Senior Category Manager

Wilhelmsen Ship Management; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A global maritime management company based in Kuala Lumpur is seeking an experienced Procurement Lead to drive strategic sourcing initiatives and manage supplier relationships. The ideal candidate should have over 10 years of experience in procurement, including 5 years in a senior role, combined with strong financial and commercial acumen. Responsibilities include leading teams, analyzing spend data, and negotiating contracts. Join us for a collaborative work environment focused on innovative solutions.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

Collaborative work environment

Work-life balance

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in Procurement or Supply Chain Management.
• At least 5 years in a senior Category Management or equivalent leadership role.
• Solid understanding of the marine industry.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor teams for procurement spend reviews.
• Analyze spend data to identify savings opportunities.
• Strategically negotiate volume rebates with suppliers.

Skills

Procurement management

Data analysis

Financial acumen

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business

Supply Chain Management or Maritime Studies

Tools

Power BI

SharePoint

ERP platforms

Job description

Wilhelmsen Ship Management is one of the world’s largest third‑party ship managers originating from Oslo, Norway with a portfolio of more than 450 vessels, a pool of more than 14,000 seafarers and over 900 shore‑based employees all over the world. Our employees are working with a comprehensive global maritime group providing over half of the merchant fleet with essential products and services, along with supplying crew and technical management to the largest and most complex vessels ever to sail.

We offer a culture and vibrant work environment of strong leadership, collaborative, career development, work‑life balance and a job that is both challenging and stimulating. All team members are empowered with the freedom to influence each other as long it complies with our Company’s values and vision.

What You'll Responsible For:

Leadership & Governance

• Lead and mentor multi‑disciplinary teams to undertake procurement spend reviews and make recommendations.
• Act as a Project Manager where necessary to drive cross‑functional improvements, identifying opportunities to optimize processes, leading the execution of digital initiatives and strategic sourcing rollouts.
• Always demonstrate the highest standards of propriety and governance.
• Prioritize and manage tasks, projects and forward workload.
• Identify areas for improvement and challenge colleagues to implement framework agreements.

Performance Management & Procedures

• Lead and accountable for the management of all procurement categories, segmenting spend into areas of related products to unlock consolidation and efficiency.
• Analyze spend data to identify opportunities for tangible savings, increased efficiency, and quality improvements.
• Ensure operational compliance with the company’s purchase agreements and standard operating procedures across the global fleet.
• Drive a "value for money" culture through regular benchmarking exercises and by continuously challenging existing price structures.
• Foster close collaborative interpersonal relationships with colleagues.
• Strategically negotiate volume rebate within frame agreements to maximize benefits for WSM and our clients.
• Ensure the timely and correct collection of volume rebates from suppliers in accordance with contractual milestones.
• Manage the transparent redistribution of collected rebates to Clients, ensuring all transactions align with management agreements and RightProc’s commitment to integrity.
• Maintain records of rebate accruals and payouts to support internal and external audits, ensuring zero discrepancies in client accounts.
• Build and maintain relationships with key maritime suppliers worldwide, moving beyond transactional buying to true strategic partnerships.
• Conduct regular business reviews and improvement programs to ensure our supply partners are performing at peak efficiency.
• Focus on "win‑win" outcomes that benefit both our partners and the WSM.

What Experience and Skills Required:

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in Procurement or Supply Chain Management, including at least 5 years in a senior Category Management or equivalent leadership role.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, with in‑depth knowledge of rebate structures, credit terms, and client accounting methodologies.
• Solid understanding of the marine industry, including key market drivers, technical requirements, supplier ecosystems, and competitive landscapes.
• Demonstrated success in strategic sourcing, contract law, and complex, high‑value negotiations.
• Advanced capability in procurement data analysis and business systems, including tools such as Power BI, SharePoint, and ERP platforms.
• Good awareness of the ESG landscape, particularly as it relates to maritime operations and procurement practices.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Maritime Studies, or a related discipline.

*Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

Become a valued member of our team, where every day presents new opportunities for learning and development. Sound interesting? Click "APPLY" now to embark on a rewarding career journey!

Please note that all positions at Wilhelmsen are subject to reference and ID checks. For certain roles, additional background screening may be required.