Assistant Procurement Manager (Mandarin Speaker)

About the Role

We are seeking a Procurement Assistant Manager to support and lead procurement activities for our data centre operations. This role is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing supplier relationships for critical infrastructure equipment, facilities services, and operational supplies that keep our facilities running at peak performance.

You will work closely with engineering, facilities management, and finance teams to ensure timely delivery of goods and services while optimizing cost, quality, and risk.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for mechanical, electrical, and IT infrastructure components (UPS systems, generators, cooling equipment, cabling, etc.)

• Identify, evaluate, and onboard suppliers; maintain a qualified vendor database

• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and service level agreements with key suppliers

• Conduct regular supplier performance reviews and manage escalations

• Support vendor onboarding, due diligence, NDA management, and compliance documentation

Procurement Operations

• Process purchase requisitions and purchase orders in accordance with company policies

• Ensure on-time delivery of materials, equipment, and services to support facility operations and capital projects

• Ensure procurement activities are conducted in accordance with internal procurement policies, tendering procedures, and approval matrices

• Support urgent and emergency procurement requirements for critical facility operations and incident response

• Track contract validity, renewals, warranty obligations, and vendor deliverables

• Coordinate with logistics providers and customs brokers for international shipments

Cost & Risk Management

• Analyze spending data and identify cost-saving opportunities

• Monitor market trends for commodities relevant to data centre operations (copper, steel, diesel, refrigerants) • Assess supplier risk and develop contingency plans for supply chain disruptions

• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations in procurement activities

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Partner with engineering and facilities teams to understand technical specifications and project timelines

• Experience preparing procurement dashboards, spend analysis reports, and management presentations

• Support capital expenditure planning and budgeting processes

• Provide procurement status reports and KPIs to Procurement Manager

Requirements Experience

• 4–6 years of procurement experience, with at least 2 years in data centres, critical facilities, or a related infrastructure-intensive industry (e.g., telecommunications, power generation, large scale construction)

• Demonstrated experience in contract negotiation and supplier relationship management

• Familiarity with MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) equipment procurement is a must

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong understanding of Hyperscale Infrastructure and operations (power, cooling, fire suppression, BMS)

• Proficiency in ERP/procurement systems (SAP, Oracle, Coupa, or similar)

• Ability to manage vendor disputes and commercial escalations effectively

• Strong sense of urgency and ownership

• Excel skills; experience with spend analytics tools is a plus

• Solid grasp of contract law fundamentals and procurement best practices

Competencies

• Excellent negotiation and communication skills

• Analytical mindset with strong attention to detail

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Collaborative approach with cross-functional teams

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business Administration, Engineering, Logistics, or a related discipline

• Candidates with Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, or Facilities Engineering background will have an added advantage due to the technical nature of data centre infrastructure procurement.