Business & Strategic Procurement – Deputy Manager

About the Role

Carabao are seeking a Business & Strategic Procurement – Deputy Manager to drive data-driven, digital-enabled, and sustainable procurement. This role focuses on spend analytics, strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, quality, process improvement, digital transformation, compliance, and sustainability, working closely with internal stakeholders and key suppliers to create long-term business value and resilience.

Key Responsibilities

1. Spending Data, Strategic Sourcing & Contract Management

• Analyze PR/PO and spending data to generate actionable insights for strategic decision-making
• Develop sourcing and category strategies aligned with business objectives
• Lead contract strategy, commercial negotiation, and total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis
• Identify and deliver measurable cost saving and cost avoidance initiatives

2. Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) & Risk Management

• Build and manage long-term relationships with strategic and preferred suppliers
• Collaborate with key suppliers on R&D, product innovation, process improvement, and cost innovation
• Secure commercial advantages such as pricing benefits, priority supply, and improved contractual terms
• Assess supply chain risks and develop contingency plans, including second-source and alternate supplier strategies

3. Quality Management

• Ensure supplier quality standards comply with company, customer, and regulatory requirements
• Monitor supplier performance and lead corrective and preventive actions
• Work cross-functionally to resolve quality issues and continuously improve supplier capability

4. Process Improvement & Digital Transformation

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across procurement processes to enhance efficiency, transparency, and control
• Review and redesign procurement workflows to reduce cycle time, manual work, and operational risk
• Lead or support digital transformation initiatives such as ERP enhancement, e-Procurement, sourcing platforms, and analytics tools
• Promote data accuracy, system adoption, and standardization across procurement activities
• Act as a change agent to improve ways of working and digital mindset within the procurement function

5. Compliance & Sustainable Procurement

• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, governance frameworks, and audit requirements
• Support sustainable procurement practices aligned with ESG principles and corporate responsibility goals
• Evaluate and develop suppliers based on environmental, social, and ethical standards

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Engineering, Economics, or related fields
• Minimum 5–8 years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain
• Proven experience in spend analysis, sourcing strategy, and supplier management
• Experience in process improvement and procurement-related digital transformation is highly preferred
• Background in FMCG / Manufacturing / Food & Beverage / Retail is an advantage

Required Soft Skills (Core Competencies)

• Critical Thinking – Ability to assess complex procurement issues, evaluate options, and make sound business decisions
• Analytical Thinking – Strong capability in data analysis, cost modeling, and insight generation
• Creative Thinking – Ability to develop innovative sourcing, cost optimization, and supplier collaboration solutions
• Communication – Clear and effective communication with internal stakeholders and external suppliers
• Leadership – Capability to influence, guide teams, and lead cross-functional initiatives without direct authority
• Project Management – Ability to plan, execute, and deliver procurement projects within scope, timeline, and budget
• Emotional Intelligence – Strong interpersonal skills to manage relationships, negotiation dynamics, and conflict effectively
• Adaptability – Ability to respond to change, manage uncertainty, and perform effectively in a dynamic business environment