Assistant Manager/Manager, Procurement

The Assistant Manager / Manager, Procurement is responsible for managing and overseeing procurement activities in accordance with DCS’s procurement policies, regulations and procedures. The role involves providing guidance on procurement strategies, managing end-to-end procurement processes, supporting contract and supplier management, and ensuring transparency, compliance and value-for-money in all procurement activities. This role will also support the continuous improvement of procurement policies, processes and systems, provide advice to internal users and suppliers, and work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure procurement activities are conducted efficiently and effectively to meet the organization’s operational and financial objectives.

Responsibilities:

• Review and oversee tenders and quotations to ensure that they are clear, appropriate and adhere to procurement rules, guidelines and approval requirements.
• Guide and advise users on the appropriate procurement approach and sourcing strategy to achieve timely, effective and value-for-money outcomes.
• Manage and oversee end-to-end procurement processes, including planning, sourcing, evaluation, negotiation, award, contract management and procurement closure.
• Assist in the review and development of procurement policies, processes, SOPs, templates and guidelines to strengthen procurement governance and operational efficiency.
• Propose and implement appropriate procurement strategies, including opportunities for consolidated procurement, common goods and services, contract arrangements and Green Procurement initiatives.
• Review procurement requirements, specifications and evaluation criteria to ensure that they are objective, clear, appropriate and commercially sound.
• Lead or support tender evaluations, commercial assessments and negotiations with suppliers to achieve fair and reasonable terms for the organisation.
• Conduct procurement training and provide guidance to internal users on procurement policies, processes, systems and related matters.
• Attend to suppliers’ and users’ queries on procurement, tendering, contracting and related matters, ensuring that issues are resolved in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Assist in sourcing and maintaining a pool of reliable suppliers and vendors, including reviewing supplier performance and commercial arrangements.
• Coordinate and work closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure timely delivery of goods and services and effective contract performance.
• Prepare and review the monthly Open Purchase Order (PO) report, follow up with users on outstanding POs and delivery status, and ensure that outdated or completed POs are appropriately updated and closed in a timely manner.
• Oversee contract management activities, including contract commencement, monitoring, renewal, extension, variation and closure, ensuring that contractual requirements and timelines are properly managed.
• Monitor and follow up on outstanding Purchase Orders (POs), Goods Receipt Notes (GRNs), Delivery Orders (DOs), invoices and other procurement-related transactions to ensure timely closure and accurate records.
• Work closely with Finance to resolve procurement, PO, invoice and payment-related issues and ensure compliance with financial controls.
• Ensure procurement records, supplier information and procurement transactions are accurately maintained in the relevant procurement and financial systems.
• Maintain and update the CAPEX Plan as and when necessary, including incorporating approved procurement requirements, changes in project timelines and new CAPEX commitments
• Support internal and external audit engagements and work closely with the Audit and Finance teams on procurement-related deliverables and follow-up actions.
• Identify procurement risks, compliance issues and process gaps, and recommend appropriate corrective and preventive measures.
• Drive continuous improvement and automation of procurement processes, systems and reporting to improve efficiency, transparency and governance.
• Provide guidance, coaching and support to Procurement team members and review the quality and completeness of procurement work where required.
• Perform any other duties assigned from time to time, including operational support duties.

Requirements

• Education: Degree or Diploma in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, Economics or other related disciplines.

• Experience: At least 5 years of relevant experience in procurement, with strong exposure to Singapore Government or public-sector procurement processes.

• Knowledge:

  • Strong understanding of public-sector procurement principles, policies and governance requirements.
  • Knowledge of contract management, supplier management and risk management in procurement.
  • Good understanding of procurement processes, tender evaluation, commercial negotiation and value-for-money principles.
  • Experience with e-procurement systems or other procurement management systems would be advantageous.
  • Knowledge of financial and procurement controls, including PO, GRN and invoice processes, would be advantageous.

• Skills:

  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong analytical, commercial and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex bids, tenders and procurement requirements.
  • Good project management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple procurement projects and deadlines.
  • Proficiency in procurement software and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Microsoft Excel.
  • Ability to provide clear procurement advice and work effectively with internal stakeholders and suppliers.

• Certifications (preferred):

  • Certification in Public Procurement, Supply Chain or Procurement (e.g. Government Procurement Professional Certificate or equivalent) would be advantageous.

Attributes

• Meticulous, with a keen eye for detail.

• Ethical and committed to upholding transparency and fairness in procurement processes.

• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple procurement projects simultaneously.

• Team player with hands-on, can-do attitude. Self-motivated, meticulous, keen attention to details and commitment towards deadlines.

• Good interpersonal skills and job require frequent interaction with various departments.

• IT Savvy.