Head of Localization (Automotive)

SAIC Motor Malaysia Sdn Bhd; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC Motor Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. is seeking a Head of Localization to drive CKD sourcing and end-to-end localization for vehicle components.

You will lead strategic sourcing, cost optimization, supplier development, and localization initiatives to strengthen the manufacturing cost competitiveness and supply chain capabilities. The role reports to the Managing Director and collaborates with SAIC headquarters, suppliers and internal teams to ensure cost-effective sourcing, timely component

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field with significant industry exposure.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant automotive procurement, localization, or supply chain experience.
• Proven track record in strategic sourcing, cost reduction and supplier development.
• Strong knowledge of CKD/KD components, localization, and supplier management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for CKD components including import and local sources.
• Lead end-to-end sourcing activities: supplier identification, evaluation, negotiation and implementation.
• Create localization roadmaps and manage localization projects from concept to implementation.
• Drive cost reduction through cost analyses, benchmarking, and VAVE initiatives.
• Coordinate with SAIC headquarters and local teams to align component sourcing with production needs.
• Monitor supplier performance, manage supplier risk, and ensure on-time component availability.

Skills

Strategic Sourcing

Localization

Supplier Development

Cost Optimization

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Automotive Technology

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

ERP Systems

Job description

The Head of Localization is responsible for driving SAIC Motor Malaysia's end-to-end sourcing and localization of Completely Knocked Down (CKD) vehicle components, including both imported and locally sourced components.

The role will lead strategic sourcing, cost optimization, supplier development and localization initiatives to enhance manufacturing cost competitiveness and strengthen the Company's supply chain capabilities.

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, the Localization Manager will work closely with SAIC headquarters, suppliers and internal functional teams to ensure cost-effective sourcing, timely component availability and successful implementation of CKD localization projects.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Sourcing & CKD Component Management

Develop and implement sourcing strategies for imported and locally sourced CKD components in alignment with the Company's manufacturing and business objectives.

Manage end-to-end sourcing activities, including supplier identification, evaluation, selection, commercial negotiation and sourcing implementation.

Develop sourcing plans for existing and new vehicle models to achieve competitive costs, supply reliability and production readiness.

Evaluate local and overseas sourcing alternatives based on cost, quality, technical requirements, production capacity and delivery performance.

Work closely with SAIC headquarters to align sourcing strategies, supplier selection and component requirements.

2. Localization Strategy & Implementation

Develop and execute the Company's CKD component localization strategy, roadmap and implementation plans.

Identify suitable imported components for localization through technical, commercial and feasibility assessments.

Establish localization targets, project timelines and supplier development plans in alignment with the Company's manufacturing requirements.

Lead localization projects from supplier identification and evaluation through component validation coordination, approval and implementation.

Drive the transition from imported components to approved locally sourced alternatives while maintaining cost competitiveness, quality standards and production continuity.

3. Cost Optimization & Commercial Management

Develop and implement cost-reduction strategies for imported and locally sourced CKD components.

Lead supplier price negotiations, cost evaluations and commercial reviews to achieve competitive and sustainable sourcing costs.

Conduct cost breakdown analysis, price benchmarking and total landed cost comparisons to identify cost-saving opportunities.

Work with Engineering, Manufacturing and Quality teams on Value Analysis and Value Engineering (VAVE) initiatives to optimize component costs without compromising quality and performance.

Monitor cost-reduction achievements against approved targets and identify continuous improvement opportunities.

Identify, evaluate and develop local and international suppliers capable of meeting the Company's technical, quality, cost, capacity and delivery requirements.

Coordinate supplier assessments, technical evaluations, factory audits and qualification activities with the relevant functional teams.

Develop and maintain a competitive and reliable supplier network to support CKD manufacturing and future vehicle programmes.

Monitor supplier performance and drive improvement initiatives covering cost, quality, production capacity and delivery reliability.

Identify potential supply risks and develop alternative sourcing solutions to ensure supply continuity.

5. CKD Component Purchasing & Supply Coordination

Manage sourcing and purchasing requirements for imported and locally sourced CKD components.

Raise and submit purchase requisitions and coordinate the timely issuance of purchase orders in accordance with the Company's approved purchasing procedures.

Coordinate with suppliers and relevant internal departments to ensure timely order fulfilment and component availability.

Resolve sourcing, pricing, supplier and purchasing-related issues to support uninterrupted CKD manufacturing operations.

Maintain accurate sourcing and purchasing records, including supplier information, pricing agreements and relevant supporting documentation.

Work closely with SAIC headquarters, KD Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality and Supply Chain Management to align component sourcing with production requirements.

Coordinate component sampling, testing, technical validation and approval with the relevant functional teams.

Ensure supplier readiness and timely implementation of sourced components to support existing and new vehicle production schedules.

Identify and resolve sourcing and localization-related issues affecting production readiness, component availability and cost competitiveness.

7. Strategic Coordination & Management Reporting

Act as the key liaison between SAIC headquarters, local and overseas suppliers, and internal functional teams on CKD component sourcing and localization matters.

Coordinate with relevant government agencies and industry stakeholders on localization requirements and applicable automotive industry initiatives.

Monitor sourcing performance, localization progress, cost savings, supplier development and project implementation.

Prepare business cases, cost-benefit analyses and recommendations to support management decisions.

Provide regular updates to the Managing Director and escalates significant sourcing, localization and supplier-related issues requiring management decisions.

Undertake other related assignments as directed by the Managing Director.

Job Requirements

Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Engineering, Automotive Technology or a related discipline. Candidates with other qualifications and substantial relevant industry experience may also be considered.

Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in the automotive industry, with substantial hands-on experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, localization, cost optimization or supplier development.

Proven experience in end-to-end automotive component sourcing, preferably within an automotive OEM or CKD manufacturing environment.

Strong knowledge of automotive components, manufacturing processes, supplier capabilities and the Malaysian automotive supply chain.

Demonstrated experience in supplier selection, commercial negotiation, cost reduction and supplier development.

Experience in managing both imported and locally sourced automotive components.

Experience working with international automotive manufacturers or overseas headquarters would be an advantage.

Knowledge & Skills

Strong understanding of automotive component sourcing, localization, supplier development and procurement best practices.

Strong commercial acumen, with experience in cost analysis, target costing, price negotiation and cost optimization.

Good understanding of automotive quality requirements, component validation and production readiness processes.

Knowledge of VAVE, cost benchmarking and continuous improvement methodologies.

Strong project management, negotiation, problem-solving and stakeholder management skills.

Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.

Proficiency in spoken and written English, Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese is required to communicate effectively with local suppliers and SAIC headquarters.

Personal Attributes

Strategic thinker with a hands-on and results-oriented approach.

Strong commercial mindset with the ability to identify and deliver sustainable cost-saving opportunities.

Proactive and resourceful, with strong ownership and accountability.

Able to work independently, manage multiple priorities and drive projects from planning through implementation.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across functional teams and management levels.

Willing to travel between Kuala Lumpur, Melaka and supplier facilities as required.

SAIC Motor Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. is an international subsidiary company of SAIC Motor and the official distributor of MG cars in Malaysia.

SAIC Motor Malaysia plays a key role in handling distribution, sales and marketing, and after sales services.

SAIC Motor Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. is an international subsidiary company of SAIC Motor and the official distributor of MG cars in Malaysia.

SAIC Motor Malaysia plays a key role in handling distribution, sales and marketing, and after sales services.