APAC Sourcing manager (Japanese Speaker)

OVERVIEW

Our client is a financial company, who quickly and accurately delivers business and financial information, news and insight around the world to over 315,000 customers worldwide. Their Supply Chain business is a dynamic global organization, providing support to our terminal internal and external customers through Distribution & Asset Management, Procurement, and Print Services, operating out of 22 locations across 12 countries.

They work hand-in-hand with their businesses to support them in achieving success and maintaining efficiency. They procure and distribute the goods and services that they need to do business. They handle any vendor-related risks and deliver the best customer service in the world. They understand urgency, work hard, have commercial acumen and are customer service driven. Their clients internally and externally count on them daily. Their team is tight, but our culture is wide open, where they challenge and support each other's creative ideas to remain first-class.

About the Role

You are passionate about negotiating that next deal, being part of a Global Department delivering top quality service and advice. Our inventive and dynamic Procurement Department is looking for an experienced, seasoned Sourcing Manager to join its Asia Pacific team on a permanent basis. You will build and manage relationships with our internal clients and the vendors who support our exciting and varied requirements across the whole Asia Pacific region. You will need to show good knowledge of procurement principles, strong negotiating skills and an eye for detail. You will be part of the Asia Pacific team supporting mainly Tokyo based internal stakeholders, from a wide spectrum of departments with many and varied needs, in a fast-paced demanding environment. Working with the Regional Manager, you, as part of the Sourcing Team will develop and execute supply strategies for multiple categories, but with main emphasis on Facilities Management, Capex works, Marketing, Human Resources and Professional Services. You will also be managing your own supply base ensuring stakeholders get what they want, when they want it and at the best value possible. They are a Global Procurement Department, who is working with their internal clients, devise strategies based on the varied requirements of a fast pace cutting edge business with a truly global presence.

Responsibilities

1. Determine specifications and requirements for products and services through communication with internal stakeholders and the department's strategic plan.
2. Lead local Japan sourcing opportunities, including RFPs, direct negotiations, etc., and use market research from internal and external sources to drive sourcing decisions.
3. Ensure adherence to the policies and thresholds set by the Chief Procurement Officer.
4. Negotiate and implement Contractual agreements in partnership with the internal customer and our Legal department.
5. Manage the vendor base to ensure that contractual compliance and financial efficiency.
6. Continuously review with the Sourcing Team Strategic Plans to better serve the company as a whole.
7. Build strong and lasting relationships with internal clients and the associated vendor base.
8. Provide support to the rest of the team to make sure we deliver first class customer service.

Requirements

1. Minimum 10 + year’s experience in a strategic sourcing role, with category exposure to Facilities Management, Capex works, Marketing, Human Resource Services and Professional Services.
2. Experience in commercial and contractual negotiations, competitive market analysis, and ongoing supplier performance management/scorecards in a commercial environment.
3. Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English and Japanese to support strategic sourcing in Japan market.
4. Bachelor’s degree or degree-equivalent qualifications, CIPS or combination of education and work experience.
5. Proven experience in project management.
6. Strong contractual knowledge and negotiation skills- Understanding of and experience in contract law and applicable legislation.
7. Strong decision-making ability.
8. Demonstrated ability to effectively interact in a cross-functional environment with all levels of executive management.
9. Excellent Organizational skills and attention to detail.
10. Demonstrated continuous career growth within an organization.

Preferred skillsets

1. SAP, e-Builder and/or other ERP experience.
2. Experience across multiple sourcing categories.
3. Strong language skills (Spoken & Written).