Buyer

A leading global manufacturing and production organization is seeking a dedicated Buyer to join their collaborative team in Penang.

This role offers you the opportunity to play a pivotal part in ensuring seamless material flow and production efficiency, directly impacting customer satisfaction and operational excellence. You will be empowered to build strong vendor partnerships, drive cost-saving initiatives, and support continuous improvement efforts within a supportive and knowledgeable environment. With flexible working opportunities and a commitment to professional development, this position is ideal for someone who thrives on teamwork, values open communication, and is passionate about making a tangible difference in supply chain operations.

• Join a respected international manufacturer with a reputation for quality and innovation, where your expertise in procurement and materials management will be highly valued and supported by a dependable team.
• Enjoy flexible working opportunities that promote work-life balance, alongside ongoing training opportunities designed to help you grow your skills and advance your career within the organisation.
• Be part of an inclusive workplace culture that encourages collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement across all levels of the business.

What you'll do:

As a Buyer based in Penang, you will play an essential role in coordinating the timely flow of materials across departments according to production schedules. Your day-to-day activities will involve building positive vendor relationships, negotiating contracts that deliver both value and quality, and ensuring that all materials meet rigorous standards for delivery timelines. You will also be responsible for monitoring supplier performance through comprehensive scorecards, resolving any issues that arise with empathy and professionalism. By supporting cost reduction initiatives and participating in lean manufacturing projects, you will contribute directly to process improvements that benefit both the business and its customers. Your analytical skills will be put to use managing inventory levels efficiently using advanced data tools while collaborating closely with production teams to prioritise schedules. Success in this role means maintaining clear communication channels with internal stakeholders as well as external partners so that every aspect of the supply chain operates smoothly.

• Develop and maintain excellent relationships with vendors to ensure reliable supply chains and foster mutual trust.
• Solicit quotes from suppliers, conduct thorough bid evaluations, negotiate delivery schedules, and secure the best combination of price, quantity discount, and product quality for the organisation.
• Coordinate and review service contracts for various operational needs such as office equipment, landscaping, cleaning services, and waste management to ensure optimal value.
• Measure supplier performance through scorecards, addressing misunderstandings or complaints promptly while resolving issues related to rejected materials or delivery discrepancies.
• Oversee updates to ISO status for vendors and follow up on supplier corrective actions or quality concerns until closure is achieved.
• Manage vendor certifications including REACH and RoHS compliance while conducting supplier surveys for new additions to the approved supplier list.
• Recommend alternative sourcing options when necessary to mitigate risk or improve supply chain resilience.
• Support cost savings initiatives by implementing effective programmes and reporting on results while staying informed about market trends and evolving technologies.
• Participate in lean manufacturing continuous-improvement projects related to planning and production processes.
• Utilise data analysis tools to manage material availability, inventory levels, capacity planning, and provide detailed analysis for make-or-buy decisions.

What you bring:

To excel as a Buyer in this organisation, your background should include hands-on experience within a manufacturing setting where you have managed procurement activities from end-to-end. Your ability to nurture dependable vendor relationships will be crucial as you coordinate complex supply chains under tight deadlines. You bring not only technical expertise but also strong interpersonal skills, enabling you to resolve conflicts diplomatically while fostering an atmosphere of trust among colleagues. Your analytical mindset allows you to interpret demand data accurately so that inventory levels are optimised without excess or shortage. Familiarity with lean methodologies ensures that you are always looking for ways to enhance efficiency through continuous improvement initiatives. Proficiency with digital tools such as Microsoft Office or ERP platforms supports your ability to track progress meticulously while providing actionable insights during weekly production meetings. Above all else, your commitment to open communication ensures everyone remains aligned towards shared goals.

• Bachelor’s degree is required along with at least three years of relevant experience within a manufacturing environment where you have demonstrated reliability in procurement functions.
• Proven knowledge of material control processes as well as basic lean manufacturing concepts which enable you to identify opportunities for process optimisation.
• Familiarity with core manufacturing processes so you can effectively communicate requirements between suppliers and internal teams.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office (or equivalent software) allowing you to analyse data sets efficiently for decision-making purposes.
• Excellent communication skills that foster positive interpersonal connections with colleagues, vendors, and other stakeholders throughout the supply chain network.
• Strong organisational abilities enabling you to manage multiple priorities simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail in all aspects of your work.
• Effective time management skills so you can meet tight deadlines without compromising on accuracy or quality standards.
• Experience using ERP systems for tracking orders, updating records, resolving payment issues or non-conforming material disposition is highly desirable.
• A collaborative approach that values teamwork, knowledge sharing, and inclusively within diverse environments.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out as an industry leader renowned for its commitment to operational excellence and employee well-being. The company fosters an inclusive culture where collaboration is encouraged at every level, ensuring that each team member feels valued for their unique contributions. Employees benefit from flexible working arrangements designed to support work-life balance alongside generous training opportunities aimed at personal growth. The leadership team is approachable and supportive; they invest in developing talent from within by offering clear pathways for advancement. With access to cutting-edge technology and robust systems infrastructure, staff are empowered to perform at their best while contributing meaningfully towards shared success. The company’s dedication to ethical sourcing practices further underscores its reputation as a responsible employer committed not only to business results but also social responsibility within the wider community.

What's next:

If you are ready to take the next step in your procurement career within a supportive environment where your contributions truly matter, this is your chance!

Apply today by sending your CV to desmond.khoo@robertwalters.com.

Do note that we will only be in touch if your application is shortlisted.

Agensi Pekerjaan Robert Walters Sdn Bhd
Business Registration Number : 729828-T
Licence Number : JTKSM 423C