Overview
An established global manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced Regional Category Development Manager to drive strategic sourcing, supplier development, and regional supply chain transformation initiatives across Asia. This role focuses on expanding supplier capabilities, strengthening manufacturing ecosystems, enhancing supply chain resilience, and supporting long-term business growth through strategic supplier partnerships and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Regional Supplier Development & Capacity Expansion: Lead the identification, qualification, and development of strategic manufacturing suppliers to support regional capacity growth, operational scalability, and long-term business objectives.
- Strategic Sourcing & Localization: Develop and execute sourcing and localization strategies that improve supply competitiveness, cost efficiency, flexibility, and overall supply chain resilience across the region.
- Supplier Qualification & Industrialization: Drive supplier onboarding, capability assessments, process validation, compliance reviews, and production readiness activities to ensure successful industrialization and ramp-up.
- Supply Chain Optimization: Lead initiatives focused on inventory optimization, lead-time reduction, supply continuity, working capital improvement, and overall value chain effectiveness.
- Cross-Functional Stakeholder Management: Partner closely with engineering, quality, operations, procurement, and business leaders to align supplier development initiatives with organizational goals.
- Supplier Performance & Continuous Improvement: Monitor and improve supplier performance across quality, delivery, cost, capacity, and responsiveness through structured development and operational excellence programs.
- Strategic Planning & Risk Management: Provide market intelligence, supplier insights, capacity planning recommendations, and risk mitigation strategies to support long-term supply chain sustainability.
Key Qualifications & Requirements
- Extensive Supply Chain & Sourcing Experience: Minimum 8 years of experience in category management, strategic sourcing, supplier development, procurement, or supply chain functions within a multinational manufacturing environment.
- Technical Manufacturing Expertise: Strong understanding of machining processes, manufacturing operations, supplier industrialization, and production ecosystems, with the ability to evaluate technical supplier capabilities.
- Strategic Leadership & Project Management: Proven track record of managing complex sourcing programs, supplier qualification projects, and cross-functional initiatives across multiple regions.
- Regional Supply Chain Knowledge: Solid exposure to Asia-based supply networks, localization strategies, supplier ecosystems, and regional manufacturing landscapes.
- Stakeholder Management & Communication Skills: Excellent communication, analytical, and influencing skills with the ability to engage senior stakeholders and drive alignment across diverse teams.
Why Join This Organization
This is an opportunity to join a globally recognized industry leader that continues to invest in supply chain transformation, supplier innovation, and operational excellence. You will play a critical role in shaping regional sourcing strategies, developing high-impact supplier partnerships, and influencing long-term manufacturing competitiveness while working within a collaborative and international environment that offers strong career development opportunities. The organization offers regional exposure, strategic ownership, and the opportunity to work closely with senior leadership on business-critical initiatives that directly impact growth and operational success.
*Only open for Malaysian candidates or those with valid work authorization.*
