Assistant Procurement Manager

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

Job Purpose

To assist the procurement manager in managing the overall procurement function, including strategic sourcing, purchase, suppliers & vendor selection, management relationship and negotiations. Improving supply of products and services, cost effectiveness, checking and review contracts, and ensuring that procurement SOP, internal & external processes are adhered to and in place.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement and Suppliers Management

  1. Lead overall procurement processes for material, equipment, systems, etc from Purchase Requisition to delivery to the Company.
  2. Constant monitoring of company purchases, deliveries and spending to determine if goods are defective or not meeting performance demands.
  3. Manage procurement executives throughout the process of determining users’ requirements, evaluating suppliers, conducting interviews with vendors, negotiating supplier agreements and managing supplier and vendor contracts.
  4. Evaluate, register, monitor and review performance of suppliers.
  5. Devise and use fruitful sourcing strategies, discover profitable suppliers, and negotiate with external vendors to secure advantageous terms.
  6. Continuous price/terms negotiations, sourcing better suppliers to assist in developing robust supplier’s portfolio and delivering savings for SSTCM.
  7. Control spending and build a culture of long-term saving on procurement costs. Track and report key functional metrics to reduce expenses and improve effectiveness.
  8. Expect unfavorable events through analysis of data and prepare control strategies.
  9. To prepare and reviewing contracts, proposals, suppliers agreements; for legal correctness, cost effectiveness an acceptability of term and conditions.
  10. Contribute to development and implementation of better/advanced system/softwares/etc, eg. (automated) GRN/invoice validation, management of KPIs, up to date suppliers & quotes database, etc.
  11. To lead and manage staff under Procurement team, to build a competent team, strong cultures of team work and align departmental goals to the Company’s strategic objectives.
  12. Assist to perform any other duties that may be assigned by management from time to time.

Financial, Contract and Risk Management

  1. Monitor and manage expenditure against approved budgets/mandates.
  2. Perform risk management for supply contracts and agreements.
  3. Ensure compliance with all relevant HSSE legislation, QMS & SCM SOP’S, and best practice throughout procurement process.
  4. Ensure partners/ vendors operate with integrity and compliance to regulatory requirements.

Health, Safety, Security & Environment (HSSE)

  1. Responsible to comply and co-operate on company HSSE instruction, rules and regulations.

Disposal Management

  1. To assist in coordinating in managing disposal. Maintain the Disposal Register accordance to Disposal Policies and Process.

Job Requirements

Education

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business Administration, Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
  • Professional procurement certifications (e.g., CIPS, CPSM, CPP, or equivalent) will be an added advantage.

Experience

  • Minimum 5–8 years of procurement experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • At least 2 years of experience in a Senior Procurement Executive, Procurement Supervisor, or equivalent role with exposure to strategic sourcing and supplier management.
  • Experience in chemical manufacturing, specialty chemicals, petrochemicals, oleochemicals, coatings, plastics, or related industries is preferred.
  • Proven experience in supplier negotiations, strategic sourcing, contract management, and cost reduction initiatives

Knowledge & Skills

  • Strong knowledge of procurement and supply chain management principles.
  • Experience managing raw materials, packaging materials, MRO items, and service procurement.
  • Familiarity with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or equivalent.
  • Strong commercial acumen, negotiation, and analytical skills.
  • Good understanding of inventory management and supply risk mitigation.
  • Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
  • Proficiency in Mandarin will be an added advantage to facilitate communication with regional suppliers and business partners.

Personal Attributes

  • Results-oriented and proactive.
  • Demonstrated ability to think strategically, analyse market trends, and develop category or sourcing strategies that support business objectives.
  • Strong business acumen and commercial mindset.
  • High level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
  • Ability to coach, mentor, and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.
  • Adaptable and eager to take on increasing responsibilities within the procurement function.
  • Willingness to travel for supplier visits, business meetings, networking events, and business meals, including occasional engagements outside normal working hours, to foster and maintain strong business relationships.

Assistant Procurement Manager