Sourcing Associate
Takeda · Bengaluru
Job Description
OBJECTIVES:
- Execute RFI, RFP, and RFQ processes for defined Indirect and Commercial Indirect categories (e.g. Professional Services, HR, Facilities, Sales & Marketing) or spend thresholds under guidance of the Sourcing Lead.
- Support the Source-to-Contract process through market research, spend analysis, proposal evaluation, and contract management.
- Lead negotiations with suppliers, driving value and competitive advantage to Takeda.
- Will have a primary anchor position but would be expected to flex and work across other categories as appropriate
ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Sourcing Execution & Rf(X) Management
- Engagement with operational stakeholders presenting requirements for sourcing, as well as category strategies developed by category managers
- Execute RFI, RFP, and RFQ events for Indirect and Commercial Indirect categories under Sourcing Lead guidance, adhering to Takeda procurement policies. Flexibility to work in other categories too
- Prepare sourcing documentation: scope of work, supplier questionnaires, evaluation criteria, and tender packages
- Manage supplier communication during sourcing events; coordinate Q&A and maintain event trackers in SAP Ariba
- Ensure all sourcing activities are documented accurately and completed within agreed timelines
- Partner with supporting functions for execution of activities
Market & Supplier Research
- Conduct supplier market research and maintain up-to-date supplier landscape knowledge across assigned Indirect and Commercial Indirect categories
- Identify and evaluate potential new suppliers; gather capability, compliance, and pricing information
- Gather pricing benchmarks and market intelligence to support category strategy and sourcing recommendations in SAP Ariba
Contract & Supplier Administration
- Support contract drafting, review coordination, and approval workflows per Takeda Legal and Compliance requirements
- Maintain contract records; monitor renewals, expirations, and performance milestones
- Support supplier onboarding, due diligence, and ethical sourcing compliance checks
Data Analysis & KPI Reporting
- Analyze supplier proposals and prepare structured, objective evaluation summaries for Sourcing Lead review
- Conduct spend analysis to identify savings opportunities; feed findings into the category savings pipeline
- Support KPI monitoring to help the team track procurement's contribution; maintain data accuracy
Value Delivery & Governance
- Contribute to delivery of savings targets by identifying value opportunities within assigned Indirect and Commercial Indirect categories, as well as in other categories
- Ensure all sourcing activities comply with Takeda procurement policies, SOPs, and governance standards
- Support preferred supplier utilization initiatives
Interface to Operational Procurement (Procurement Solutions)
- Collaborate with operational buyers in Central Finance on execution and service delivery
- Ensure smooth handover of sourcing inputs and outputs for operational Rf(X) execution
EDUCATION, BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS:
Education:
- 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:
4+ years of procurement, sourcing, or supply chain experience, preferably in a Lifesciences, professional services, or marketing/commercial environment. Exposure to RFI/RFP/RFQ processes and supplier evaluation preferred. Pharmaceutical, biotech, or professional services/marketing services experience an advantage. Sourcing experience across the indirect categories.
Technical skills:
Understanding of Source-to-Contract processes, procurement guidelines, and supplier management principles
Basic familiarity with Indirect and Commercial Indirect categories
Proficiency with e-Sourcing tools (SAP Ariba preferred) and strong data skills in Excel / Google Sheets
Ability to analyze supplier proposals and prepare structured evaluation summaries and attention to detail; strong organizational skills; ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Enthusiasm for digital and AI improvements in procurement ways of working 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