Procurement Head

Procurement Head – Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Development (Asia)

Location: Singapore | Tuas | New Manufacturing Setup | Pioneer Regional Role | Permanent Position | APAC Procurement Leadership

About Our Client

Stemgenic is proud to be partnering exclusively with a growing international specialty chemicals manufacturer establishing its new manufacturing operations in Singapore as part of its Asia-Pacific expansion strategy.

With manufacturing and commercial operations across multiple global locations, the company is strengthening its APAC footprint through a new Singapore manufacturing hub designed to support regional customers with enhanced supply chain agility and technical capabilities.

Role Summary

This is a pioneer procurement leadership opportunity responsible for establishing and developing regional sourcing capabilities across Asia.

The successful candidate will take ownership of both operational procurement requirements for the Singapore manufacturing facility and progressively build a strategic supplier network across Asia, with a strong focus on supplier development, sourcing optimisation, and long-term procurement strategy.

This role offers the opportunity to shape the procurement function from the ground up and grow into a broader regional leadership position as the business expands.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Development

• Identify, evaluate, and develop suppliers for raw materials, packaging materials, consumables, and manufacturing requirements
• Build and expand supplier networks across Asia, particularly China and other strategic sourcing markets
• Conduct supplier market mapping, benchmarking, and capability assessments
• Develop alternative sourcing strategies to improve supply security and cost competitiveness
• Collaborate with global procurement teams to implement regional sourcing strategies

Supplier & Vendor Management

• Lead supplier qualification, evaluation, and development activities
• Establish strong long-term relationships with regional suppliers
• Monitor supplier performance including quality, delivery reliability, service levels, and commercial performance
• Support supplier audits and continuous improvement initiatives

Commercial Negotiation & Cost Optimisation

• Manage supplier negotiations covering pricing, commercial terms, payment conditions, lead times, and supply arrangements
• Analyse market conditions, supplier quotations, and total procurement costs
• Identify opportunities for cost optimisation while maintaining quality and supply continuity

Procurement Operations & Supply Continuity

• Support day-to-day procurement activities during the plant establishment phase
• Manage purchase requisitions, purchase orders, supplier coordination, and delivery tracking
• Work closely with Production, Supply Chain, Logistics, Quality, and Technical teams to ensure uninterrupted material availability
• Identify supply risks and implement mitigation strategies

Ideal Background

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business, Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related disciplines
• Proven experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or supplier development roles within: Specialty Chemicals / Materials / Industrial Manufacturing/ Advanced Materials and related process industries
• Strong experience identifying and developing new suppliers rather than only managing existing contracts
• Direct supplier engagement experience in China is strongly preferred
• Experience supporting plant startups, greenfield operations, or expanding manufacturing environments is advantageous
• Strong commercial negotiation and stakeholder management skills
• Comfortable operating in a hands-on, entrepreneurial environment

Why Consider This Opportunity

• First regional procurement appointment supporting a new Singapore manufacturing operation
• Opportunity to build an APAC supplier network from the ground up
• Direct exposure to global procurement leadership and international technical teams
• Opportunity to work within an international business environment supporting global markets
• Opportunity to own and directly influence sourcing strategy, supplier development, and business growth