IT Procurement Manager – Infrastrure sourcing

Oliver James Associates Ltd.; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Oliver James Associates Ltd. is seeking an experienced IT Procurement Manager to lead strategic sourcing for IT infrastructure across APAC from Kuala Lumpur.

The role reports to the Head of Procurement and involves collaboration with regional IT stakeholders to shape sourcing strategies for Network, Cloud, Datacentre, Middleware, and Cybersecurity initiatives. You will manage end-to-end procurement projects, drive savings, and ensure compliance with governance and security standards, with a

Qualifications

• 10+ years of IT procurement experience across APAC regions with focus on tech infrastructure and global vendors.
• Mandarin, Cantonese and English language capabilities for regional engagement.
• Strong vendor management, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience with SaaS, Cloud, Datacentre, Middleware, and Cybersecurity procurements.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end strategic procurement projects for IT infrastructure across APAC.
• Develop tiered sourcing strategies to cover large markets and expanding SEA regions.
• Apply total cost of ownership considerations to optimize ongoing support and maintenance.
• Engage with regional IT stakeholders to align business needs with sourcing strategies.
• Execute procurement strategies, negotiate terms, and manage contract awards, including e-sourcing and e-auctions.
• Develop quarterly category plans and conduct market research on infrastructure sub-categories.
• Ensure compliance with governance, security requirements, and legal standards.

Job description

Brief description/Overview

An exciting opportunity for a seasoned IT Procurement Manager to join a leading multinational retail group on an initial 12-month contract (with an option to convert to permanent) based in Kuala Lumpur. You will spearhead strategic sourcing for IT Infrastructure across APAC, covering Network, Cloud, Datacentre, Middleware, and Cybersecurity.

About the Company

Our client is a leading, multi-brand Asian retailer operating across six key divisions, including food, convenience, health and beauty, and home furnishings. With over 11,000 outlets, 200,000 employees, and annual revenues exceeding US$26 billion, they are dedicated to delivering quality and value to consumers, supported by highly efficient supply chains. They are currently undergoing a major transformational program within their Non-Trade Procurement division to modernize and centralize strategic contracts across their extensive market footprint.

The Role

Reporting to the Head of Procurement, the Procurement Manager will support Group IT in driving strategic procurement initiatives for Tech Infrastructure across the organization. You will collaborate closely with regional IT stakeholders across Asia to develop and execute sourcing strategies and RFXs for Network, Cloud Computing, Datacentre, Middleware, and Cyber Security solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage end-to-end strategic procurement projects, delivering a savings plan for medium to high-complexity procurements.
• Develop a tiered sourcing strategy covering large established markets and expanding Southeast Asia markets, ensuring buy-in from senior IT and business stakeholders.
• Apply a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) approach and anticipate the implications related to ongoing support and maintenance optimization.
• Engage closely with multiple stakeholders across APAC to ascertain business needs, identify risks, and gather internal spending and supplier performance data.
• Execute appropriate procurement strategies, negotiate contract terms, launch initiatives via e-Sourcing tools (including e-Auctions), and manage contract awards.
• Develop quarterly category plans, conduct market research on Infrastructure sub-categories, and review business cases.
• Ensure compliance with corporate governance, security requirements (e.g., Cyber Security), and legal standards.

Key Requirements

• 10+ years of dedicated IT procurement experience for wider APAC regiona with focus on Mainland China region
• Mandarin, Cantonese and English language capabilities
• Strong specific exposure to Tech Infrastructure sourcing, including SaaS, Cloud, Datacentre, and Cybersecurity.
• Proven track record supporting multinational organizations across multiple markets, ideally within the APAC region.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to engage senior leadership and implement sourcing strategy capabilities.
• Strong analytical and numeracy skills to analyze spend data, evaluate vendor ecosystems, and apply functional design-to-cost principles.
• Highly proactive, self-motivated, and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• CIPS membership is highly advantageous.