Job Purpose:
- Lead and oversee the foreign procurement operations team to ensure efficient, cost-effective, and compliant execution of all international purchasing activities. Responsible for managing supplier relationships, supervising procurement staff, and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to secure timely delivery of imported materials, equipment, and spare parts in alignment with production and business requirements.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement foreign procurement strategies to ensure cost-effective and timely sourcing of materials.
- Identify, evaluate, and approve international suppliers based on quality, reliability, compliance, and financial stability.
- Negotiate contracts, framework agreements, and long-term partnerships with global suppliers.
- Monitor supplier performance and implement corrective actions for underperforming vendors.
- Expand the supplier base to reduce dependency risks and ensure supply chain resilience.
- Oversee the end-to-end procurement cycle (RFQs, POs, contract management, delivery, payment).
- Ensure procurement decisions are aligned with production schedules, inventory policies, and budget constraints.
- Approve critical purchase orders and resolve escalations related to supplier disputes, delivery delays, or quality issues.
- Optimize procurement lead times to support Just-in-Time (JIT) manufacturing principles.
- Supervise import activities, including coordination with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and shipping agents.
- Ensure proper documentation and compliance with customs, trade agreements, and regulatory requirements.
- Minimize demurrage, detention, and logistics costs through proactive monitoring and problem-solving.
- Implement best practices for international logistics to reduce costs and improve reliability.
- Ensure compliance with internal policies, procurement governance, and international trade regulations.
- Conduct supplier audits and ensure adherence to quality, health, safety, and environmental standards (ISO, REACH, RoHS, etc.).
- Identify risks in global sourcing (geopolitical, financial, logistics) and implement mitigation plans.
- Develop procurement budget, ensuring alignment with company financial objectives.
- Monitor foreign currency exposure and collaborate with Finance to implement hedging strategies where applicable.
- Drive cost reduction initiatives while maintaining quality and service standards.
- Analyze procurement spend and prepare regular cost-saving reports for management
- Act as the focal point between procurement and other functions: Production, Maintenance, Quality Assurance, Finance, and Logistics.
- Ensure alignment of procurement plans with production requirements and project timelines.
- Collaborate with Finance on payment terms, Letters of Credit (LCs), and supplier settlements.
- Support new product development (NPD) and capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects by sourcing required equipment and materials.
Job Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or related field.
- 7-10 years of progressive experience in procurement and supply chain, with at least 35 years in a supervisory/leadership role in manufacturing.
Technical competencies:
- Global sourcing and supplier development.
- Contract negotiation and management.
- Import/export regulations and customs clearance.
- Procurement analytics and cost modeling.
- Risk management in international procurement.
- ERP and procurement software proficiency.
Interpersonal Competencies:
- Leadership and team coaching.
- Strong cross-cultural communication and diplomacy.
- Strategic thinking and business orientation.
- Collaboration and conflict resolution.
