Manager - Regional Category Material Handling Equipment (MHE) APAC

About the job

1) Category Strategy:

• Develop and implement category strategies for all regional sub-categories in alignment with organizational targets, stakeholders, and senior management, considering market trends, cost drivers, efficiency, supplier capabilities, and risk mitigation. Implement globally defined category strategies on regional level. Approve deviations from category strategies. Setup and maintain Category Cards for main and sub-categories on regional and cluster level. Take the lead for the Category Card implementation with BPO and Procurement organization and manage exceptions.

2) Supplier Relationship Management:

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers, including contract negotiation, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement initiatives. Drive supplier innovation and value creation.

3) Strategic Sourcing:

• Conduct and support strategic sourcing initiatives, including supplier identification, competitive bidding, fact-based negotiations, contract award and management, and full implementation of buying channel strategy. Drive cost reduction, quality improvement, and efficiency gains.

4) Stakeholder Collaboration:

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and senior management, such as Operations, Finance, Legal and Procurement (Procurement Heads, BPO Steering Manager, Procurement Excellence), to ensure alignment of Procurement strategies with business needs. Understand their requirements and provide Procurement insights and recommendations. Establish and enhance holistic, efficient, and lean order processes on regional level with stakeholders, such as call-offs, marketplaces, and catalogues, to drive operational effectiveness, and improve overall Procurement performance. Manage and resolve escalations on various levels.

5) Demand Planning:

• Propel and conduct demand planning activities together with the business to estimate and forecast future demand for goods and services, leveraging historical data, market trends, and external factors to ensure accurate predictions.

6) Risk Management:

• Identify and assess risks related to the sub-categories, such as supply chain disruptions, market volatility, or regulatory changes. Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to ensure continuity of supply.

7) Performance Monitoring and Reporting:

• Track and evaluate supplier performance against key performance indicators (KPIs) and service level agreements (SLAs). Provide regular reports and insights to management, highlighting achievements, opportunities, and potential risks, taking various tools and data sources into consideration.

8) Continuous Improvement:

• Identify and implement opportunities for process improvements, cost savings, and efficiency gains within the sub-categories. Stay updated on industry best practices and emerging trends in Procurement.

9) Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements, such as ethical sourcing practices, sustainability initiatives, and international trade regulations.

10) ESG:

• Drive category and suppliers in line with the ESG ambitions of the Company. Develop and establish pro-actively suppliers and solutions that support the company targets with regards to the various dimensions of ESG (Planet, People, Partners).

Experiences:

• Extensive experience in procurement with a deep understanding of the MHE/logistics industry and various MHE types.

• University degree in business, supply chain management, or a related field.

• Proven experience (5+ years) in category management, strategic sourcing, Procurement, or supply chain management.

• Strong knowledge of Procurement processes, best practices, and market trends.

• Demonstrated experience in developing and executing category strategies.

• Excellent negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship management skills.

• Extensive expertise in the required category, demonstrating in-depth knowledge and understanding of its dynamics, market trends, and supplier landscape.

• Experienced in utilizing Procurement tools such as SAP Ariba, proficient in data analysis methods including Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and a strong willingness to embrace new technologies.

• Analytical mindset with the ability to utilize data and insights for decision-making and continuous improvement.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at various levels. Capability to manage and resolve escalations.

• Fluent in English with excellent verbal and written communication skills.