Category Manager & Aircraft Engineering

Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS); Malaysia; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading multinational conglomerate is seeking a Procurement Manager to strategically optimize procurement for engineering goods and services. You will lead supplier relationships, negotiations, and ensure regulatory compliance while driving value creation. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree, over 7 years of experience, including managerial roles, and strong skills in negotiation and procurement processes. This position is based in Malaysia and offers a challenging yet rewarding environment in the aviation sector.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of working experience, preferably 5 years in Supply Chain Management.
• At least 3 years in a managerial role.
• Proficiency in negotiation and contract management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and optimize procurement strategies for engineering-related goods and services.
• Oversee strategic supplier relationships and negotiations.
• Conduct market analysis to identify cost-savings opportunities.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Supplier relationship management

Procurement process understanding

Change management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Supply Chain Management

Professional certifications (CPSM, CIPS)

Tools

SAP

Ariba

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

Our client is one of the leading multinational conglomerates.

Position Summary

Strategically lead and optimize the procurement of engineering-related goods and services. This role is crucial for ensuring value creation, supplier performance, and alignment with the airline's Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) operations, supporting fleet reliability and regulatory compliance.

Key Accountabilities

• Lead long-term category-specific sourcing strategies for engineering (e.g., components, spare parts, repair services, maintenance tools).
• Conduct market analysis to identify cost-savings opportunities, emerging trends and supplier innovations.
• Drive continuously improve procurement processes through data analysis, best practices, and stakeholder feedback.
• Oversee strategic supplier relationships to ensure compliance with performance and quality standards.
• Lead negotiations, contract development, and establishment of long-term agreements with suppliers.
• Monitor supplier performance through KPIs and regular evaluations, addressing any performance gaps proactively.
• Drive cost savings and value engineering initiatives, leveraging market analysis and procurement best practices.
• Analyze total cost of ownership and integrate insights into sourcing and procurement decisions.
• Optimize procurement strategies to enhance value creation and minimize risks.
• Act as a key partner to business leaders Engineering & maintenance, Finance, and Logistics, to align procurement strategies with operational needs.
• Represent Procurement and operational teams in vendor selection, onboarding new vendors and parts.
• Lead governance of regulatory requirements (e.g., EASA, FAA) and internal policies.
• Identify and mitigate risks in the supply chain risks, including supplier disruptions and non-compliance issues.
• Collaborate with internal teams (Asset Management) for periodic supplier evaluations based on key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Lead formal performance reviews and address any deviations from service-level agreements (SLAs) with suppliers.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Supply Chain Management; professional certifications such as CPSM, CIPS, or equivalent would be advantageous.
• Minimum 7 years of working experience, preferably 5 years in Supply Chain Management (Procurement) with at least 3 years in a managerial role.
• Comprehensive understanding of end-to-end procurement processes, including 7-step sourcing process and supplier lifecycle management.
• Proficiency in SAP, Ariba, and advanced Microsoft Office skills.
• Excellent negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship skills.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated capability in change management, process improvement, and strategic planning.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.