Procurement Manager, Southeast Asia

ZEISS Group; Petaling Jaya; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

ZEISS Group in Malaysia is seeking an experienced Procurement Manager to lead sourcing strategies, supplier management, and procurement operations, ensuring cost-effectiveness and timely delivery of goods. The role focuses on supplier relations, negotiations, vendor performance, and contract management across regional stakeholders in APAC, aligning with governance and compliance.

Strong leadership and communication are essential to drive continuous improvement, risk management, and growth within

Qualifications

• Experience in procurement management and vendor risk mitigation.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams across Southeast Asia.
• Knowledge of corporate governance and compliance requirements.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement procurement strategies and workflows.
• Develop vendor selection and evaluation criteria.
• Endorse and manage long-term vendor contracts.
• Devise formal bidding processes for vendor management.
• Monitor vendor and process efficiency to optimize sourcing.
• Oversee procurement budget and forecast variances.
• Define KPIs and monitor performance against targets.
• Identify and mitigate procurement risks.
• Drive time, cost, and quality improvements.
• Oversee procurement improvement initiatives.
• Mentor and develop procurement team members.
• Engage internal and external stakeholders and negotiate terms.
• Analyze market trends and forecast inventory needs.

Skills

Procurement

Risk Management

Project Management

Leadership

Stakeholder Engagement

Job description

Purpose of this position / Position summary :

The manager oversees sourcing strategies, supplier management, and procurement operations to ensure cost-effective and timely acquisition of goods and services. This role focuses on optimizing supplier relation ships, driving efficiency, and ensuring compliance with company policies and industry standards. Additionally, the manager establishes procurement plans and processes to support business, ensuring timely delivery of materials and services. With strong communication and negotiation skills, the role involves selecting vendors, fostering relationships, and managing vendor performance and contracts while collaborating with legal and other stakeholders.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Procurement Strategy and Compliance

• Design and implement procurement strategies and workflows to govern sourcing and purchasing activities.
• Formulate procurement policies to ensure compliance with regulatory, safety, and quality requirements.
• Develop corporate governance measures and audit procedures to minimize procurement risks.
• Review audits on trade documentation and contract terms to reduce procurement risks.
• Develop vendor selection and evaluation workflows and criteria.
• Establish new vendor relationships and explore potential collaborations.
• Endorse and manage long-term vendor contracts for complex or high-value products and services.
• Devise formal bidding processes to facilitate vendor management.
• Monitor vendor and process efficiency to optimize sourcing strategies

3.Budget and Performance Management

• Oversee the procurement budget and financial inflow/outflow against allocated forecasts.
• Develop procurement targets and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) across teams to meet business goals.
• Monitor procurement performance to cut costs, alleviate risks, and drive continuous process improvements.
• Analyze financial implications of business strategies to the department.
• Validate risk management plans and controls to ensure compliance with the organization's risk management framework.
• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate procurement risks.

5. Continuous Improvement and Change Management

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives for time, cost, and quality enhancements.
• Oversee implementation of procurement improvement initiatives.

6. Team Leadership and Development

• Mentor and manage a team of procurement specialist.
• Manage subordinates' professional and career development.
• Collaborate with senior management to identify growth opportunities and define project objectives.

7. Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders (SSC) and external stakeholders (Global and APAC Business Segments), including local partners, government agencies, and key clients.
• Participate in negotiations with key internal and external stakeholders.

8. Market Analysis and Sourcing Optimization

• Assess market trends and developments to optimize sourcing strategies.
• Forecast materials and equipment inventory needs based on organizational business needs.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) :

• Cost savings achieved through procurement optimization.
• Vendor performance and efficiency metrics.
• Compliance with regulatory and quality standards.
• Achievement of procurement targets and organizational goals.
• Team performance and professional development milestones.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 – 7 years of Procurement Experience, preferably in Southeast Asia Region
• Managed a small team (preferred)

Knowledge / Skills / Other characteristics:

• Expertise in Procurement and Risk Management:
• Project Management in Dynamic Environments:
• Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement:
• Innovation and Change Management:

Proven experience in procurement management, vendor relations, and risk mitigation, with a strong understanding of corporate governance and compliance requirements.

Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi disciplinary projects in fast-paced and ambiguous settings, ensuring timely and effective delivery of objectives.

Strong leadership skills to inspire and motivate teams, while effectively managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders to drive collaboration and achieve organizational goals.

Results-driven approach to implementing change management initiatives, fostering innovation, and continuously improving processes to meet evolving business needs.

Ability to analyze financial data and develop strategic plans. Knowledge of emerging Asian markets and related challenges is a plus