Global Category Manager - (Mechanical Strategic Sourcing)

Michael Page; Penang; Hybrid; MYR 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

13th month salary

Flexible benefits

Parking

Medical coverage

Group insurance

Job summary

Michael Page is partnering with a well‑established multinational operating in a technical and regulated environment in Malaysia. The Global Category Manager - Mechanics will define and execute global category strategies for mechanical components, lead sourcing across Asia, and drive cost optimisation.

You will collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Finance on NPI/NPD projects, manage RFQ/RFI/RFP processes, and build strategic supplier relationships to support future manufacturing scale‑up in

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, or related technical discipline.
• 4-8+ years of experience in global procurement, category management or strategic sourcing.
• Solid understanding of mechanical manufacturing processes (machining, sheet metal, casting, forging, surface treatment).
• Experience with should-cost analysis, cost breakdowns, and value-based negotiation.
• Experience with suppliers in Southeast Asia and China.
• Ability to operate independently in a global matrix organisation.

Responsibilities

• Define, implement, and execute the global category strategy for mechanical components and assemblies.
• Lead sourcing and supplier strategy across Asia, with emphasis on Southeast Asia and China.
• Manage RFQ/RFI/RFP processes with Engineering and Quality teams.
• Drive cost optimisation through should-cost modelling and negotiations.
• Develop and maintain strategic supplier relationships for competitiveness and resilience.
• Collaborate with R&D, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Finance on NPI/NPD projects and manufacturability assessments.
• Support supplier readiness and risk mitigation for future manufacturing scale-up in Malaysia.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

RFP/RFQ management

Cost analysis

Supplier management

English fluency

Mandarin proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical discipline

Job description

• Hybrid Arrangement | (3 + 2 Days Work From Home)
• Global MNC | Regional Exposure (APAC/Europe)

About Our Client

A well‑established multinational organisation operating within a technical and regulated industrial environment, with a strong global presence across Asia‑Pacific, Europe, and the Americas. The business supports customers in research‑driven, quality‑critical, and precision‑dependent settings, where reliability, compliance, and consistency are essential.

Job Description

• Define, implement, and execute the global category strategy for mechanical components and assemblies, aligned with business, quality.
• Lead sourcing and supplier strategy across Asia, with particular focus on Southeast Asia and China.
• Manage RFQ/RFI/RFP processes for mechanical parts and assemblies in close collaboration with Engineering and Quality teams.
• Drive cost optimisation through should‑cost modelling, cost breakdown analysis, and fact‑based negotiations.
• Develop and maintain strategic supplier relationships to ensure competitiveness, resilience, and technical capability.
• Partner with R&D, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Finance on NPI/NPD projects, manufacturability assessments, and cost input.
• Support supplier readiness and risk mitigation in preparation for future manufacturing scale‑up in Malaysia.

The Successful Applicant

A successful Global Category Manager - Mechanics should have:

• A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related technical discipline.
• 4-8+ years of experience in global procurement, category management, or strategic sourcing, with strong exposure to mechanical components and assemblies.
• Solid technical understanding of mechanical manufacturing processes such as machining, sheet metal fabrication, casting, forging, and surface treatment.
• Proven experience with should‑cost analysis, cost breakdowns, and value‑based negotiation.
• Experience working with suppliers in Southeast Asia and China.
• Ability to operate independently in a global, matrix organisation as a senior individual contributor.
• Excellent communication skills in English; Mandarin proficiency (spoken, read, written) is mandatory.
• Hands‑on, analytical, and commercially minded, with strong ownership and accountability.

What's on Offer

• Competitive Salary package
• 13 Months Salary Package (Fixed Bonus)
• Annual Flexible Benefits Allowance.
• Fully claimable parking.
• Outpatient medical coverage (employee).
• Comprehensive medical coverage, and hospitalisation benefits.
• Group insurance coverage, including life and personal protection.
• Exposure to global stakeholders and strategic procurement initiatives.
• Permanent position offering stability and career growth opportunities.

If you are a technically strong procurement professional who enjoys combining engineering insight with strategic sourcing at global scale, this is an excellent opportunity to take on a visible and impactful role within an international organisation!