Procurement / Sourcing Manager
Position Overview
We are looking for an experienced and commercially minded Procurement Manager to lead the Company's procurement activities, with a strong focus on strategic sourcing, supplier identification and assessment, commercial evaluation, supplier performance and procurement risk management.
The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that the Company obtains the right products and services at competitive commercial terms while maintaining appropriate standards of quality, reliability, delivery performance and supplier risk.
This role will manage both strategic and operational procurement activities and work closely with Sales, Product Development, Finance, Logistics and Operations to ensure procurement decisions support business requirements and customer demand.
The successful candidate should be analytical, commercially aware and confident in negotiating with suppliers. They should also be able to independently evaluate sourcing opportunities, challenge supplier proposals, identify procurement risks and make clear recommendations to management.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Identification
Develop and execute sourcing strategies aligned with the Company's business requirements, product portfolio and procurement objectives.
Identify and evaluate potential local and overseas suppliers, manufacturers, principals and service providers.
Conduct market research to identify alternative sources, new suppliers, products and procurement opportunities.
Develop and maintain an appropriate supplier network to support business continuity, competitiveness and product availability.
Identify opportunities to diversify sourcing and reduce dependency on individual suppliers where appropriate.
Conduct supplier benchmarking to assess pricing, quality, lead times, capabilities and commercial terms.
Evaluate opportunities for direct sourcing, alternative sourcing and supplier consolidation.
Maintain an up-to-date supplier database and sourcing pipeline.
2. Supplier Qualification & Assessment
Establish and maintain objective supplier qualification and assessment criteria.
Conduct due diligence on prospective suppliers before onboarding.
Evaluate suppliers based on relevant criteria including:
Product quality and technical specifications
Pricing and total cost
Production and supply capability
Lead times and delivery reliability
Certifications and regulatory requirements
Financial and business stability
Track record and reputation
After-sales support
Warranty and claims handling
Geographic and supply-chain risks
Business continuity considerations
Review supplier documentation and supporting information to verify suitability.
Coordinate supplier evaluations, assessments and onboarding approvals with relevant internal stakeholders.
Recommend approval, conditional approval or rejection of prospective suppliers based on documented assessment criteria.
Conduct periodic supplier reviews and reassess suppliers where there are material changes in performance, risk or business conditions.
3. Supplier Performance Management
Establish and monitor supplier performance indicators covering quality, pricing, delivery, responsiveness and service.
Conduct regular supplier performance reviews and maintain appropriate performance records.
Investigate recurring supplier issues and coordinate corrective and preventive actions.
Escalate persistent supplier performance issues to management and recommend appropriate actions.
Develop improvement plans for suppliers where performance falls below agreed standards.
Recommend supplier replacement or sourcing diversification where performance or risk remains unacceptable.
Maintain appropriate records of supplier evaluations, performance reviews, complaints and corrective actions.
4. Commercial Evaluation & Negotiation
Obtain and evaluate supplier quotations, tenders and commercial proposals.
Compare suppliers based on total commercial value rather than price alone.
Analyse product costs, landed costs, freight, duties, payment terms, minimum order quantities, lead times and other relevant cost components.
Prepare quotation comparisons and sourcing recommendations for management approval.
Negotiate pricing, payment terms, minimum order quantities, lead times, warranties, rebates, credit terms and other commercial conditions.
Negotiate contracts and supplier agreements in accordance with the Company's approval and procurement requirements.
Identify opportunities to improve cost competitiveness without compromising quality, supply reliability or customer requirements.
Maintain appropriate documentation of sourcing decisions and negotiation outcomes.
5. Procurement Risk & Compliance
Ensure procurement activities are conducted in accordance with the Company's procurement policies, approval limits and internal controls.
Identify and assess procurement risks relating to suppliers, pricing, quality, delivery, contractual obligations and supply continuity.
Conduct appropriate supplier due diligence before significant commercial commitments are made.
Review supplier contracts, commercial terms and relevant trade documentation to identify potential risks.
Escalate material procurement, contractual or supplier risks to management.
Support internal and external audits relating to procurement and supplier management.
Maintain proper procurement documentation and records to support transparency, accountability and auditability.
Support the Company's compliance with applicable laws, regulations, internal policies and management-system requirements.
6. Purchasing & Operational Procurement
Oversee procurement activities to ensure products and materials are sourced and ordered in accordance with approved requirements.
Review purchase requirements and coordinate with relevant departments to ensure timely procurement.
Monitor purchase orders, supplier confirmations, expected delivery dates and outstanding orders.
Follow up with suppliers on delayed, incomplete or incorrect deliveries.
Resolve procurement-related issues involving pricing, quantity, specifications, quality and delivery.
Coordinate with Logistics and Operations to ensure incoming goods are received according to requirements.
Work with Finance to resolve procurement-related documentation and payment issues.
Ensure procurement records are accurate, complete and maintained in a timely manner.
7. Inventory & Demand Planning Support
Review inventory levels, historical demand, sales requirements and procurement lead times to support purchasing decisions.
Work with Sales, Product Development and Operations to understand current and anticipated product demand.
Identify potential stock shortages, excess inventory and slow-moving or obsolete products.
Recommend appropriate purchasing quantities and timing based on demand, lead time and inventory considerations.
Support stock planning and replenishment strategies.
Identify opportunities to improve inventory availability while managing working capital and excess-stock risks.
8. Supplier Development & Relationship Management
Build professional and productive relationships with key suppliers and strategic partners.
Conduct supplier engagement sessions, business reviews and performance discussions where required.
Communicate the Company's expectations regarding quality, delivery, commercial terms and service standards.
Work collaboratively with suppliers to resolve operational and commercial issues.
Identify opportunities for supplier development, improved service levels, cost optimisation and product innovation.
Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and procurement controls when managing supplier relationships.
9. Team Leadership & Development
Lead, supervise and develop the procurement team.
Allocate procurement responsibilities according to business requirements and team capabilities.
Set clear performance expectations and monitor individual and team performance.
Provide coaching, guidance and on-the-job development to procurement staff.
Identify training needs and recommend appropriate development opportunities.
Conduct performance reviews and provide constructive feedback.
Promote accountability, ethical conduct, teamwork and continuous improvement within the procurement function.
Participate in recruitment and selection of procurement team members based on approved manpower requirements.
10. Process Improvement & Systems
Review procurement processes regularly and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, control and service levels.
Develop and improve procurement SOPs, workflows, templates and supplier assessment tools.
Identify opportunities to improve procurement through digitalisation, automation and better use of procurement systems.
Ensure procurement systems and records are maintained accurately.
Monitor procurement data and identify trends, recurring issues and opportunities for improvement.
Implement approved process improvements and monitor their effectiveness.
11. Budget & Reporting
Assist in preparing the procurement department's annual budget and operating requirements.
Monitor procurement expenditure against approved budgets.
Prepare regular procurement reports covering purchasing activity, supplier performance, cost savings, outstanding orders and key procurement risks.
Provide management with data-driven recommendations on sourcing, suppliers, costs and procurement performance.
Maintain accurate procurement records and supporting documentation.
Key Requirements
Diploma or Degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business, Logistics, Engineering or a related discipline.
Minimum 4–5 years of relevant procurement or sourcing experience, including at least 2 years in a supervisory or managerial capacity.
Demonstrated experience in supplier sourcing, qualification, assessment and performance management.
Strong negotiation and commercial evaluation skills.
Good numerical and analytical ability, with experience evaluating quotations, costs, pricing and commercial terms.
Strong understanding of procurement processes, supplier management and sourcing strategies.
Ability to assess suppliers objectively using defined commercial, operational and risk criteria.
Good understanding of procurement documentation, contracts and supplier terms.
Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and familiar with procurement or ERP systems.
Strong communication and stakeholder-management skills.
Able to work independently, manage multiple priorities and make well-supported recommendations.
Strong sense of integrity, accountability and professional judgement when dealing with suppliers and commercial information.
Advantageous
Experience in industrial, engineering, tools, hardware, equipment, MRO, trading, distribution or other technical product environments.
Experience sourcing products from local and overseas suppliers.
Experience managing principals, manufacturers, distributors or strategic suppliers.
Experience with supplier audits, due diligence or supplier qualification programmes.
Experience with international trade documentation and commercial terms.
Experience in inventory planning and demand-based purchasing.
Experience implementing procurement systems, digitalisation or process improvement initiatives.
Familiarity with ISO management systems or structured procurement controls.
What We Look For
We are looking for an individual who demonstrates integrity, commercial judgement, analytical ability, accountability and strong stakeholder-management skills.
The successful candidate should be able to independently evaluate sourcing options, challenge assumptions, negotiate effectively and make objective supplier and procurement recommendations based on documented information and business requirements.
Candidates will be assessed based on their relevant qualifications, experience, skills, competencies and ability to perform the responsibilities of the role.
We welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences who meet the stated job requirements.
What We Offer
Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and relevant experience.
Performance-based career development opportunities.
Exposure to a broad range of suppliers, products and industries.
Opportunities to lead sourcing, supplier development and procurement improvement initiatives.
Collaborative working environment with cross-functional exposure.
Application
Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume/CV, stating their relevant experience, qualifications and current or expected salary.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
All employment decisions will be made based on merit and the requirements of the role.