Assistant Category Manager

Assistant Category Manager, Logistics & TradeDepartmentPurchasingReports ToCategory Manager, Logistics & TradePosition SummaryThe Assistant Category Manager, Logistics & Trade is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for Logistics and Trade categories, including transportation, warehousing, freight forwarding, customs brokerage, and export-import services.The role drives sustainable cost savings, supplier performance, compliance, innovation, and responsible purchasing practices while ensuring efficient and resilient supply chain operations. Working closely with Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, and Commercial stakeholders, the incumbent will identify value-creation opportunities, optimize logistics costs, strengthen supplier partnerships, and support business growth through strategic procurement initiatives.Key ResponsibilitiesCategory Strategy & SourcingDevelop and execute category strategies for Logistics and Trade services.Lead sourcing activities including RFQ/RFP processes, commercial evaluations, negotiations, and contract awards.Manage supplier selection based on total cost, service capability, risk profile, sustainability, and innovation potential.Continuously assess market trends, freight indices, capacity risks, and emerging logistics solutions.Cost Savings & ProductivityDeliver annual procurement savings and productivity targets.Identify opportunities to optimize freight spend, warehousing costs, customs-related expenses, and logistics network efficiency.Apply Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) methodologies in supplier evaluations.Support working capital optimization initiatives.Supplier Relationship ManagementBuild and maintain strategic relationships with logistics service providers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and transportation partners.Conduct supplier performance reviews and establish improvement plans.Drive supplier innovation initiatives to enhance service, cost competitiveness, and operational efficiency.Support supplier risk assessments and business continuity planning.Logistics & Trade GovernanceEnsure compliance with customs regulations, trade requirements, import-export controls, and company policies.Support governance and performance management of logistics service providers.Monitor key logistics performance indicators and identify corrective actions when required.Minimize operational and compliance risks associated with international trade activities.Responsible Purchasing & SustainabilityPromote responsible purchasing principles across the Logistics & Trade supplier portfolio.Support supplier assessments related to ethics, sustainability, environmental performance, and social responsibility.Ensure suppliers comply with company standards regarding business integrity, safety, and responsible business practices.Contribute to ESG and sustainability objectives through procurement initiatives.Innovation & Continuous ImprovementIdentify and implement logistics innovation opportunities, including digitalization, automation, and data analytics solutions.Collaborate with stakeholders to improve logistics efficiency, shipment visibility, service levels, and cost performance.Lead or participate in cross-functional continuous improvement projects.Stakeholder EngagementPartner with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Finance, Commercial, and Operations teams to understand business requirements.Provide procurement expertise, market intelligence, and sourcing recommendations.Support strategic projects, network optimization initiatives, and business expansion activities.QualificationsEducationBachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, or related field.Customs Certificate (Sertifikat Ahli Kepabeanan) is an advantage.ExperienceMinimum 5 years of experience in logistics, supply chain, procurement, contract logistics, freight forwarding, or related industries.Experience in strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, logistics operations, or commercial management.Strong understanding of transportation, warehousing, freight forwarding, and trade processes.Experience working with multinational organizations is an advantage.CompetenciesStrategic sourcing and category managementCommercial negotiationSupplier relationship managementLogistics and trade expertiseAnalytical thinking and problem solvingProject managementStakeholder managementFinancial and business acumenTechnical SkillsSAP / ERP systemsAdvanced Excel and analyticsContract managementProcurement and sourcing tools