Country Procurement Lead — Mandarin, Strategy & Savings

Novartis AG; Selangor; On-site; MYR 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis AG in Malaysia seeks a Country Procurement Manager to lead procurement strategies, optimize costs and manage stakeholder relationships across divisions and suppliers. You will implement global priorities at country level and drive productivity, compliance, and value delivery.

Holders should have 3–5 years in procurement or category management within a multinational, with Mandarin fluency for regional interactions and a track record of cost optimization and supplier negotiations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, HR, Organizational Development, or related field.
• Fluency in Mandarin required for regional/global stakeholder interactions.
• 3–5 years of experience in procurement or category management in a multinational or complex organization.
• Strong experience in procurement/category management, with exposure to commercial categories preferred.
• Proven track record of delivering cost optimization, sourcing execution, and measurable savings.
• Demonstrated success in supplier negotiations, contracting, and ongoing supplier relationship management.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders across functions.
• Experience leading or supporting transformation/change in dynamic environments.

Responsibilities

• Deliver Procurement Strategy Execution: Implement country/cluster procurement strategies aligned with global priorities and business goals.
• Drive Cost Efficiency & Productivity: Own and deliver cost savings, productivity improvements, and payment term enhancements within the scope.
• Ensure Procurement Compliance: Maintain high standards of PO compliance, contract compliance, and adherence to procurement processes and systems.
• Lead End-to-End Procurement Operations: Oversee the full procurement lifecycle, ensuring seamless execution, policy adherence, and integration with capability centers.
• Manage Stakeholder Relationships: Build strong partnerships with business stakeholders, act as a trusted advisor, and align procurement initiatives to business needs.
• Enable Strategic Supplier Management: Develop and manage key supplier relationships to drive value, innovation, and cost-effectiveness.
• Execute Supplier Strategy Locally: Implement global/regional supplier strategies, including contract execution, supplier onboarding, and tail spend management.
• Drive Communication & Collaboration: Ensure effective communication across procurement functions and promote alignment.

Skills

Mandarin

Procurement experience

Category management

Stakeholder influence

Cost optimization

Supplier negotiations

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Novartis AG in Malaysia seeks a Country Procurement Manager to lead procurement strategies, optimize costs and manage stakeholder relationships across divisions and suppliers. You will implement global priorities at country level and drive productivity, compliance, and value delivery.

Holders should have 3–5 years in procurement or category management within a multinational, with Mandarin fluency for regional interactions and a track record of cost optimization and supplier negotiations.