Manager, Indirect Procurement

About the role

The Senior Buyer, Indirect manages the Indirect Procurement portfolio across Japan and Korea (NEA region) independently. As the primary procurement contact for Indirect categories in NEA, the role partners with local, regional and global stakeholders to develop sourcing strategies, deliver cost efficiencies and productivity, ensure supply and service continuity and drive sustainable value. It suits a hands-on, experienced professional who can own the full procurement lifecycle.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the Indirect spend portfolio across Japan and Korea, including sourcing, commercial negotiations, contract management and supplier performance.
• Own key categories such as Sales & Marketing, Logistics (Warehouse), IT/Technology, Leases & Rental, HR Services, Facilities Management, Travel, Utilities, Fees and Consultancies.
• Develop sourcing strategies based on business needs, spend analysis, supplier market intelligence and cost drivers.
• Work with the ANZ Indirect Team and Global Category Leads in Amsterdam to turn regional and global strategies into local execution.
• Lead end-to-end procurement: requirement scoping, RFP/RFQ, cost analysis, supplier selection, negotiation, contracting, implementation, contract lifecycle management and supplier relationship management.
• Negotiate commercial terms with suppliers and build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, challenging requirements where appropriate.
• Conduct value chain analysis, demand management and value engineering to improve productivity and costs.
• Identify procurement risks and opportunities, manage supplier performance and contract compliance, and manage tail spend.
• Support the Direct Procurement team as needed; travel may be required.

Required profile

• Native-level Japanese and business-level English.
• Strong experience in Indirect Procurement, able to manage multiple categories and sourcing projects with limited supervision.
• Proven experience developing, reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts with suppliers, working with Legal.
• Experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment; FMCG or food manufacturing and logistics procurement experience is highly advantageous.
• Preferred: experience with regional and/or global procurement teams.

Required skills

• Intermediate or advanced Excel.
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities at once.