Procurement Manager, SEA

Carl Zeiss Pte. Ltd.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Carl Zeiss Pte. Ltd. is seeking a senior procurement leader to design and govern global sourcing and purchasing activities. You will develop policies, drive governance, and oversee supplier relations to ensure compliant, cost-effective operations.

The role requires 5–7 years in procurement, CSCP certification, and proven leadership experience across Asia, with a focus on governance, risk mitigation and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain or related field.
• APICS CSCP Certification.
• 5–7 years of procurement experience, SE Asia preferred.
• Experience leading a small team.
• Strong governance, compliance and risk management knowledge.
• Ability to manage complex projects in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement procurement strategies and workflows for sourcing and purchasing.
• Develop vendor selection and evaluation workflows and criteria.
• Oversee the procurement budget and KPIs across teams.
• Validate risk management plans and controls for compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives for time, cost and quality.
• Mentor and manage a team of procurement specialists.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders and participate in negotiations.
• Forecast material and equipment inventory needs based on business needs.

Skills

Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement

Vendor Management

Risk Management

Strategic Procurement

Change Management

Business Acumen

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

APICS CSCP Certification

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.

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team: Rebecca Felix

Step out of your comfort zone, excel and redefine the limits of what is possible. That’s just what our employees are doing every single day – in order to set the pace through our innovations and enable outstanding achievements. After all, behind every successful company are many great fascinating people. In a spacious modern setting full of opportunities for further development, ZEISS employees work in a place where expert knowledge and team spirit reign supreme. All of this is supported by a special ownership structure and the long‑term goal of the Carl Zeiss Foundation: to bring science and society into the future together. Join us today. Inspire people tomorrow. Diversity is a part of ZEISS. We look forward to receiving your application regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, philosophy of life, disability, age, sexual orientation or identity.