Sadhana Panda
Bangalore
Summary
Strategic Sourcing and Project Management leader with deep expertise in pharmaceutical and biologics operations, driving end-to-end supplier strategy, product lifecycle execution, and cross-functional alignment within highly regulated environments. Proven track record of delivering cost optimization, supply risk mitigation, and operational excellence through data-driven decision-making and enterprise collaboration. Experienced in vendor development, regulatory compliance (cGMP, ICH, US/EU), and commercialization support, with a strong ability to translate technical and market insights into scalable, revenue-generating outcomes.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate
Work History
Strategic Sourcing and PM
Symbio Generrics
05.2023 - Current
- Spearheaded alternative supplier identification and validation leveraging platforms such as Eximpedia, Globalwits, and Clarivate, significantly enhancing supply chain visibility, strengthening risk mitigation frameworks, and increasing sourcing agility.
- Led end-to-end supplier sourcing initiatives, conducting comprehensive technical due diligence, manufacturing capacity evaluations, R&D sampling, and commercial negotiations to onboard high-performing, cost-efficient strategic partners.
- Executed detailed cost benchmarking and Raw Material Cost (RMC) analyses, enabling data-driven vendor negotiations that optimized pricing structures while safeguarding product quality and compliance.
- Architected procurement strategies encompassing Incoterms selection, SLA structuring, and logistics optimization aligned with plant operations and production timelines.
- Partnered cross-functionally with QA/QC, Regulatory Affairs, and Plant Operations to drive vendor qualification, regulatory audits, and successful US/EU filings, ensuring seamless market approvals.
- Ensured strict adherence to GMP and ICH guidelines, proactively overseeing CAPA implementation to drive continuous quality improvement and regulatory compliance excellence.
- Orchestrated cross-functional collaboration across R&D, Engineering, and Operations, aligning technical development with operational readiness to deliver successful, on-time product launches.
- Translated comprehensive market research and consumer insights into actionable product specifications, elevating user experience, performance, and competitive positioning.
- Streamlined coordination between design, sourcing, and production teams, accelerating project timelines while maintaining stringent quality benchmarks.
- Collaborated with Marketing and Sales to develop and execute go-to-market strategies, enhancing product visibility, adoption, and revenue impact.
- Negotiated strategic vendor agreements to optimize cost structures, delivery terms, and long-term value creation, directly contributing to margin expansion.
- Directed budgeting, performance management, and KPI tracking to ensure operational efficiency, accountability, and measurable business outcomes.
- Cultivated strategic external partnerships and remained at the forefront of emerging technologies through proactive industry engagement and market intelligence monitoring.
Quality Control Analyst
Biocon Biologics
11.2021 - 11.2022
- Conducted comprehensive physical and visual quality testing of biologic drug products — including pH, extractable volume, container closure integrity (CCI), particulate analysis (PAMAS), and piercing/stability studies — ensuring 100% compliance with cGMP standards and zero critical audit findings.
- Managed end-to-end sample analysis and batch release workflows through SAP and LIMS systems, leveraging SQL-based reporting and Tableau dashboards to improve data traceability, reduce manual reporting time by 35%, and enhance real-time performance visibility.
- Led structured Root Cause Analysis (RCA) investigations for product deviations and OOS/OOT events, implementing corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) that increased product reliability by 25% and reduced recurring deviations by 20%.
- Oversaw final product testing review and approval for commercial batch release, ensuring adherence to regulatory, quality, and customer specifications across X+ batches per month with zero major compliance gaps.
- Spearheaded quality control optimization initiatives, reducing defect rates by 30%, improving first-pass yield by 18%, and establishing KPI dashboards to monitor QA performance, cycle times, and compliance metrics.
- Partnered cross-functionally with R&D, Regulatory Affairs, and Manufacturing to refine product quality specifications aligned with evolving market and regulatory requirements, accelerating validation timelines by 15%.
Education
Master of Science - Biochemistry And Molecular Biology
Pondicherry University
Puducherry01-2020
Bachelor of Science - Biotechnology
Utkal University
Bhubaneswar, Odisha01-2018
Skills
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership & Stakeholder Alignment
- Product Lifecycle Management (Concept to Commercialization)
- Revenue Growth & Margin Expansion Strategies
- Strategic Relationship & Vendor Management
- Advanced Data Analysis, Custom Reporting & Tableau Dashboard Development
- SQL-Based Data Extraction & Performance Analytics
- SAP (Batch Release, Quality Modules, Procurement & Operations Integration)
- Quality Control (QC) & Quality Assurance (QA) Operations
- cGMP, ICH & Regulatory Compliance (US/EU)
- Root Cause Analysis (RCA) & CAPA Implementation
- R&D Collaboration & Regulatory Affairs Coordination
Accomplishments
- Qualified IIT JAM (Biotechnology), 2018 and GATE (Life Sciences – XL), 2021, demonstrating strong analytical capability and subject-matter proficiency in competitive national-level examinations.
- Participated in an advanced workshop on Real-Time PCR techniques at BIRAC BioNEST Laboratory, VIT-TBI, Vellore (2019), gaining hands-on experience in molecular diagnostics, amplification protocols, and data interpretation methodologies.
- Led a cross-functional team of 30+ volunteers in a large-scale beach cleanliness initiative organized by the Department of Ecology, Pondicherry University, strengthening community engagement and environmental sustainability efforts.
- Organized and executed 10+ university-level cultural and technical fests as an active member of the Utkal Chatra Parishad Club, managing logistics, budgeting, sponsorship coordination, and stakeholder engagement.
- Conducted an in-depth research study on the antimicrobial properties of Cissus quadrangularis stem and pulp extracts, performing phytochemical extraction, microbial susceptibility testing, and comparative efficacy analysis against selected bacterial strains.
- Analyzed bioactive compound potential and documented findings contributing to the understanding of plant-based antimicrobial alternatives.
Certification
- IIT Kanpur | Oct 2022 – Mar 2023
Advanced Certification Program in R & SQL
Developed advanced competencies in statistical analysis, data modeling, database querying, and structured data management for business and research applications. - Edvancer | Oct 2022 – Mar 2023
Advanced Certification in Tableau
Gained expertise in interactive dashboard development, data visualization, KPI tracking, and executive-level business reporting. - SkillNation
Certification in Microsoft Power BI
Built capabilities in data transformation, DAX functions, and performance-driven reporting for operational decision-making. - Henry Harvin Education | Sep 2022 – Nov 2022
SAP Quality Management (QM) Certification
Trained in SAP QM modules including quality inspection processes, batch management, compliance documentation, and integration with procurement and production workflows. - Biocon Academy (Biocon–KGI Certificate Program in Biosciences), Bangalore | Jun 2021 – Sep 2021
Intensive industry-aligned program focused on biopharmaceutical manufacturing, quality systems, regulatory frameworks, and GMP compliance. - BiOZEEN, Bengaluru
Hands-on Training in Lab-Scale & Pilot-Scale Fermentation
Practical exposure to upstream bioprocessing, fermentation optimization, scale-up strategies, and process control techniques. - Thermo Fisher Scientific, R&D Center, Bengaluru
Virtual Training in Molecular Biotechnology
Advanced exposure to molecular biology techniques, analytical instrumentation, and research applications in biotechnology.
- KIIT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha | May 2019 – Jun 2019
Completed an academic internship involving laboratory experimentation, data analysis, and applied biotechnology research, strengthening practical research and analytical skills.
Languages
English
Advanced (C1)
Hindi
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Oria
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Timeline
Strategic Sourcing and PM
Symbio Generrics
05.2023 - Current
Quality Control Analyst
Biocon Biologics
11.2021 - 11.2022
Master of Science - Biochemistry And Molecular Biology
Pondicherry University
Bachelor of Science - Biotechnology
Utkal University
Hobbies and Interests
- Formally trained in Odissi (Indian Classical Dance) and Classical Vocal Music, demonstrating discipline, cultural artistry, stage confidence, and long-term commitment to mastering complex performance techniques.
- Actively engaged in badminton training, reflecting focus, strategic thinking, and competitive spirit.
- Passionate about travel and experiential learning, with a strong interest in exploring diverse cultures, environments, and adventure-based activities that foster adaptability and resilience.