Category Manager, Aisa Procurement

About the role

We are seeking an experienced, commercially minded Category Manager to join Asia Procurement, focused on Infrastructure Outsourcing, cloud-related technology deals and broader Technology categories across Asia. The role will support complex sourcing and supplier engagements across infrastructure outsourcing, managed services, enterprise technology, cloud, digital and AI-enabled services, working closely with key technology, business, Legal, Risk, Security, Finance and Outsourcing stakeholders.

The successful candidate will shape sourcing strategies, negotiate contracts, manage strategic suppliers and deliver measurable value across Asia, with strong sourcing, negotiation, cloud commercial and stakeholder management capabilities.

Position responsibilities:

• Develop and execute regional category strategies for Infrastructure Outsourcing, cloud-related deals and broader Technology Services, aligned with Asia business and technology priorities
• Lead end-to-end sourcing initiatives, from market assessment and strategy through RFP/RFQ, commercial evaluation, negotiation and award recommendation
• Support complex infrastructure outsourcing, cloud and AI-enabled technology engagements by partnering early with Enterprise Technology & Services and other IT/business stakeholders to shape the right sourcing and commercial approach
• Negotiate supplier contracts and commercial models that balance cost, scalability, service quality, consumption flexibility, delivery timelines and risk
• Partner with Legal, Risk and Technology teams to ensure appropriate governance, contractual protections and enterprise-standard compliance, including for cloud and AI supplier engagements
• Manage strategic supplier relationships and support vendor performance discussions involving commercial, contractual or sourcing matters
• Deliver measurable procurement value, including savings, cost avoidance, improved commercial terms, demand management and stronger contracting outcomes, in line with Manulife's savings methodology
• Use market analysis, benchmarking and supplier intelligence to identify opportunities for cost optimization, innovation and improved service delivery across infrastructure outsourcing, cloud and emerging technology services
• Represent Asia requirements in regional and global technology agreements, ensuring local regulatory and business needs are considered
• Stay current on technology sourcing trends, supplier market developments and emerging commercial models, including infrastructure outsourcing, cloud, AI and GenAI solutions

Required Requirements:

• University degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management or a related field; CIPS/CPSM or equivalent certification would be an advantage
• 15+ years of procurement, sourcing or category management experience, preferably in Technology, Infrastructure Outsourcing and cloud within a large multinational; financial services experience preferred
• Strong understanding of technology commercial models, including cloud/platform services, licensing, consumption-based pricing and service-based contracts
• Working knowledge of cloud and AI/GenAI supplier engagements, including key commercial, contractual, risk, security and governance considerations
• Proven ability to lead complex sourcing and negotiations, translate business and technology requirements into sourcing strategies, and deliver commercially sound outcomes
• Strong negotiation, contract management, supplier relationship management, analytical and savings assessment skills
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with ability to influence senior stakeholders across regional and matrix teams
• Self-motivated, accountable and outcome-focused, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills; Asian language capability would be an advantage