Sourcing Associate

Overview

Execute indirect and commercial indirect sourcing events (RFI, RFP, RFQ) and support the source-to-contract process, under guidance of the Sourcing Lead, with a primary anchor position but flexibility to work across other categories.

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.
• 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.
• Conduct supplier market research and maintain an up-to-date supplier landscape across assigned 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.
• 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.
• 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 track procurement's contribution; maintain data accuracy.
• Contribute to delivery of savings targets 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, and ensure smooth handover of sourcing inputs and outputs.

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 / Google Sheets.
• Ability to analyze supplier proposals and prepare structured evaluation summaries; attention to detail; 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 using Microsoft desktop applications (e.g. PowerPoint, Excel).
• Fluent written and spoken English.

Nice to have

• Experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain preferably in a Lifesciences, professional services, or marketing/commercial environment.
• Exposure to RFI/RFP/RFQ processes and supplier evaluation.
• Pharmaceutical, biotech, or professional services/marketing services experience.
• Sourcing experience across the indirect categories.
• Enthusiasm for digital and AI improvements in procurement ways of working.
• Experience using Generative / Agentic AI.

Details

• Location: Bengaluru, India.
• Employment type: Full time, regular employee.