Senior Executive Purchasing - Direct Material (Manufacturing)

Ambition; Kajang; On-site; MYR 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Ambition in Malaysia is seeking a Senior Purchasing Executive to lead direct materials procurement, drive cost savings, and manage supplier relationships. The role requires 5+ years in manufacturing, strong negotiation, budget oversight, and team leadership of 3–4 staff.

Proficiency with ERP and Excel is essential; Mandarin is a plus. You will oversee a regional supplier portfolio, coordinate with production, and implement continuous improvement in purchasing processes to optimize cost and

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree and 5+ years of purchasing/procurement in a manufacturing setting.
• Strong direct material sourcing and supplier management experience.
• Proven track record in cost reduction, negotiation, and budget oversight.
• Experience managing local and overseas suppliers is preferred.
• Team leadership or supervisory experience is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end procurement activities for direct materials.
• Plan and coordinate purchasing to support production requirements.
• Issue and monitor purchase orders for timely material availability.
• Manage local and overseas suppliers, including performance and delivery schedules.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and commercial agreements to achieve cost savings.
• Monitor procurement budgets, spending, and inventory planning.
• Ensure accurate purchasing documentation and record management.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Purchasing Executives and Junior Executives.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within purchasing.

Skills

Direct material procurement

Supplier management

Cost reduction

Budget management

ERP systems

Excel

Team leadership

Negotiation

Education

Degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business, Engineering, or related discipline

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia

A leading automotive components manufacturing company is looking for an experienced Senior Purchasing Executive to join its procurement team.

This role is ideal for candidates with strong direct material purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment who are ready to take on team leadership responsibilities while managing strategic supplier relationships and driving cost‑saving initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end procurement activities for direct materials.
• Plan and coordinate purchasing activities to support production requirements.
• Issue and monitor purchase orders to ensure timely material availability.
• Manage local and overseas suppliers, including supplier performance and delivery schedules.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and commercial agreements to achieve cost savings.
• Monitor procurement budgets, spending, and inventory planning.
• Ensure accurate purchasing documentation and record management.
• Handle supplier-related issues and work closely with internal stakeholders to resolve supply chain challenges.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Purchasing Executives and Junior Executives.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the purchasing function.

Requirements

• Degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business, Engineering, or related discipline
• Minimum 5 years of purchasing/procurement experience in a manufacturing environment
• Strong experience in direct material sourcing and supplier management
• Proven track record in cost reduction, negotiation, and budget management
• Experience managing local and overseas suppliers
• Team leadership or supervisory experience preferred
• Comfortable working with ERP systems and Microsoft Excel
• Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills

Added Advantage

• Automotive manufacturing industry experience
• China supplier management and sourcing exposure
• Mandarin‑speaking ability for supplier communication

What You'll Be Managing

• Portfolio of approximately 70-80 suppliers/vendors
• Local and overseas procurement activities
• Strategic and high-risk supplier accounts
• Cost‑saving and purchasing performance KPIs
• A team of 3-4 purchasing professionals

Why Apply?

• Stable manufacturing environment
• Opportunity to lead and develop a procurement team
• Exposure to both local and international sourcing
• Direct impact on procurement strategy and cost optimization
• Career growth opportunities within the organization

JTK Number: JTKSM 995 | Company Registration Number: 201301019088 (1048918-T)