Category Lead

SMRT Corporation Ltd; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A public transport service provider in Singapore is seeking a Procurement Specialist responsible for driving procurement processes in IT and Operational Technology. The ideal candidate has a degree in Computer Science or a related field, 2 years of experience in procurement, and strong negotiation skills. Familiarity with SAP and Ariba is advantageous. This role contributes to operational excellence and digital transformation efforts.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years experience in IT/OT procurement/sourcing.
• Degree in relevant technical field required.
• Familiarity with contractual law and financial regulations is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing strategies for IT and OT.
• Manage end-to-end procurement processes.
• Oversee vendor relationships and compliance.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Technical knowledge in procurement

Education

Degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

SAP (MM modules)

Ariba

Job description

Company description:

SMRT Corporation Ltd is a public transport service provider. Our primary business is to manage and operate train services on the North-South Line, East-West Line, the Circle Line, the Thomson-East Coast Line and Bukit Panjang Light Rail Transit. This is complemented by our bus, taxi and private hire vehicle services.

Our core values are Respect, Integrity, Safety and Service, and Excellence. We are committed to provide safe, reliable and comfortable service for all our commuters.

Job description:

Job Purpose

You will be responsible for driving procurement processes and initiatives across Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT). In this role, you will own the end-to-end category strategy, ensuring the efficient and value-driven acquisition of critical hardware, software, and services that support our operational excellence and digital transformation. Through strategic and operational sourcing, as well as category management, you will deliver impactful procurement outcomes that contribute to the organisation's long-term goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing strategies and category plans for IT and OT, including market analysis and supplier segmentation to optimise value and reduce risk.
• Manage end-to-end procurement of hardware, software, and services, ensuring alignment with business needs and strategic goals.
• Partner with business units to understand requirements, influence sourcing decisions, and drive alignment in tenders and contracts.
• Oversee vendor relationships and contract lifecycle, ensuring compliance, performance, and strategic improvements.
• Monitor procurement outcomes, establish KPIs and SLAs, and drive continuous improvement and risk mitigation.
• Stay updated on industry trends and innovations to identify opportunities for cost savings and process enhancements.

Qualifications & Work Experience

• Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Software Engineering, or a closely related technical field
• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience in an IT/OT engineering or procurement/sourcing role is preferred
• Fresh graduates are welcome to apply, as training and development opportunities will be provided.

Skills

Technical skills include:

• Skilled in developing, interpreting, and negotiating complex deals with a strong grasp of total cost of ownership (TCO) and value-based procurement.
• Familiar with Ariba and SAP (MM modules) is an advantage.

Generic skills include:

• Ability negotiates and influence effectively, achieving strategic outcomes in complex environments.
• Strong analytical skills with a track record of driving quality improvements and strategic decisions.
• Capable of handling evolving technical challenges, especially in IT and OT domains, using broad instructions and sound judgment.
• Effective in building strategic relationships with vendors, partners, and regulators; able to influence and collaborate across functions.
• Familiarity with contractual law, international trade law, financial regulations, and outsourcing/vendor risk management is a plus.
• Experience in the public transport industry is beneficial.