Category Manager

Reeracoen Recruitment; Ampang Jaya Municipal Council; On-site; MYR 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Category Manager for sourcing Japanese and Halal-certified food products in Malaysia. The successful candidate will develop procurement strategies, manage supplier relationships, and ensure product compliance with halal standards. Regular travel to ASEAN and occasional trips to Japan are part of the role. Ideal candidates should have experience in food product procurement and a strong understanding of Halal certification requirements.

Qualifications

• Experience in sourcing and procurement for food products, preferably in a cross-cultural context.
• Knowledge of Halal certification and food safety standards.
• Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for Japanese-inspired and Halal-certified food products across Malaysia and ASEAN.
• Identify and negotiate with suppliers for cost-effective procurement.
• Ensure products meet Halal certification and regulatory standards.

Job description

As the Category Manager will lead sourcing and procurement strategies for Japanese and Asian food products, with a focus on Halal-certified items. This role involves expanding the company’s global portfolio, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring products meet both local and international market requirements. The position requires collaboration with regional teams and Japanese HQ.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for Japanese-inspired and Halal-certified food products across Malaysia, ASEAN, China, and Taiwan.
• Identify, evaluate, and negotiate with suppliers to ensure cost-effective, high-quality procurement.
• Ensure all products comply with Halal certification and international regulatory standards.
• Provide customer insights and develop value-added products to support business growth.
• Build and maintain strategic, long-term supplier relationships to drive quality, innovation, and reliability.
• Monitor market trends, category performance, and emerging product opportunities to guide portfolio development.
• Collaborate with Japan HQ and regional offices to align procurement strategy and execution.

Business Trip

• Travel regularly across ASEAN, China and Taiwan to source the products and audit suppliers.
• Occasional travel to Japan for strategic alignment and collaboration with HQ stakeholders.