Position overview

Responsibilities

• Oversee indirect procurement in Malaysia, focusing on packaging and logistics categories, sourcing materials such as steel drums, pallets, PE bags, IBCs, and logistics goods and services.
• Provide commercial analysis and data for regional ocean tenders and collaborate with the Regional Indirect Manager to support strategic sourcing decisions.
• Regularly conduct research on route development trends, freight rate fluctuations, and market competition. Update internal and external stakeholders on ocean shipping market conditions and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Manage indirect spend in Malaysia, ensuring reliable supply at the lowest total cost of ownership (TCO). Coordinate with toll traders on tail-end raw materials and develop strong partnerships with key suppliers to ensure performance meets agreed-upon KPIs and continuous improvement plans.
• Work closely with other departments to support initiatives aimed at improving efficiency, productivity, and profitability. Present findings and recommendations to management, ensuring alignment with company goals.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for key indirect goods and services in the region, ensuring compliance with the purchasing process, including RFIs/RFQs and bidding summaries. Seek synergies across functions and regions.
• Optimize TCO by managing cost-saving initiatives and operating working capital (OWC) reduction programs, ensuring that Malaysia’s cost reduction targets are met.
• Provide clear and consistent reporting on cost development and procurement performance to stakeholders.

Required skills and experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in strategic purchasing and sourcing in a manufacturing, logistics, or freight forwarding environment
• Fluent in English
• Strong understanding of indirect procurement, particularly in packaging and logistics categories
• Knowledge of sourcing processes (RFIs, RFQs, bidding)
• Strong data analysis skills, with experience in freight rate fluctuations, route development trends, and market research
• Proven experience in working with cross-functional teams
• Familiarity with ocean shipping market conditions and the ability to adjust strategies based on market competition
• Strong presentation skills
• Ability to manage both internal and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment on procurement strategies and market conditions
• Hands on experience in SAP is an added advantage

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Economics, Business Administration, Engineering, or equivalent

We offer