Category Manager – Indirect Category

About the Role

HEINEKEN fosters meaningful connections by bringing people together and enhancing moments of true joy. Committed to pioneering the future of beer and beyond, the company is embarking on a significant phase of innovation and growth. Aligned with HEINEKEN's EverGreen balanced growth strategy, an opportunity has arisen for a Category Manager to help deliver value and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate and implement category strategies for Indirect categories across Malaysia and Singapore to optimize procurement value.
• Drive savings through cost reduction, cost avoidance, cash flow improvements, and encourage supplier innovations along with ongoing enhancement initiatives.
• Harmonize categories, align specifications, and pursue supplier consolidation within the regional cluster to increase efficiency.
• Support execution of regional and global procurement strategies and initiatives.
• Lead comprehensive sourcing efforts including market analysis, managing tenders, negotiating with suppliers, and overseeing contract finalization.
• Ensure adherence to HEINEKEN’s procurement policies, governance standards, and applicable regulations throughout sourcing processes.
• Manage strategic supplier contracts and monitor supplier performance for compliance with delivery, quality, service, and commercial commitments.
• Maintain accurate records in procurement systems and manage contract-related information effectively.
• Foster and maintain strategic partnerships with critical suppliers and service providers, conducting regular performance assessments and driving improvement plans.
• Explore and implement supplier-driven innovation, sustainable practices, and productivity improvements.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand their procurement needs, providing expert guidance and challenging specifications to secure the best value and manage risk.
• Contribute to business planning, budgeting, and project initiatives requiring procurement involvement.
• Monitor supplier and market risks, including those impacting supply continuity, and contribute to risk mitigation efforts.
• Assist with initiatives aimed at optimizing payment terms and enhancing working capital.
• Uphold compliance with internal controls, audit requirements, procurement policies, and relevant regulations.
• Participate in governance, policy implementation, capability development efforts, and procurement transformation projects within Malaysia and Singapore.
• Drive continuous process improvements within procurement operations and tools, and engage in special projects as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• A degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or related fields.
• Professional procurement certifications such as CIPS, ISM, or equivalents are advantageous.
• Five to eight years of substantial experience in procurement, sourcing, or category management roles.
• Proven experience in managing sourcing projects, supplier negotiations, and contract oversight.
• Preference for candidates with background in indirect procurement within FMCG, manufacturing, or multinational corporations.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across multiple functions and manage diverse stakeholder relationships.

Skills and Competencies

• Expertise in Category Management and Strategic Sourcing.
• Proficient in Contract and Supplier Relationship Management.
• Strong negotiation and commercial management capabilities.
• Competence in procurement analytics and spend control.
• Sound financial literacy and business insight.
• Understanding of procurement governance and compliance requirements.
• Risk management skills including business continuity planning.
• Familiarity with ERP and procurement software systems.
• Effective project management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Leadership demonstrated through ownership, teamwork, and influencing results through collaboration.