessments.

Communicate and influence effectively, with the ability to motivate and influence others inside and outside of own organizational hierarchy.

Network and communicate effectively with current and potential Commercial suppliers, building and developing effective supplier relationships.

Communicate with Commercial stakeholders and external suppliers to understand requirements and expectations and to promote program adherence.

Prioritize, organize, and multitask in a fast-paced and challenging environment.

Work independently and under pressure, meet deadlines, adapt to varying circumstances, and use sound judgment in the performance of duties.

Deal with change and ambiguity effectively.

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, including the ability to present ideas and suggestions clearly and effectively.

Utilize standard office and specialized procurement and database software and programs.

Keep abreast of relevant laws, regulations, and professional practices in commercial contracting.

Take initiative in determining areas of concern and executing appropriate responses.

Competencies

Accountability for Results

Stay focused on key strategic objectives, be accountable for high standards of performance, and take an active role in leading change.

Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving

Make decisions considering the long-term impact to customers, patients, employees, and the business.

Patient & Customer Centricity

Maintain an ongoing focus on the needs of our customers and / or key stakeholders.

Impactful Communication

Communicate with logic, clarity, and respect. Influence at all levels to achieve the best results for Otsuka.

Respectful Collaboration

Seek and value others’ perspectives and strive for diverse partnerships to enhance work toward common goals.

Empowered Development

Play an active role in professional development as a business imperative.