Global Category Manager

Frencken Europe B.V.; Selangor; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Frencken Europe B.V. is seeking a Category Manager to lead global sourcing and category strategies across metals, machining, raw materials and assemblies. You will partner with Engineering, Operations and Quality to align procurement with business goals and drive cost reduction, supplier performance and risk mitigation.

You’ll manage supplier relationships, lead negotiations, monitor market trends, and guide regional teams in executing strategies within a multinational manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Meets minimum 5 years procurement or sourcing experience with at least 3 years in Category Management in a multinational manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience managing global or regional spend in metals, machining, fabrication, metal components, and assemblies.
• Strong experience in strategic sourcing, supplier management, contract negotiation, cost optimization, and risk mitigation.
• Good understanding of manufacturing processes including sheet metal fabrication and machining.
• Experience leading cross-functional and cross-regional projects in a matrix organization.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Communication

Negotiation

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business/Engineering/Supply Chain

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

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.

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.

Careers at Frencken

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.

Explore your career with us today.