Assistant Procurement Manager

Responsibilities:

1. Procurement Operations

• Execute procurement of refractory raw materials such as alumina, silica, magnesite, binders, additives, and other consumables.
• Ensure timely availability of materials as per production and project schedules.
• Float enquiries, evaluate quotations, negotiate prices, and issue purchase orders.
• Monitor order status, follow up for on-time deliveries, and resolve delivery discrepancies.

2. Vendor Management

• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers for raw materials, packaging, spares, and indirect materials.
• Conduct vendor audits in coordination with Quality and Technical teams.
• Develop strategic vendor relationships to secure competitive pricing and supply assurance.
• Monitor supplier performance on quality, cost, reliability, and service.

3. Cost Optimization

• Develop cost reduction strategies through alternate sourcing, negotiation, and long-term contracts.
• Support localization or indigenization of imported refractory raw materials.
• Analyze market trends, price fluctuations, and risks related to key commodities.

4. Coordination & Compliance

• Work closely with Production, PPC, Quality, and Maintenance to forecast and plan material requirements.
• Ensure procurement activities adhere to company SOPs, compliance norms, and statutory guidelines.
• Review and maintain procurement documentation, contracts, and records.
• Ensure REACH compliance, MSDS documentation, and regulatory approvals for imported materials.

5. Inventory & Logistics Support

• Coordinate with stores and logistics for inventory levels, lead times, and critical material availability.
• Support inbound logistics planning for domestic and imported materials.
• Monitor slow-moving and non-moving inventory and initiate corrective actions.

6. Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare procurement reports, MIS, supplier performance metrics, and cost-saving dashboards.
• Support procurement budgeting and annual contracting processes.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of refractory raw materials, supply base, and global sourcing.
• Negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Understanding of import procedures, INCOTERMS, and logistics.
• Knowledge of ERP systems (SAP/Oracle) and procurement modules.
• Analytical thinking and cost-conscious approach.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong compliance mindset and attention to detail.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Mechanical / Chemical / Ceramic) or Supply Chain preferred.
• MBA/PGDM in Supply Chain or Materials Management (preferred but not mandatory).
• 4-8 years of experience in procurement within the refractory, steel, cement, or industrial manufacturing sector.
• Experience in sourcing refractory raw materials will be an added advantage.