Procurement Assistant Manager

We are looking for an experienced Assistant Procurement Manager to lead procurement activities, develop sourcing strategies, manage supplier relationships, and ensure uninterrupted supply of materials for our manufacturing and trading operations. The successful candidate will drive cost-saving initiatives, manage procurement risks, and support business growth through effective supplier and inventory management.

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Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Procurement

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for raw materials, packaging materials, and trading items.
• Manage the full procurement cycle from requisition to goods receipt closure in the ERP system.
• Conduct RFQ, RFP, and tender exercises.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, rebates, MOQs, and service agreements.

Cost Management

• Drive cost savings and cost avoidance initiatives.
• Identify alternative sourcing options and substitute materials without compromising quality or compliance.
• Monitor commodity and raw material price trends.
• Prepare cost approval submissions for management review.

Supplier & Vendor Management

• Evaluate, qualify, and monitor supplier performance.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key suppliers.
• Source and qualify new suppliers for NPD, OEM projects, and trading opportunities.
• Initiate corrective actions or supplier replacement when necessary.

Supply Chain & Inventory Management

• Ensure material availability to prevent production disruptions.
• Monitor supplier lead times, inbound shipments, and open purchase orders.
• Work with Planning and Warehouse teams on inventory optimization.
• Reduce excess, obsolete, and slow-moving inventory.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Conduct risk assessments for critical and long lead-time materials.
• Maintain alternative sourcing and contingency plans.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies and procurement SOPs.
• Support stock take, product costing, and audit activities.

Import & Customs Management

• Manage overseas sourcing and import operations.
• Handle Incoterms, freight forwarding, cargo insurance, and shipping documentation.
• Liaise with Royal Malaysian Customs on duties, SST exemptions, and related matters.
• Evaluate local versus overseas sourcing based on total landed cost.

Reporting & Leadership

• Prepare monthly procurement reports covering KPIs, savings, supplier performance, and spending analysis.
• Lead and develop the Procurement team.
• Set and monitor departmental KPIs and OKRs.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Requirements

Education

• Diploma or Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Food Science, Engineering, or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of procurement experience.
• Strong exposure to Food & Beverage (F&B) or food manufacturing industry preferred.

Skills & Knowledge

• Procurement and sourcing strategies
• Supplier negotiation and contract management
• Vendor performance management
• Inventory and supply planning
• ERP systems
• Microsoft 365
• Import/export and customs knowledge
• Cost analysis and procurement reporting
• Leadership and team management

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Preferred Candidate Profile

• Strong analytical and negotiation skills.
• Results-driven and commercially minded.
• Able to make decisions independently.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management capabilities.