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.