INTRODUCTION
A leading global utilities company is seeking a Category Manager (EPC Buyer). The role will ensure that the acquisition of Equip and services for the Japan BU entities that are integrated into the Support Function departments’ scope are in line with company's Purchasing Program’s objective to continuously realize Savings. Negotiate contracts and terms to optimize spend according to the assigned Purchasing Categories.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Analyzes and assesses the needs of the group companies and investigates the market in order to benchmark prices and identify action items that will deliver savings.
Launches actions (tender, bid, RFQ, etc.), evaluates results in accordance with Group company's best practices (price index review, rates comparison, etc.) and defines functional specifications through consultation with the requesters and the technical department in order to better negotiate and finalize contracts.
Applies the requirements of the Group in terms of policies, controls, payment terms, etc. by focusing on contracts and vendors. Responsible for ensuring compliance with framework agreements and streamlining of purchasing requests (PR) by re-focusing on existing catalogs or negotiated references
Receives quotes, specifications, drawings and any related documents and ensures that all procuring items meet with the requirements.
Above an identified threshold or for certain categories, receives purchase requests (PR) and provide optimal support to satisfy the operational need for goods and services outsourcing by gathering additional quotes to compare and through better negotiation with vendors.
Extracts spend information from SAP for analysis, utilizes Group company's tools and produces monthly regular savings reports
Periodically audits and assesses the vendor in accordance with the approved guidelines
Assesses and approves POs up to authorized threshold in SAP system.
Approves vendor information in SAP system, especially those under managed Purchasing Categories
REQUIRED SKILLS
At least 7 years of purchasing / PO management experiences
With experience in the management of reporting staff
Proven track record with savings
Transparent reporting style
Ability to work in a foreign or multi-cultural management environment
Experience reporting in English (at least written)
Motivated and self-starter. Excellent inter-personal and communication skills
Ability to exhibit expertise as well as business acumen
Background in the the water industry sector is preferable, including knowledge in the following purchasing category: Electricity Contracts, Tendering of chemicals (i.e. Polymer, caustic soda, etc.), General purchasing of Maintenance, Repair and Operational (MRO) tools including management of Punch out catalogs
Education: Bachelor’s Degree and above preferred
Japanese: Native language
English: Intermediate or Higher level in both oral and written communication
Proficient in Excel, Word and PowerPoint as well as Google equivalent applications
PREFERRED SKILLS
SAP ARIBA knowledge or equivalent applications for Guided Buying & Commerce Automations is preferred