Purpose of the Role
The Commercial Purchase Manager will be responsible for strategic sourcing, procurement planning, vendor management, cost optimization, and commercial negotiations related to printing, publishing, and packaging materials, ensuring quality, timely availability, and cost efficiency.
Key Roles & Responsibilities
- Strategic Procurement & Planning
- Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with production and business requirements.
- Plan annual and monthly purchase budgets for paper, board, ink, chemicals, plates, binding materials, packaging materials, and consumables.
- Forecast material requirements in coordination with production, planning, and stores teams.
- Vendor Management & Development
- Identify, evaluate, empanel, and develop reliable vendors/suppliers.
- Maintain strong relationships with paper mills, traders, ink suppliers, and service vendors.
- Conduct regular vendor performance reviews based on quality, delivery, pricing, and service.
- Negotiate long-term contracts, rate agreements, and credit terms.
- Commercial Negotiation & Cost Control
- Lead high-value commercial negotiations to achieve cost reduction and value optimization.
- Track raw material price trends (especially paper & board) and recommend buying strategies.
- Ensure cost competitiveness without compromising on quality or timelines.
- Implement cost-saving initiatives, alternate sourcing, and material standardization.
- Purchase Operations & Compliance
- Approve Purchase Requisitions (PR), Purchase Orders (PO), and amendments as per authority limits.
- Ensure timely availability of materials to avoid production delays.
- Ensure compliance with company procurement policies, SOPs, and audit requirements.
- Handle discrepancies related to quantity, quality, rate, and invoice mismatches.
- Inventory & Stores Coordination
- Monitor inventory levels to maintain optimum stock and avoid overstocking or shortages.
- Coordinate with stores for GRN, stock reconciliation, slow-moving and obsolete inventory control.
- Support periodic physical stock audits.
- Cross-Functional Coordination
- Work closely with Production, Planning, Quality, Finance, and Logistics teams.
- Support new product development, paper trials, and vendor qualification processes.
- Coordinate with accounts for payment terms, vendor reconciliations, and credit management.
- Team Leadership
- Lead, guide, and develop the purchase/commercial team.
- Set KPIs, review performance, and ensure process discipline within the department.
Key Materials Handled
- Paper & Board (Art paper, Maplitho, Duplex, SBS, Kraft, Newsprint, etc.)
- Printing inks & coatings
- Plates, chemicals, solvents
- Binding & finishing materials
- Packaging & consumables
- Outsourcing and job work (if applicable)
Required Skills & Competencies
- Strong commercial and negotiation skills
- In-depth knowledge of printing & publishing raw materials
- Cost analysis, budgeting, and vendor evaluation expertise
- Understanding of GST, basic import procedures, and statutory compliance
- Leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
Educational Qualification
- Graduate/Post-Graduate (preferably in Commerce, Supply Chain, Materials Management, or Engineering)
- Professional certifications in SCM or Procurement will be an added advantage
Experience Requirement
- Minimum 15 years of relevant experience in procurement/commercial purchase within Printing, Publishing, or Packaging industry
- Proven experience in handling large-scale paper procurement and high-value negotiations