Head of Procurement - Sourcing- Chemicals

Stemgenic; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Stemgenic in Singapore seeks a Head of Procurement to build and lead the strategic sourcing and supplier development function for an Asia-wide operation. You will own end-to-end procurement for the Singapore site, constructing the supplier base and shaping regional strategy with China as a key sourcing market.

The role requires hands-on leadership, strong negotiation, and a start-up mindset to drive rapid setup and scale with the business. Regional travel is expected.

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant field; professional procurement qualification preferred (e.g., CIPS, SIPMM).
• Experience setting up procurement for plant start-up or new site.
• Direct supplier engagement in China preferred.
• Strong negotiation and supplier development track record.
• Cross-functional collaboration with production, finance and quality.

Responsibilities

• Build procurement function from scratch with processes, policies and supplier base.
• Lead strategic sourcing across Asia focusing on raw materials and plant requirements.
• Direct supplier development, audits and capability building for long-term partnerships.
• Own negotiations on price, terms, lead times and supply agreements.
• Manage day-to-day procurement during plant start-up, including POs and expediting.
• Map supply market, develop alternative sources and mitigation plans.

Skills

Senior procurement experience

Strategic thinking

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Start-up mindset

Education

Degree in Supply Chain / Procurement / Engineering

Job description

Head of Procurement – Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Development (Asia) - Chemicals

-Industry: Specialty Chemicals / Advanced Materials Manufacturing

-Position: Head of Procurement – Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Development (Asia)

About the Opportunity

We are partnering exclusively with an international Specialty Chemicals and Advanced Materials manufacturer that is building a new manufacturing hub in Singapore as the anchor of its Asia-Pacific growth. The business serves fast-growing sectors including e-mobility, energy storage and electronics.

This is not a role for someone looking to inherit a ready-made function. Our client is looking for a seasoned Procurement Head with a start-up mindset: an experienced procurement expert who knows the final picture, can set up procurement from day one, and is comfortable rolling up their sleeves while the plant comes to life.

You will own procurement for the Singapore site end to end, build the Asian supplier base from the ground up, with China as the key sourcing market, and grow with the business into a broader regional leadership role as operations scale.

Key Responsibilities

• Function Set-Up: Build the procurement function from scratch, including processes, policies, supplier base and systems, with the pace and pragmatism of a start-up.
• Strategic Sourcing: Identify, evaluate and develop new suppliers across Asia for raw materials, packaging, consumables and plant requirements, with a strong focus on China.
• Supplier Development: Lead supplier qualification, audits and capability building, turning new suppliers into reliable long-term partners.
• Commercial Negotiation: Own negotiations on price, terms, lead times and supply agreements, balancing cost, quality and supply security.
• Plant Start-Up Support: Run day-to-day procurement during the plant establishment and ramp-up phase, including requisitions, purchase orders, expediting and delivery tracking.
• Supply Risk & Continuity: Map the supply market, build alternative sources and put mitigation plans in place to protect production.
• Cross-Functional Partnership: Work closely with Production, Supply Chain, Quality, Technical and Finance teams, and with global procurement leadership.
• Growing the Function: Shape the regional procurement strategy and build the team as the business expands across Asia-Pacific.

Requirements

Education & Professional Qualifications

• Degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business, Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
• A professional procurement qualification (e.g. CIPS, SIPMM) would be advantageous.

Technical Expertise

• Senior-level experience in procurement, strategic sourcing or supplier development, with a track record of building suppliers rather than only managing existing contracts.
• Direct, hands-on supplier engagement in China is strongly preferred.
• Experience setting up procurement for a plant start-up, greenfield project, new site or fast-growing operation is highly regarded.
• Strong commercial negotiation skills and sound understanding of direct materials sourcing.

Ideal Industry Background & Alternative Industries

• Specialty Chemicals, Chemicals, Advanced Materials, Adhesives, Coatings or Polymers.
• Candidates from related process or industrial manufacturing environments with strong direct-materials sourcing experience will also be considered.

Leadership & Interpersonal Skills

• A self-starter with an entrepreneurial, start-up mindset who is comfortable with ambiguity and building from a blank page.
• Confident running the show independently while engaging openly and building trust with line managers, plant leadership and global stakeholders.
• Hands-on and adaptable, equally comfortable setting strategy and handling day-to-day execution.
• Ambition to grow with the business into a wider regional leadership role.

Other Details

• Regional travel