Associate Director, Procurement

The Associate Director, Procurement is responsible for developing and executing sourcing and category strategies across GPUSaaS/AI Cloud Services, Enterprise Platforms and Technology categories. The role is responsible for driving cost optimisation, sourcing efficiencies, supplier performance and sustainable value while balancing business requirements, stakeholder experience and compliance with procurement policies.

The successful candidate will maintain a strong understanding of relevant supply markets, economic developments and technology trends, applying appropriate sourcing and negotiation strategies across assigned categories. The role will also make effective use of procurement tools, systems and analytics to support procurement activities and collaboration with business stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing

• Develop and execute category and sourcing strategies that support business unit and product objectives.
• Lead strategic sourcing and tender exercises across categories including Satellite Services and Capacity, Leased Lines, Voice/Data Carrier Services, AI Cloud Services, Enterprise Platforms and relevant indirect categories.
• Collaborate with Singtel Group Procurement and other Singtel Group operating company procurement teams, where applicable.
• Proactively engage business stakeholders and Finance teams to identify sourcing, cost optimisation and value-creation opportunities across the Group.
• Conduct spends and market analysis and partner with key stakeholders to develop effective category strategies.
• Lead complex sourcing events and develop negotiation strategies to achieve measurable commercial and business outcomes.
• Lead supplier negotiations and deliver sustainable cost savings and sourcing efficiencies.
• Provide relevant market knowledge, commercial intelligence and category expertise to business stakeholders.

Supplier Management

• Develop effective partnerships with strategic suppliers to identify and implement cost, service and value-improvement opportunities aligned with category strategies.
• Manage strategic supplier relationships and performance through regular supplier meetings, business reviews and performance evaluations.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement, innovation and additional value from suppliers.
• Monitor supplier performance and provide timely, objective and constructive feedback.

Governance, Process Improvement and Procurement Operations

• Ensure procurement activities are conducted in accordance with applicable procurement policies, processes and governance requirements.
• Provide guidance to business users on procurement policies, processes and good practices.
• Review category procurement processes to identify operational pain points, inefficiencies and bottlenecks, and recommend appropriate improvements.
• Use data analytics, cost analysis and process reviews to identify opportunities for improved value, quality and efficiency.
• Support continuous improvement and effective adoption of procurement tools and systems.

Category Management

• Develop and implement innovative category-management and sourcing approaches.
• Support the development of cross-divisional procurement processes and sourcing strategies with qualified suppliers.
• Apply strong analytical capabilities to evaluate key categories and recommend effective spend-management and purchasing strategies.
• Monitor and report category performance, identify emerging issues and risks, and recommend appropriate resolutions.
• Track sourcing outcomes and ensure category initiatives contribute measurable business and commercial value.

Team Leadership

• Provide effective leadership to the Digital InfraCo Procurement team.
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, objectives and performance expectations.
• Develop team capabilities through coaching, knowledge sharing and appropriate development opportunities.
• Support succession planning and capability development across the function.
• Promote collaboration, accountability and consistent procurement practices.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Management or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of relevant qualifications and professional experience.
• Substantial relevant experience in procurement, strategic sourcing or category management, preferably involving complex and high-value technology or infrastructure categories.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex supplier negotiations and sourcing exercises.
• Proven experience developing and implementing procurement strategies and delivering measurable financial savings and commercial value.
• Relevant domain knowledge of AI, cloud, ICT products and/or technology services.
• Experience managing strategic supplier relationships and supplier performance.
• Knowledge of procurement governance, category management and sourcing best practices.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong strategic sourcing, category management and negotiation capabilities.
• Strong analytical skills, including spend analysis, financial evaluation and development of data-driven recommendations.
• Ability to formulate and implement procurement strategies that deliver measurable commercial outcomes.
• Strong project-management skills, including the ability to manage complex sourcing initiatives involving multiple stakeholders.
• Effective communication, influencing and stakeholder-management skills, with the ability to build productive relationships across business units and with external suppliers.
• Proficiency in spreadsheet-based analysis and financial calculations.
• Strong presentation and business-communication skills.
• Experience using e-sourcing and enterprise procurement systems; experience with platforms such as iValua and SAP is advantageous.
• Ability to manage priorities and deliver quality outcomes within agreed timelines.
• Demonstrated initiative and structured problem-solving capability.
• Ability to collaborate effectively while taking accountability for individual deliverables.
• Results-oriented approach with a focus on measurable business outcomes.
• Strong people-leadership and team-development capabilities.