Commodity Management Manager (Indirect Procurement) -Japanese speaker

Summary

The role will support on indirect procurement. This opportunity provides an ideal environment for learning and growth. The role involves interaction with corporate and site cross-functional teams, including finance, operations, facilities management, HR management, engineering, local procurement, legal, third-party procurement vendors, and other category specialists/managers. The fast-paced environment necessitates a high degree of initiative and judgment to effectively manage day-to-day activities. This role must be able to prioritize and work efficiently to maximize results and benefits for the business.

Detailed Description

• The incumbent coordinates and controls the design and execution of sourcing projects within the Facilities category, including fit-up constructions, repairs, security services, cleaning services, cafeteria, and landscaping, within indirect procurement.
• They build relationships with internal and external customers and users of the optimization process. Working in a team setting with minimal supervision, this role provides internal customers/stakeholders with the support and guidance needed to create a plan and structure their requirements to align with an overarching category strategy.
• They are responsible for driving value from strategic vendors, reducing related costs, and improving cash flow while adding value to the organization.
• This includes developing category strategies and negotiating contracts (reviewing, drafting, and redlining) from vendor contract receipt through deal closure, subject to final approval by in-house counsel.
• They lead stakeholders through the entire procurement process, from requirement definition to vendor engagement, RFQ process, and the completion and negotiation of operational contracts.
• The incumbent interacts regularly with senior management on matters concerning various functional areas, divisions, and customers. They identify future procurement projects for management by collaborating with stakeholders on category strategies.
• They co-develop and execute sourcing strategies with the business, advising and guiding the process to the best-fit approach, tactics, and tools (e.g., outcome-based specifications, RFP/RFI/RFQ builds, e-auctions, KPI/SLA development).
• They also act as the site liaison for the Global Commodity Management team with specific global locations. The operational environment is cross-functional, complex, and fast-paced, requiring a high degree of judgment and independence to develop solutions and resolve challenges.
• Strong cross-functional relationship management, persuasive skills, and negotiation skills are essential for gaining support and buy-in.

Knowledge/Skills/Competencies

• Strong business acumen with the ability to create and analyze cost-benefit analysis proposals and advise business leaders, finance, and procurement on the strengths of various options.
• Excellent negotiation, relationship, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong ability to communicate with stakeholders and business leaders to understand requirements, expectations, and value measures.
• Strong analytical skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Word). Advanced Excel (macros a plus) and MS Word skills are required.
• Category Management and Sourcing experience, including a deep understanding of Strategic Sourcing best practices.
• General commercial contracts and procurement experience with strong substantive knowledge and experience in drafting and negotiating a wide variety of contract provisions.
• Ability to work within a team and, where appropriate, independently or with limited guidance.
• Solid experience in face-to-face negotiations and project management.
• Ability to lead complex negotiations effectively.
• Experience creating and implementing SLAs and KPIs.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with a wide variety of internal and external customers.
• Excellent communication in English.

Typical Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of procurement experience, preferably in the manufacturing industry with expertise in Facilities/MRO.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience managing complex contracts and relationships, including contract commercials and business relationships, with experience in outsourcing vendor contract negotiations, terms, SLAs, invoicing, and dispute management.
• Industry experiences in manufacturing environment.
• Experiences in facilities, MRO procurement.
• E-procurement tool experience is an asset, eg. SAP, Ivalua, ServiceNow.

Typical Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, engineering, or a procurement-related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.