Global Category Manager

Frencken; George Town; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Frencken is seeking a Category Manager to develop and execute global sourcing strategies for assigned commodities. You will drive cost competitiveness, supply continuity, and supplier performance across regions, partnering with stakeholders and strategic suppliers.

You will lead sourcing, negotiations, and risk management, while guiding regional procurement teams and monitoring market trends to support strategic decisions in a multinational manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in business, supply chain, or engineering.
• 5+ years in procurement or sourcing, with 3+ years in category management.
• Experience managing global or regional spend in metals, machining, and assemblies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for assigned commodities.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, quality, and supply chain teams.
• Manage supplier relationships through performance reviews and improvements.
• Lead sourcing activities, supplier selection, and contract negotiations.
• Monitor market trends, pricing, supplier capabilities, and risks.
• Guide regional teams to execute strategies and meet objectives.

Skills

Procurement strategy

Supplier management

Contract negotiations

Cost optimization

Risk mitigation

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or related discipline

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Procurement analytics tools

Job description

The Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing global sourcing and category management strategies for assigned commodities to ensure cost competitiveness, supply continuity, quality improvement, and supplier performance. The role works closely with global stakeholders, regional procurement teams, and strategic suppliers to drive procurement excellence, risk mitigation, and long-term business value for the Frencken Group.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for assigned commodities, including sheet metal, precision machining, raw materials, surface treatment, and mechanical assemblies.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and other stakeholders to align procurement strategies with business objectives.
• Manage strategic supplier relationships through supplier performance reviews, business reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead sourcing activities, supplier selection, contract negotiations, cost reduction initiatives, and supply risk management programs.
• Monitor market trends, commodity pricing, supplier capabilities, and industry developments to support strategic decision-making.
• Guide regional procurement teams in executing category strategies and achieving procurement objectives.
• Act as the escalation point for category-related supplier and supply chain issues.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related discipline. Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Mechatronics Engineering background is preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of procurement or sourcing experience, including at least 3 years in Category Management within a multinational manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience managing global or regional spend in sheet metal, precision machining, fabrication, metal components, and mechanical assemblies.
• Strong experience in strategic sourcing, supplier management, contract negotiation, cost optimization, and supply risk mitigation.
• Good understanding of manufacturing processes, including sheet metal fabrication, precision machining, surface treatment, and metal raw materials.
• Strong analytical, stakeholder management, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP preferred), Microsoft Office, and procurement analytics tools.
• Experience leading cross-functional and cross-regional projects within a matrix organization.
• Ability to engage and influence stakeholders, suppliers, and senior leadership in a global business environment.