The posting
Overview
We are partnering one of Asia’s leading coatings companies with a strong presence across decorative, automotive and industrial coatings markets. As part of a broader international group, the Singapore business operates within a regional and global network and works closely with stakeholders across procurement, supply chain, manufacturing, R&D, quality and commercial functions.
As the business continues to strengthen its procurement capabilities, there is an opportunity for an experienced procurement professional to take a leading role in shaping sourcing strategy, supplier partnerships and procurement performance in Singapore.
The Procurement Manager will lead strategic sourcing and procurement activities across raw materials, operating supplies and other key categories supporting the Singapore business. This is a commercially focused role with significant responsibility for category management, strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, cost optimisation and supply assurance. Particular importance will be placed on raw-material procurement and the ability to navigate commodity markets, supplier dynamics and the complexities of a manufacturing environment.
Beyond day-to-day purchasing, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to strengthen procurement processes, governance and supplier performance while contributing to broader regional and global procurement initiatives. The role will suit a commercially minded procurement leader who combines strong technical procurement capability with sound business judgement, analytical thinking and the ability to influence stakeholders across a multinational organisation.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Procurement & Category Management
- Develop and execute category and sourcing strategies aligned with business requirements and procurement objectives.
- Lead strategic sourcing initiatives across raw materials, operating supplies and other assigned categories.
- Analyse commodity trends, market conditions, supplier dynamics and cost drivers to identify sourcing opportunities.
- Develop sourcing strategies that balance total cost, quality, service and supply reliability.
- Identify and implement cost reduction and value-creation initiatives.
Supplier Management & Strategic Sourcing
- Lead supplier identification, evaluation, selection, negotiation and onboarding.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key strategic suppliers and business partners.
- Conduct regular supplier performance reviews covering cost, quality, service, delivery and compliance.
- Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, contracts and service agreements.
- Develop strategic supplier partnerships that support innovation, supply continuity and long-term business objectives.
Supply Assurance & Risk Management
- Ensure continuity of supply through effective supplier planning, forecasting and collaboration.
- Identify and mitigate procurement and supply chain risks arising from market volatility, supplier concentration, quality issues, logistics disruption and other external factors.
- Monitor supplier capacity, operational capability, financial stability and compliance.
- Develop alternative sourcing strategies and contingency plans for critical materials and suppliers.
- Partner closely with supply chain and manufacturing teams to ensure procurement strategies support production requirements.
Commercial & Cost Management
- Monitor raw-material pricing and commodity trends to identify opportunities for cost optimisation.
- Conduct spend analysis and identify opportunities for consolidation, competitive bidding and supplier rationalisation.
- Develop business cases and recommendations for procurement initiatives and cost-saving projects.
- Track procurement performance against agreed savings and business objectives.
- Provide procurement, supplier and market intelligence to senior management.
Stakeholder & Business Partnership
- Partner with manufacturing, supply chain, finance, R&D, quality, commercial and management teams.
- Align procurement strategies with demand planning, production requirements and new product development.
- Provide market intelligence and supplier insights to support business planning and decision-making.
- Influence stakeholders and build alignment around sourcing decisions, supplier selection and cost initiatives.
- Act as a trusted procurement partner to the broader organisation.
Procurement Excellence & Governance
- Strengthen procurement processes, systems, controls and governance.
- Ensure compliance with company procurement policies and applicable regional and global standards.
- Utilise SAP and procurement data to improve spend visibility, reporting and decision-making.
- Develop and monitor procurement KPIs and supplier performance metrics.
- Identify opportunities to improve procurement efficiency, standardisation and digitalisation.
Sustainability & Responsible Sourcing
- Promote responsible sourcing practices across the supplier base.
- Incorporate environmental, social, ethical and sustainability considerations into procurement decisions.
- Work with suppliers and internal stakeholders to support broader ESG and sustainability objectives.
- Ensure suppliers meet relevant quality, safety, environmental and ethical requirements.
Experience & Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business, Engineering, Chemistry, Finance or a related discipline.
- At least 5 years of relevant experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, purchasing or supply chain management.
- Strong experience in raw-material procurement, ideally within chemicals, paints & coatings, specialty chemicals or a related manufacturing sector.
- Proven experience developing and implementing category management and strategic sourcing strategies.
- Strong supplier negotiation, contract management and supplier performance management experience.
- Good understanding of supply chain planning, including demand forecasting, production requirements and inventory considerations.
- Experience working within a multinational or matrix organisation is highly advantageous.
- Strong working knowledge of SAP or a comparable ERP/procurement system.
- Regional procurement exposure across Southeast Asia would be advantageous.
- Willingness to travel when required.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
