Category Manager, Indirect Procurement (APAC)

Air Liquide; Selangor; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in gas technologies is seeking a Category Manager for Indirect Procurement in Selangor, Malaysia. This role involves leading strategic sourcing for critical indirect categories across the APAC region, driving commercial improvements, and optimizing substantial spend. The ideal candidate should have 8-10 years of experience in procurement, particularly in Professional Services and Consulting, along with strong negotiation skills and a proven track record in category management. This position promises opportunities for impactful leadership and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of successful experience in Procurement and Category Management within a global environment.
• Strong proven knowledge in Professional Services, Consulting, and Contingent Workforce categories.
• Proven track record of consistent category performance and delivery, along with project management expertise.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement supply chain category models and strategies for APAC.
• Lead the end-to-end strategic sourcing and procurement process.
• Conduct spend analysis and identify commercial and operational opportunities.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Strategy development

Project management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or related field

Tools

Coupa

Job description

Category Manager, Indirect Procurement (APAC)

ALBS is an Air Liquide entity in Kuala Lumpur, regrouping for the APAC scope its Business Service Centers (Kuala Lumpur and Shanghai) as well as the two Global Functions (IT, Digital and Procurement). Designed to derive optimal value by better leveraging technology, people and competencies, the ultimate goal is to boost efficiency and deliver outstanding and sustainable performance while keeping a strong focus on customer centricity. This Organization is striving for excellence, adopting the Best in Class models to deliver value through simplification and standardization of processes, while adhering to Internal controls and compliance requirements.

We are seeking an experienced Indirect Category Manager to lead the strategic sourcing and procurement for critical indirect categories across the entire APAC region. You will manage significant spend, drive commercial/operational improvements, and be accountable for maximizing savings. This role requires strong leadership to manage internal transformations and influence senior stakeholders across multiple countries and functions.

How will you CONTRIBUTE and GROW?

Key Categories

• Professional Services & Consulting
• Contingent Workforce
• Others as assigned

Core Responsibilities

• Develop and implement supply chain category models, strategies, and execution plans across all APAC countries.
• Lead the end-to-end strategic sourcing and procurement process, including market research, supplier selection, contract negotiation, and performance management.
• Conduct deep spend analysis, market analysis, and global benchmarking to identify commercial and operational opportunities.
• Be accountable for optimizing and recording actual savings in line with company guidelines.
• Manage complex relationships with internal stakeholders (including senior management) and external key suppliers.
• Collaborate closely with local country procurement teams to ensure successful project implementation and strategy realization.

Are you a MATCH?

Successful candidate will have:

• 8-10 years of successful experience in Procurement and Category Management within a global environment.
• Strong proven knowledge and direct involvement in Professional Services, Consulting, and Contingent Workforce categories.
• Extensive experience leading and conducting the negotiation of large and complex contracts across technical, commercial, and geographical areas.
• Proven track record of consistent category performance and delivery, along with project management expertise.
• Exceptional ability to connect with, convince, and champion the category's agenda to stakeholders.
• Bachelor's Degree in a related field (e.g., Business Administration, Supply Chain Management).
• Familiarity with procurement management systems such as Coupa is a plus.

About Air Liquide

A world leader in gases, technologies and services for Industry and Health, Air Liquide is present in 78 countries with approximately 64,500 employees and serves more than 3.8 million customers and patients. Oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen are essential small molecules for life, matter and energy. They embody Air Liquide’s scientific territory and have been at the core of the company’s activities since its creation in 1902.

Our Differences make our Performance

At Air Liquide, we are committed to build a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces the diversity of our employees, our customers, patients, community stakeholders and cultures across the world. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified applicants, regardless of their background. We strongly believe a diverse organization opens up opportunities for people to express their talent, both individually and collectively and it helps foster our ability to innovate by living our fundamentals, acting for our success and creating an engaging environment in a changing world.