Assistant Purchasing Manager

VAT Group AG; Kampung Sekolah Simpang Ampat; On-site; MYR 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international manufacturer in Malaysia is seeking an Assistant Purchasing Manager to oversee supply chain operations, ensuring supply continuity and cost efficiency. The ideal candidate will manage supplier relationships and contract negotiations, requiring a Bachelor's degree and 5-7 years of Purchasing/Supply Chain experience. Strong communication and analytical skills are needed along with proficiency in English; knowledge of German is a plus. This role offers significant opportunities for career development within a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Benefits

Career and personal development opportunities

Training programs

Equal opportunity employer

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in Purchasing/Supply Chain.
• Strong command of English and local language; German proficiency is an advantage.
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to procurement staff.
• Manage and optimize stock levels.

Skills

Supplier Management

Strong communication skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field

Job description

Innovation, Efficiency and Ambition: this is what VAT has stood for over 50 years.

With this passion, VAT has grown to become the leading international developer, manufacturer and supplier of high-performance high-end vacuum valves and vacuum sealing technology, employing over 2000 people worldwide. The headquarters are located in Haag (Switzerland), the production centers in Switzerland, Malaysia, Romania and Taiwan.

Assistant Purchasing Manager is responsible for close monitoring and running supply chain operations to ensure supply continuity, cost efficiency, and supplier performance. The role oversees supplier forecasting, contract management, and inventory optimization while maintaining high data accuracy and collaborating closely with suppliers, category teams, and key stakeholders. A key focus will be driving Supplier On-Time Delivery and drive supply materials to support overall business and customer needs.

Responsibilities

• Supplier Management: Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, manage supplier performance, and address supply risks, gaps, and escalations.
• Team Leadership & Compliance: Provide coaching and mentoring to procurement staff, and ensure purchase order reviews and procurement activities comply with company policies and procedures.
• Procurement Strategy & Contracts: Develop and implement procurement strategies, partner with category management on supplier frame contracts, and ensure timely updates aligned with forecast changes.
• Inventory & Data Management: Manage and optimize stock levels, establish reorder points for BOM parts, and maintain high integrity in master data (lead times, reorder points, stock types).
• Bachelor’s degree with 5-7 years of experience in Purchasing/ Supply Chain

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong command of English and the local language; proficiency in German is an advantage.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills with a results- and customer-oriented mindset.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Proven ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated project management and stakeholder management skills, with experience leading global initiatives.
• Active contributor to process improvements and cross-divisional procurement projects.
• Ability to learn, adapt and grow in the organization.

VAT is an equal opportunity employer. We see ourselves as a responsible and far-sighted employer that offers not only jobs, but also career and personal development opportunities through various training programs. We recognize the value of employee diversity and provide equal employment opportunity for all qualified application that contributes to innovation, improves customer orientation and employee satisfaction. One-step in this direction is to ensure that people are recognized and fairly compensated for their contributions to the company. In 2021, VAT received the Fair-ON-Pay+ certificate as an acknowledgement for our commitment in ensuring equal pay for equal work between men and women.

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