Lead Category Manager, Procurement

SanDisk; Batu Kawan; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Sandisk in Malaysia seeks a Lead Category Manager for Procurement to manage indirect material sourcing, supplier relations, and contract governance across sites in Penang. You will drive negotiations, PO processing, and supplier performance, while ensuring compliance with company policies and continuous improvement across the procurement lifecycle.

The role requires a strong background in sourcing, negotiation, and supplier management, with experience in ERP/procurement software.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; an associate or bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field is a plus.
• 8+ years of experience in sourcing and purchasing roles.
• Strong negotiation, supplier management, and contract administration skills.

Responsibilities

• Sourcing and negotiation: strategic sourcing and supplier negotiation skills.
• Supplier & performance management: own strategic supplier relationships and conduct business reviews.
• Contract & governance management: ensure contracts reflect pricing and terms; collaborate with Legal to improve processes.
• Purchase order processing: create and manage POs from requisitions with accurate details.
• Vendor communication: confirm orders, delivery times, and resolve issues.
• Invoice verification: coordinate with finance to match invoices to POs and resolve discrepancies.
• Administrative support: assist with reports and supplier documentation.
• Compliance and policy adherence: ensure purchasing follows company policies and regulations.
• Continuous improvement: identify process improvements and participate in training.

Skills

Attention to detail

Procurement process

Communication

MS Office

ERP experience

Team player

English & Mandarin

Education

High school diploma

Associate/Bachelor in Business or Supply Chain

Tools

ERP software

Procurement systems

Job description

General Information

Job Name

Lead Category Manager, Procurement

Country/Region

Malaysia

State

Pulau Pinang (Penang)

City

Batu Kawan

Work Location

Penang SDSM Office

Work Mode

Employees work on-site

Exemption Status

Exempt

Business Function

Strategic Sourcing

Employment Type

Full-time

Sandisk understands how people and businesses consume data and we relentlessly innovate to deliver solutions that enable today’s needs and tomorrow’s next big ideas. With a rich history of groundbreaking innovations in Flash and advanced memory technologies, our solutions have become the beating heart of the digital world we’re living in and that we have the power to shape.

Sandisk meets people and businesses at the intersection of their aspirations and the moment, enabling them to keep moving and pushing possibility forward. We do this through the balance of our powerhouse manufacturing capabilities and our industry-leading portfolio of products that are recognized globally for innovation, performance and quality.

Sandisk has two facilities recognized by the World Economic Forum as part of the Global Lighthouse Network for advanced 4IR innovations. These facilities were also recognized as Sustainability Lighthouses for breakthroughs in efficient operations. With our global reach, we ensure the global supply chain has access to the Flash memory it needs to keep our world moving forward.

Description

This role is responsible for Indirect Material sourcing activities, negotiations, supplier management, purchase order processing, contract administration and ensuring timely delivery of goods and services covering sites at China, Korea & Taiwan. Senior Category Manager to partner with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure timely procurement of indirect materials and services while balancing cost, quality, service, and supply continuity. This role ensures that both sourcing & purchasing activities are processed efficiently, accurately, and in alignment with company policies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Sourcing and Negotiation skills:

• Strategic sourcing and supplier negotiation skills
• Effective purchasing negotiation combines market intelligence, structured preparation, disciplined trade-offs, and strong stakeholder alignment to deliver sustainable value while managing commercial, legal, and operational risk.

Supplier & Performance Management:

• Own strategic supplier relationships, driving accountability for cost, service levels, innovation, and contractual compliance
• Lead quarterly and annual business reviewswith key suppliers to assess performance, risks, and continuous improvement opportunities
• Manage supplier escalations, dispute resolution, and corrective action plans as needed
• Drive supplier rationalization and entitlement strategiestoreduce complexity and maximize leverage

Contract & Governance Management:

• Ensure contracts accurately reflect negotiated pricing, commercial terms, deliverables, and risk protections
• Partner with Legal to standardize and improve sourcing and contract lifecycle processes, templates, and governance models

Purchase Order Processing:

• Create and process purchase orders (POs) based on approved requisitions and ensure accuracy in details such as quantity, pricing, and delivery terms.
• Submit POs to suppliers and follow up on confirmation and delivery schedules.
• Ensure timely and accurate updates in procurement software or ERP systems.

Vendor Communication:

• Communicate with suppliers to confirm orders, delivery times, and product availability.
• Resolve any basic issues related to orders, including delivery delays, invoice discrepancies, and item shortages.
• Maintain professional and positive relationships with vendors.

Invoice Verification:

• Work with the finance and accounts payable teams to verify that supplier invoices match purchase orders and resolve any discrepancies.
• Ensure timely processing of invoices for payment to suppliers.

Administrative Support:

• Provide general administrative support to the purchasing department, including filing, responding to inquiries, and assisting with supplier documentation.
• Assist with preparing reports on procurement activities such as open orders, delivery schedules, and purchase spend.

Compliance and Policy Adherence:

• Ensure all purchasing activities comply with company policies and procedures.
• Support the team in ensuring that purchasing follows ethical standards and regulations.

Continuous Improvement:

• Identify areas where the purchasing process can be streamlined and suggest improvements.
• Participate in training sessions to improve procurement knowledge and skills.

Qualifications

Required:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent. An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field is a plus.
• Experience: 8+years of experience in sourcing & purchasing role.

Skills

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Strong understanding of procurement processes and terms is preferred.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and basic experience with ERP or procurement software is an advantage.
• Ability to work well in a team and manage multiple tasks.
• Good command of spokenand written English & Mandarin

Notice to Candidates

Sandisk thrives on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company, we believe the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees, our company, our customers, and the world around us. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect and contribution.

Sandisk is committed to offering opportunities to applicants with disabilities and ensuring all candidates can successfully navigate our careers website and our hiring process. Please contact us at [e-mail] to advise us of your accommodation request. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

Additional Information

Sandisk thrives on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company, we believe the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees, our company, our customers, and the world around us. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect and contribution.

Sandisk is committed to offering opportunities to applicants with disabilities and ensuring all candidates can successfully navigate our careers website and our hiring process. Please contact us at [e-mail] to advise us of your accommodation request. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.