Procurement Manager

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Procurement Manager to join a forward-thinking manufacturing and production organisation based in Batu Kawan, Penang.

This pivotal role is designed for someone who thrives on building strong supplier networks, driving cost efficiency, and ensuring regulatory compliance while supporting sustainable growth. The successful candidate will play an instrumental part in shaping the company’s local sourcing strategy, reducing import dependencies, and enhancing operational performance. With a focus on collaboration across engineering, quality, legal, and compliance teams, this position offers the chance to make a tangible impact on both business outcomes and community engagement. Flexible working opportunities and a supportive leadership environment await those ready to take their procurement expertise to the next level.

• Play a key role in developing and executing localisation sourcing strategies that directly support production requirements, cost objectives, and regulatory standards within a thriving manufacturing setting.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams—including engineering, quality, legal, and compliance—to ensure seamless integration of local suppliers without compromising on design or quality.
• Benefit from flexible working opportunities and a culture that values knowledge sharing, professional development, and supportive leadership as you help drive sustainability initiatives and continuous improvement.

What you'll do:

As Sourcing and Procurement Manager in Batu Kawan, you will be at the heart of the organisation’s efforts to build a resilient local supply chain that supports manufacturing operations efficiently. Your day-to-day responsibilities will see you engaging with suppliers across multiple categories—direct materials, indirect materials, equipment, services, and MRO—ensuring they meet rigorous technical specifications while also aligning with broader business objectives. You will lead procurement activities from initial RFQs through contract negotiation to supplier onboarding. Working hand-in-hand with engineering and quality teams will be essential as you help localise critical parts without sacrificing design or quality. Your ability to monitor supplier performance closely will enable you to drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance delivery reliability and cost effectiveness. In addition to collaborating with legal and compliance colleagues to navigate complex regulatory landscapes—including local content rules—you’ll also manage risk assessments and track savings generated by your localisation strategies. Building strong connections with both vendors and government stakeholders will keep you informed about new incentives or policy shifts that could benefit the business. Throughout all these activities, your commitment to sustainability will shine through as you integrate responsible sourcing practices into every decision.

• Develop comprehensive localisation sourcing strategies that align with production needs, cost targets, and all relevant regulatory requirements to ensure optimal supply chain performance.
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify local suppliers for direct materials, indirect materials, equipment, services, and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations), ensuring strict adherence to technical specifications and quality benchmarks.
• Lead end-to-end procurement activities focused on domestic sourcing by managing requests for quotations (RFQs), conducting bid evaluations, negotiating contracts, and overseeing supplier onboarding processes.
• Work collaboratively with engineering and quality assurance teams to successfully localise parts and components while maintaining the highest standards of design integrity and product excellence.
• Monitor supplier performance rigorously in terms of delivery timelines, pricing structures, product quality, and service levels; proactively implement continuous improvement plans where necessary.
• Partner with legal and compliance departments to guarantee that all local procurement activities fully comply with trade regulations and local content rules.
• Conduct detailed cost analysis, risk assessments, and savings tracking related to localisation initiatives to support informed decision-making across the business.
• Foster robust relationships with local vendors as well as government agencies to stay abreast of incentives, policy changes, and evolving regulations impacting procurement.
• Champion sustainability goals by integrating environmentally responsible practices into sourcing decisions wherever possible.

What you bring:

To excel as Sourcing and Procurement Manager in this dynamic manufacturing environment, your background should reflect significant experience managing complex procurement projects from inception through execution. Your academic credentials—ideally a degree in supply chain management or a related discipline—will be complemented by several years spent honing your craft within manufacturing settings. You bring not only deep familiarity with local supplier markets but also practical know-how when it comes to implementing import substitution strategies that reduce dependency on international sources. Your ability to negotiate favourable contracts is matched by your attention to detail during vendor qualification processes. Proficiency in leading ERP platforms like SAP or Oracle means you can leverage technology for greater efficiency throughout the procurement cycle. Project management is second nature for you; whether coordinating cross-functional teams or juggling multiple priorities simultaneously. Analytical thinking underpins your approach—enabling you to assess risks accurately while identifying opportunities for savings. Above all else, your interpersonal skills foster trust-based relationships both internally—with engineering, quality assurance, legal—and externally—with suppliers and regulatory bodies alike.

• A bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration or a closely related field provides the academic foundation required for this role.
• Between five to ten years of hands-on experience in procurement or sourcing roles within manufacturing environments ensures you are well-versed in industry best practices.
• At least three years’ proven success specifically in localisation sourcing or developing local suppliers demonstrates your ability to deliver results in this specialised area.
• Comprehensive understanding of local supplier markets combined with expertise in import substitution strategies enables you to identify opportunities for cost reduction and supply chain resilience.
• Advanced skills in contract negotiation coupled with experience qualifying vendors ensures robust agreements that protect organisational interests.
• Demonstrated proficiency using ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle allows you to streamline procurement processes effectively.
• Strong project management abilities mean you can coordinate complex initiatives involving multiple stakeholders while meeting deadlines consistently.
• Exceptional analytical skills empower you to conduct thorough cost modelling exercises that inform strategic decisions across the business.
• Excellent communication skills facilitate productive collaboration with internal teams as well as external partners including suppliers and government agencies.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out for its unwavering commitment to fostering collaborative partnerships both within its workforce and across its extensive network of suppliers. Employees benefit from flexible working opportunities designed to promote work-life balance alongside ongoing training programmes that encourage professional growth at every stage of your career journey. The leadership team is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where knowledge sharing is celebrated—empowering individuals at all levels to contribute ideas that shape the future direction of the business. Sustainability is more than just a buzzword here; it’s embedded into every aspect of operations from responsible sourcing practices through community engagement initiatives. By joining this team in Batu Kawan, you become part of an organisation that values dependability, transparency, mutual respect—and above all—a shared vision for long-term success built on ethical foundations.

What's next:

If you are ready to take the next step in your career as a Production Planner within a thriving manufacturing environment, we encourage you to apply now!

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