Global Category Manager

Frencken Mechatronics (M) Sdn. Bhd.; Kota Samarahan; On-site; MYR 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Frencken Mechatronics (M) Sdn. Bhd. is seeking a Category Manager to develop global sourcing and category plans for metalwork, machining, and assembly components.

You will partner with Engineering, Operations and Quality to drive cost competitiveness, supply continuity and supplier performance across regions. The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, at least 5 years in procurement or sourcing with 3 years in category management, and strong negotiation, analytics and ERP (SAP)

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, or engineering required.
• Minimum 5 years procurement or sourcing experience, 3+ years in category management.
• Experience with sheet metal, precision machining, fabrication, and metal components preferred.
• ERP experience (SAP preferred) and strong analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for assigned commodities (sheet metal, machining, raw materials, assemblies).
• Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain to align strategies with objectives.
• Manage strategic supplier relationships through reviews and continuous improvements.
• Lead sourcing activities, supplier selection, negotiations and cost reduction programs.
• Monitor market trends, pricing, supplier capabilities and industry developments.
• Guide regional procurement teams to execute strategies and meet objectives.
• Escalate category-related supplier and supply chain issues when needed.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Supplier management

Contract negotiation

Cost optimization

Supply risk mitigation

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Negotiation skills

Cross-functional work

Project leadership

Education

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

Mechanical/Mechatronics Engineering background preferred

Tools

SAP

Procurement analytics tools

Job description

Who are we?

Frencken Group Limited (FGL) is a Global Integrated Technology Solutions Company focusing on the Aerospace, Analytical, Automotive, Healthcare, Industrial, Industrial Automation, Life sciences and Semiconductor segments. Offering global integrated design, prototyping, NPI, manufacturing and supply chain solutions. Frencken's success is attributed to its technology, operations excellence and employees, and the quality of its leadership.

Frencken believes that people are one of our greatest assets, and that's why we believe in finding the right people and investing in them. The day you decide to join us, you become our partner on a journey filled with creativity and breakthrough innovation.

We are a global integrated technology solutions company that's fully committed to providing complete and integrated one-stop solutions in partnership with our valued customers.

The Frencken Group serves customers in Europe, Asia, and the US through a global network of operating subsidiaries.

The Group offers a comprehensive range of product solutions that span the entire value chain - from initial product design, development and prototyping, to engineering, final test, and series manufacturing.

The comprehensive range of product solutions is enabled by leveraging the capabilities of our strategically located facilities in the Netherlands, Singapore, Malaysia, and China.

Job Summary

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.