Sourcing Associate

Overview

Execute RFI, RFP and RFQ sourcing events for defined Indirect and Commercial Indirect categories under the guidance of the Sourcing Lead, supporting the Source-to-Contract process and leading supplier negotiations. The role has a primary anchor category but expects flexibility to work across other categories as appropriate.

What you'll do

• Execute RFI, RFP and RFQ events for Indirect and Commercial Indirect categories under Sourcing Lead guidance, adhering to Takeda procurement policies.
• Engage with operational stakeholders presenting sourcing requirements and with category strategies developed by category managers.
• Prepare sourcing documentation including 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.
• Conduct supplier market research and maintain an up-to-date supplier landscape across assigned categories.
• Identify and evaluate potential new suppliers, gathering capability, compliance and pricing information.
• Gather pricing benchmarks and market intelligence to support category strategy and sourcing recommendations in SAP Ariba.
• Support contract drafting, review coordination and approval workflows per Takeda Legal and Compliance requirements.
• Maintain contract records and monitor renewals, expirations and performance milestones.
• Support supplier onboarding, due diligence and ethical sourcing compliance checks.
• Analyze supplier proposals and prepare structured, objective evaluation summaries for Sourcing Lead review.
• Conduct spend analysis to identify savings opportunities and feed findings into the category savings pipeline.
• Support KPI monitoring to help the team track procurement's contribution and maintain data accuracy.
• Contribute to delivery of savings targets by identifying value opportunities within assigned and other categories.
• Ensure all sourcing activities comply with Takeda procurement policies, SOPs and governance standards.
• Support preferred supplier utilization initiatives.
• Collaborate with operational buyers in Central Finance on execution and service delivery, ensuring smooth handover of sourcing inputs and outputs for operational Rf(X) execution.

What you'll need

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• 4+ years of procurement, sourcing or supply chain experience.
• 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 or Google Sheets.
• Ability to analyze supplier proposals and prepare structured evaluation summaries, with attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative and diplomatic, with a track record of operating successfully with limited day-to-day direction and ambiguity.
• Exceptional oral and written communication and presentation skills.
• Extensive experience with Microsoft desktop applications (e.g. PowerPoint, Excel) and experience using Generative or Agentic AI.
• Fluent written and spoken English.
• Sourcing experience across the indirect categories.

Nice to have

• Exposure to RFI, RFP and RFQ processes and supplier evaluation.
• Experience in a Lifesciences, professional services or marketing/commercial environment.
• Pharmaceutical, biotech, or professional services/marketing services experience.
• Enthusiasm for digital and AI improvements in procurement ways of working.

Details

• Location: Bengaluru, India.
• Full-time, regular employee position.