Supplier Relationship Manager, Packaging Category Lead

Santen is a specialized life sciences company with a proud 130-year heritage focused exclusively on ophthalmology. As a Japan-originated, global company with our footprint in over 60 countries, we are dedicated to delivering innovative treatments and digital solutions for eye health and addressing vision-related social issues for people around the world.

The Supplier Relationship Manager (SRM) is responsible for leading cross-functional Supplier Relationship Teams (SRTs) that will manage the sourcing and supplier partnering for key, strategic packaging materials.

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.

The principal accountabilities for this role are as follows.

1. 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.
2. Cost Optimization and Value Delivery:
   • 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.
3. Performance Monitoring and Improvement:
   • 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.
4. Contract Negotiation and Management:
   • 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.
5. Risk Management:
   • 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.
6. Quality Assurance and Compliance:
   • 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.
7. Cross-functional Collaboration:
   • 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.

QUALIFICATION:

• • Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration or another related field.

EXPERIENCE:

• • 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

SKILLS and COMPETENCIES:

• • Fluent Japanese and English speaker
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders within a matrix environment and build trust.
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
  • Strong negotiation skills.
  • Ability to work cross-functionally to align supplier performance with organizational needs. Facilitate teamwork to address challenges and drive collective success.
  • High self-awareness and empathy to manage diverse stakeholder and supplier relationships. Resilience in navigating complex supplier dynamics and addressing conflicts.
  • Lead by example with integrity, accountability, and commitment to organizational values. Uphold ethical standards in all interactions.
  • Ability to lead change, both with internal stakeholders and with external partners through process improvements and new initiatives.
  • Results driven with an ability to make informed decisions under pressure.