Procurement Manager, SEA

ZEISS Group; Singapore; On-site; SGD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

ZEISS Group in Singapore is seeking an experienced Procurement Leader to design and implement procurement strategies, govern sourcing activities, and optimize costs. You will manage vendor relationships, develop governance measures, and lead a small team across Southeast Asia, ensuring compliance and value delivery.

The role requires strong risk management, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills, with a focus on continuous improvement and business acumen.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5–7 years of procurement experience, preferably in Southeast Asia region.
• Managed a small team; leadership experience preferred.
• Expertise in procurement and risk management with governance and compliance knowledge.
• Project management in dynamic environments ensuring timely delivery.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills to drive collaboration.
• Innovation and change management mindset with a business acumen.
• Travel for supplier visits as required.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement procurement strategies and workflows for sourcing and purchasing.
• Develop vendor selection, evaluation criteria, and formal bidding processes.
• Oversee budget, KPIs, and financial performance of procurement activities.
• Identify and mitigate procurement risks within the organization’s framework.
• Drive continuous improvement in time, cost, and quality metrics.
• Mentor and develop a procurement team and coordinate with senior management.
• Engage internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies and key clients.
• Analyze market trends to optimize sourcing and forecast inventory needs.

Skills

Procurement

Vendor management

Budgeting

Risk management

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Market analysis

Sourcing optimization

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

CSCP Certification (Certified Supply Chain Professional)

Job description

1. Procurement Strategy and Compliance

• Design and implement procurement strategies and workflows to govern sourcing and purchasing activities.
• Formulate procurement policies to ensure compliance with regulatory, safety, and quality requirements.
• Develop corporate governance measures and audit procedures to minimize procurement risks.
• Review audits on trade documentation and contract terms to reduce procurement risks.

2. Vendor Management

• Develop vendor selection and evaluation workflows and criteria.
• Establish new vendor relationships and explore potential collaborations.
• Endorse and manage long-term vendor contracts for complex or high-value products and services.
• Devise formal bidding processes to facilitate vendor management.
• Monitor vendor and process efficiency to optimize sourcing strategies.

3. Budget and Performance Management

• Oversee the procurement budget and financial inflow/outflow against allocated forecasts.
• Develop procurement targets and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) across teams to meet business goals.
• Monitor procurement performance to cut costs, alleviate risks, and drive continuous process improvements.
• Analyse financial implications of business strategies to the department.

4. Risk Management

• Validate risk management plans and controls to ensure compliance with the organization’s risk management framework.
• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate procurement risks.

5. Continuous Improvement and Change Management

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives for time, cost, and quality enhancements.
• Oversee implementation of procurement improvement initiatives.

6. Team Leadership and Development

• Mentor and manage a team of procurement specialist.
• Manage subordinates’ professional and career development.
• Collaborate with senior management to identify growth opportunities and define project objectives.

7. Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders (SSC) and external stakeholders (Global and APAC Business Segments), including local partners, government agencies, and key clients.
• Participate in negotiations with key internal and external stakeholders.

8. Market Analysis and Sourcing Optimization

• Assess market trends and developments to optimize sourcing strategies.
• Forecast materials and equipment inventory needs based on organizational business needs.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Cost savings achieved through procurement optimization.
• Vendor performance and efficiency metrics.
• Compliance with regulatory and quality standards.
• Achievement of procurement targets and organizational goals.
• Team performance and professional development milestones.

Key Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• APCIS CSCP - Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) Certification
• Minimum 5 – 7 years of Procurement Experience, preferably in Southeast Asia Region
• Managed a small team (preferred)
• Expertise in Procurement and Risk Management : Proven experience in procurement management, vendor relations, and risk mitigation, with a strong understanding of corporate governance and compliance requirements.
• Project Management in Dynamic Environments : Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi-disciplinary projects in fast-paced and ambiguous settings, ensuring timely and effective delivery of objectives.
• Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement : Strong leadership skills to inspire and motivate teams, while effectively managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders to drive collaboration and achieve organizational goals.
• Innovation and Change Management : Results-driven approach to implementing change management initiatives, fostering innovation, and continuously improving processes to meet evolving business needs.
• Business Acumen: Ability to analyze financial data and develop strategic plans. Knowledge of emerging Asian markets and related challenges is a plus
• Travel Requirements: Occasional travel for supplier visits,