Assistant Procurement Manager (Equipment Manufacturing)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Strategic Procurement & SourcingDevelop and implement procurement strategies aligned with Exentec's manufacturing and business objectives.Lead sourcing activities for mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, automation, fabrication, and engineered components.Establish long-term supplier partnerships to ensure competitiveness, quality, innovation, and supply continuity.Conduct market analysis and supplier benchmarking to identify opportunities for cost reduction and value improvement.Lead RFQs, RFPs, contract negotiations, and supplier selection processes.Manage procurement budgets and achieve annual cost savings targets.Identify alternative sourcing opportunities to mitigate supply risks and improve resilience.Equipment Manufacturing Procurement ManagementEnsure timely procurement of raw materials, fabricated parts, OEM equipment, consumables, and production-related services.Collaborate with Engineering, Production, Planning, and Project teams to understand material requirements and manufacturing schedules.Review technical specifications, drawings, and bill of materials (BOM) to support procurement decisions.Monitor long-lead items and critical components to prevent production delays.Support new product introduction (NPI) projects by sourcing qualified suppliers and materials.Evaluate make-versus-buy opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency.Supplier Management & DevelopmentDevelop, qualify, and maintain an approved supplier base.Establish supplier performance metrics focused on quality, delivery, cost, responsiveness, and service.Conduct supplier audits and performance reviews.Lead supplier development initiatives to improve quality, capacity, and lead-time performance.Resolve supplier-related quality issues and implement corrective actions with relevant stakeholders.Manage strategic supplier relationships and executive-level supplier engagement.Cost Control & Commercial ManagementNegotiate pricing, payment terms, contracts, and commercial agreements.Drive total cost of ownership (TCO) initiatives across procurement categories.Monitor commodity market trends and assess impacts on procurement costs.Identify and execute value engineering and cost reduction opportunities.Ensure procurement activities remain within approved budgets and financial targets.Inventory & Supply Chain OptimizationCollaborate with Planning and Warehouse teams to optimize inventory levels.Balance inventory investment with supply continuity requirements.Monitor material availability and inventory turnover.Implement processes to reduce excess and obsolete inventory.Support demand planning and forecasting activities.Team Leadership & ManagementLead, mentor, and develop the procurement team.Set departmental objectives, KPIs, and performance targets.Allocate resources and prioritize procurement activities to meet business needs.Conduct performance reviews and support employee development plans.Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.Drive procurement best practices across the organization.Compliance, Quality & Risk ManagementEnsure compliance with company procurement policies, procedures, and ethical standards.Support ISO, quality, environmental, safety, and customer-specific requirements.Manage contractual risks and supplier compliance obligations.Ensure adherence to import/export regulations, customs requirements, and applicable trade compliance standards.Develop risk mitigation plans for critical suppliers and key commodities.QUALIFICATIONSEducationBachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, Manufacturing Management, or a related discipline.ExperienceMinimum 8-10 years of procurement and supply chain experience within manufacturing, equipment manufacturing, semiconductor, mechanical systems, industrial equipment, or engineered products industries.Minimum 3-5 years in a leadership or managerial position.Proven experience managing strategic sourcing, supplier development, and contract negotiations.Experience supporting project-based manufacturing environments is an advantage.Skills & CompetenciesStrong leadership and people management skills.Excellent negotiation and commercial management capabilities.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.Knowledge of manufacturing processes, fabrication, machining, and engineering requirements.Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and bills of materials.Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, Infor, etc.).Strong understanding of inventory management and supply chain planning.Familiarity with international sourcing, Incoterms, logistics, and customs regulations.Advanced Microsoft Excel and procurement analytics skills.Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.