Assistant Manager / Manager, Purchasing

Job Responsibilities:

1. Procurement Strategy & Cost Management

• Develop and implement procurement strategies to achieve cost efficiency, operational excellence, and uninterrupted supply.
• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives, supplier benchmarking, and market analysis to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve procurement effectiveness.
• Analyse purchasing data, market trends, and spend patterns to drive continuous improvement and support business decisions.
• Support annual procurement planning, budgeting, and cost reduction initiatives.

2. Supplier Sourcing & Relationship Management

• Identify, evaluate, qualify, and develop suppliers based on quality, cost, delivery, service, and overall business capability.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with suppliers to ensure long-term partnerships and supply continuity.
• Lead negotiations on pricing, contracts, payment terms, and commercial agreements to secure the best value for the company.
• Monitor supplier performance through regular evaluations and implement improvement plans where necessary.
• Manage vendor registration, supplier documentation, and compliance requirements.

3. Procurement Governance & Compliance

• Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, regulatory requirements, and internal governance standards.
• Coordinate supplier audits with QA and relevant departments to ensure supplier quality and compliance.
• Manage procurement risks and support business continuity through effective supplier management.
• Participate in internal audits, Gemba Walks, and continuous improvement initiatives.

4. Purchase Order & Procurement Operations

• Oversee the timely and accurate processing of Purchase Orders (POs) upon approval of Purchase Requisitions (PRFs).
• Review, approve, amend, and monitor purchase orders to ensure procurement accuracy and timely fulfilment.
• Monitor outstanding purchase orders and ensure timely closure of completed transactions.

5. Product Specification & Quality Coordination

• Ensure purchased materials comply with approved specifications and quality requirements.
• Coordinate with QA, R&D, and suppliers on product specifications, sample evaluations, quality issues, and corrective actions.
• Manage supplier corrective and preventive action (CPAR), product rejections, replacement arrangements, and credit note issuance.

6. Delivery & Supply Chain Coordination

• Monitor supplier delivery performance to ensure materials are delivered according to agreed lead times.
• Coordinate with Planning, Production, Warehouse, Logistics, and suppliers to ensure uninterrupted material supply.
• Arrange alternative logistics solutions when required to minimise operational disruptions.
• Ensure OEM and trading products are delivered according to customer and business requirements.

7. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Operations, Planning, Production, QA, R&D, Finance, Logistics, and other stakeholders to support business objectives.
• Provide procurement expertise, material costing, and sourcing support for new product development and operational requirements.
• Support cross-functional initiatives to improve procurement efficiency and supply chain performance.

8. Documentation & Reporting

• Ensure accurate maintenance of procurement records, supplier agreements, contracts, purchase orders, and procurement documentation.
• Oversee invoice verification and coordinate with the Finance Department to ensure timely payment processing.
• Prepare and present procurement reports, including supplier performance, procurement KPIs, spend analysis, cost savings, and procurement performance for Management review.

9. Team Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Lead, coach, and develop the Purchasing team to achieve departmental objectives and enhance professional competencies.
• Allocate work, monitor team performance, and support employee development through coaching and performance management.
• Drive procurement process improvements, digitalisation initiatives, ERP enhancements, and operational excellence projects.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and collaboration within the Purchasing function.

Job Requirements -

Mandatory : Relevant purchasing and procurement experience in the Food Manufacturing (FMCG) industry.

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Commerce, Economics, or a related field.

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in purchasing, sourcing, and procurement.

• Minimum experience in directly managing a team of 5 or more employees is required.

• Strong analytical, cost optimization, negotiation, and problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound business decisions.

• Independent, resourceful, and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and ERP systems (Oracle experience is an advantage).