Location: Europe – Hybrid or Remote from Selected Countries with up to 30% travel Sector: Generic Pharmaceuticals

We are partnering with a leading international pharmaceutical organisation to appoint a

Global Head of API Procurement

with significant experience managing large-scale API spend within a global generics environment. This is a high-impact leadership role with responsibility for integral API strategy, supplier performance, savings delivery, alternate-source implementation and leadership of senior procurement professionals. It is also a great time to join: there is real scope to

build, shape and strengthen the function

, improve supply resilience and deliver commercial value that ultimately supports the availability and affordability of medicines for patients. Location & Working Model

Hybrid (3 days onsite) from the European headquarters

, with relocation support available; or Remote from selected European countries

, with up to

30% travel

to HQ and other business/supplier locations. Key Responsibilities

Own a significant global

finished API portfolio

, ideally around

€100m+ annually

. Develop and execute API sourcing and supplier strategies across

Europe and Asia

. Lead major negotiations, supplier allocation and

Finance-validated savings delivery

. Drive

alternate-source programmes end to end

through qualification, implementation and realised P&L; benefit.



Lead and develop senior procurement professionals while remaining hands-on in key commercial decisions. Help shape the future capability and operating model of the global API procurement function. Candidate Profile

Recent

Head-level or equivalent ownership

of a major API procurement portfolio. Personal responsibility for approximately

€100m+ annual API spend

, with strong candidates from around

€80m+

also considered. Strong experience purchasing

finished APIs

, ideally within generic pharmaceuticals. Direct supplier experience across

Europe, India and China

. Proven delivery of recurring, implemented and Finance-validated savings. End-to-end experience implementing

alternate API sources

, beyond supplier scouting alone. Formal leadership of senior procurement/category professionals across geographies. Strong commercial understanding of areas such as

PPV, EBITDA, Budget, forecasting, working capital and savings pipelines

. Able to operate strategically while remaining hands-on in a lean organisation. Particularly Relevant Backgrounds

Candidates are likely to come from

generic or established pharmaceutical manufacturers

with substantial small-molecule API portfolios. This is an opportunity to take ownership of a strategically critical global category,

build something meaningful and leave a lasting impact

on cost competitiveness, supply resilience and patient access to affordable medicines.

📌 Global Head, API Procurement (Madrid)
🏢 GXPeople Global
📍 Madrid