Procurement Manager

Purpose of the Role

The Procurement Manager will be responsible for leading the end-to-end procurement function for Nasty Cookies Malaysia, ensuring the timely, cost-effective, and uninterrupted supply of ingredients, packaging materials, indirect purchases, and operational supplies across the central kitchen and retail outlets. The role will focus on building strategic supplier partnerships, negotiating commercial agreements, driving cost optimization, maintaining product quality, and supporting business growth through an efficient and resilient supply chain.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement & Supplier Management

• Manage end-to-end procurement of food ingredients, packaging materials, consumables, equipment, and indirect purchases for the central kitchen and retail outlets.
• Identify, evaluate, onboard, and develop reliable local and international suppliers.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, rebates, and long-term supply agreements to achieve cost savings while maintaining quality and service levels.
• Monitor supplier performance through KPIs relating to quality, pricing, delivery, and responsiveness.
• Develop contingency sourcing strategies to minimize supply disruptions.

Cost Management & Commercial Support

• Drive procurement cost optimization initiatives without compromising product quality or operational requirements.
• Partner with Finance and Operations to manage food costs, packaging costs, and overall procurement budgets.
• Support product costing, menu costing, and gross margin improvement initiatives.
• Monitor commodity price movements and proactively recommend sourcing strategies to mitigate cost increases.

Inventory Planning & Supply Chain

• Collaborate with Operations, Production, and Retail teams to forecast purchasing requirements based on sales trends and business demand.
• Ensure optimal inventory levels to minimize stock shortages, wastage, and excess inventory.
• Coordinate inbound logistics, imports (where applicable), customs clearance, and supplier deliveries.
• Ensure uninterrupted supply to both the central kitchen and all retail stores.

Systems, Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain accurate procurement records, supplier contracts, pricing databases, and purchase documentation.
• Prepare regular reports on procurement spend, supplier performance, savings initiatives, inventory trends, and purchasing KPIs.
• Utilize ERP or procurement systems to improve purchasing efficiency and reporting accuracy.
• Continuously review procurement processes and recommend improvements to enhance operational efficiency.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Operations, Central Kitchen, Retail, Finance, Product Development, and Quality teams to ensure procurement supports business objectives.
• Support new product launches by sourcing ingredients, packaging, and equipment within required timelines.
• Participate in business planning initiatives to support expansion, new store openings, and operational improvements.

About you

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Procurement, Logistics, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5–8 years of procurement experience within the Food & Beverage, QSR, Bakery, Café, Food Manufacturing, or FMCG industry.
• Experience managing procurement for multi-outlet retail operations and central kitchen environments.
• Proven track record in supplier negotiations, contract management, strategic sourcing, and cost optimization.
• Experience sourcing food ingredients, packaging materials, and operational supplies.
• Experience using ERP or procurement management systems.
• Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
• Excellent supplier relationship and stakeholder management abilities.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in cost analysis and spend management.
• Knowledge of inventory planning, demand forecasting, and supply chain best practices.