Description
You will lead procurement for Japan, working closely with local teams and global category partners.
Responsibilities:
- Lead end-to-end sourcing and contracting for defined categories, delivering value and compliance.
- Partner with operations, quality, finance and other stakeholders to define requirements and priorities.
- Manage supplier performance and risk to protect supply, quality and business continuity.
- Deliver cost savings and value initiatives while ensuring transparent budget and financial reporting.
- Align local actions with regional and global category strategies and share market insights.
- Coach colleagues and support improvement of local procurement processes.
Basic Qualification:
- Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, engineering or related field.
- At least 5 years of procurement experience covering indirect and/or direct spend.
- Proven experience in sourcing, negotiation and contract management.
- Experience using procurement tools and ERP systems such as SAP.
- Strong stakeholder management skills and ability to work in a matrix organisation.
- Fluent Japanese and business-level English.
Preferred Qualification:
- Experience in pharmaceutical, biotech or other regulated industries.
- Professional certification in procurement or supply chain (for example CIPS or CPSM).
- Experience with categories such as professional services, technology, facilities or capital expenditure.
- Knowledge of third-party risk management and contract lifecycle tools.
- Track record of delivering measurable cost savings and supplier performance improvement.
- Experience leading small teams or mentoring colleagues.
Working arrangement: This role is based in Japan and is offered as a hybrid model. You will be expected to work on-site regularly and travel within Japan and occasionally internationally.