Indirect Category Manager (Machinery)

Molex; Singapore; On-site; SGD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading supplier of connectors is seeking a competent Category Manager for Machinery in Singapore. The role involves developing procurement strategies, engaging with diverse teams, and driving cost improvements in automation machinery. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, 3-5 years of procurement experience, and proficiency in Mandarin. This position requires strong negotiation and interpersonal skills to influence stakeholders. Join us in an innovative environment where your contributions can shine.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of sourcing/procurement experience in relevant industries.
• Minimum 3 years category management experience, preferably with Capex focus.
• Experience with multinational contracts and working in multicultural teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop regional machinery category strategy and implement sourcing decisions.
• Drive cost improvement in automation machinery spend through supplier negotiation.
• Lead regular business reviews meetings with suppliers to improve performance.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Interpersonal skills

Strategic thinking

Project management

Fluent in Mandarin

Proficient in Excel

Proficient in PowerPoint

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Automation or Mechanical & Electrical Engineering

Job description

Your Job

We are seeking a competent and strategic Category Manager for Machinery within our Asia Indirect Procurement team. This role requires a proactive leader with strong strategic thinking, negotiation skills, and the ability to influence stakeholders across multiple regions in a dynamic and transforming environment.

Our Team

You will join the Corporate Procurement Division, working closely with diverse cross‑functional teams including PJM, MIE/PE, Finance, and other division stakeholders, as well as external suppliers throughout Asia.

What You Will Do

• Develop regional machinery category strategy and implement the strategy in sourcing decision for automation machinery purchase.
• Drive year-over-year cost improvement in automation machinery spend through supplier negotiation.
• Champion and secure TCO reductions for the category across divisions and countries.
• Support NPI/NPD project and meet project requirements on cost, delivery, and quality.
• Drive year-over-year working capital improvement and payment term extension.
• Lead regular business reviews meetings with suppliers to improve supplier performance.
• Develop clean sheet/should cost model for customized automation equipment.
• Negotiation and maintenance of contracts and supply conditions.
• Drive VA/VE and localization/substitution projects to improve profitability.
• Develop regional preferred supplier strategy to improve supplier performance.
• Other duties as assigned by Management.

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)

• Bachelor’s degree in Automation or Mechanical & Electrical Engineering.
• 3‑5 years of sourcing/procurement experience in relevant industries such as connector, RF/Optical communication, EMS, automotive electronics, or wire harness.
• Minimum 3 years category management experience, preferably with Capex focus.
• Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills with proven ability to influence and build consensus.
• Experience with multinational contracts and working in multicultural, cross‑functional teams.
• Proficient in Mandarin to better serve our Mandarin‑speaking customers and collaborate with counterparts.
• Proficient in Excel and PowerPoint with good project management skills.

What Will Put You Ahead

• MBA or Master’s degree.
• CPSM or CIPS certification and experience in international trade.
• Prior experience as a Category Manager in Capex/industrial machinery.
• Expertise in industrial machinery, test equipment, and automation systems.
• Experience in interconnect, automation, automotive electronics industries, or tooling design.
• Proficient in Japanese or Korean to better serve our Japanese and Korean‑speaking customers.

At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.

Who We Are

As a Koch company, Molex is a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect components, driving innovation in electronics and supporting industries from automotive to health care and consumer to data communications. The thousands of innovators who work for Molex have made us a global electronics leader. Our experienced people, groundbreaking products and leading‑edge technologies help us deliver a wider array of solutions to more markets than ever before.

At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.

Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.