Sourcing Manager- Direct Materials
West Pharmaceutical Services
Summary
In this role, Sourcing Manager- Direct Materials is responsible for developing and executing sourcing & category strategies for assigned direct material categories, which may include metal components, chemicals, polymers, packaging materials, components and other direct material categories. Working closely with Engineering, R&D, Quality, Supply Chain, Operations, and Finance, the Sourcing Manager plays a key role in supporting business growth, new product development, operational excellence, and long-term competitiveness.
Job description
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop and execute sourcing strategies for assigned direct material categories.
- Manage supplier selection, performance, and strategic relationships to ensure supply continuity, quality, competitiveness, and innovation.
- Lead commercial negotiations, including contracts, pricing agreements, and long-term supply arrangements.
- Deliver cost reduction, value engineering, and productivity initiatives to achieve savings objectives.
- Monitor market trends, commodity movements, and raw material cost drivers to support sourcing decisions.
- Partner with Engineering, R&D, Quality, Supply Chain, Operations, and Finance to support business objectives, new product development, and product lifecycle requirements.
- Develop and implement supplier risk management and business continuity plans.
- Analyze spend, supplier performance, and market intelligence to identify opportunities and drive continuous improvement.
- Act as the primary sourcing lead for assigned categories and provide recommendations to key stakeholders.
Education
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business, Engineering, or a related discipline or equivalent experience required.
Work Experience
- 5+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, category management, or supply chain within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience sourcing direct materials.
- Experience across metals, chemicals, polymers, resins, packaging materials, fabricated parts, assemblies, or similar categories is advantageous.
- Demonstrated success in supplier negotiations, supplier relationship management, and cost reduction initiatives.
- Experience working cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, and Finance.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Experience within medical device, pharmaceutical, life sciences, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
- Knowledge of direct material supply markets and sourcing best practices.
- Experience managing global suppliers.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including data analysis, modelling, pivot tables, and reporting.
License and Certifications
Professional procurement or supply chain certification (CIPS, CPSM, CPIM, or equivalent) preferred.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business, Engineering, or a related discipline or equivalent experience required.
- 5+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, category management, or supply chain within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience sourcing direct materials.
- Demonstrated success in supplier negotiations, supplier relationship management, and cost reduction initiatives.
- Experience working cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, and Finance.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including data analysis, modelling, pivot tables, and reporting.
- Strong analytical skills and business acumen.
- Strong influencing and negotiating skills.
- Ability to work independently.
- Strong learning capacity.
Benefits
- Performance-based bonuses
- Service recognition
- Employee appreciation initiatives
- Volunteerism initiatives
- Tuition assistance
- Leadership development
- Skill-certification initiatives
- Health benefits
Company overview
West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. is a global leader in the design and manufacture of innovative, high-quality injectable pharmaceutical packaging and delivery systems. Founded in 1923 and headquartered in Exton, Pennsylvania, the company serves as a trusted partner to both established and emerging drug developers, ensuring the safe, effective containment and delivery of life-saving and life-enhancing medicines for patients worldwide. With approximately 10,000 team members across 50 sites globally, West delivers billions of components and devices annually, supporting pharmaceutical companies in their mission to bring critical therapies to market. The company operates as a publicly traded entity on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: WST) and is included in the S&P 500 index, generating approximately $2.95 billion in net sales in fiscal year 2023. West specializes in pharmaceutical packaging systems and delivery systems, focusing on injectable drug containment solutions that meet stringent regulatory requirements and quality standards.