Position: Procurement & Inventory Manager

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Procurement & Inventory Manager to oversee end-to-end procurement, inventory planning, and supply chain operations within a manufacturing environment. This role serves as the critical bridge between management, manufacturing operations, and external suppliers to ensure procurement decisions are executed efficiently and production is never disrupted by material shortages.

The successful candidate will play a key role in strengthening inventory visibility, improving procurement efficiency, enhancing supplier performance, and implementing automation and reporting tools that support business growth. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on supply chain professional who enjoys driving operational excellence while collaborating across multiple functions.

Key Responsibilities

Logistics & International Trade

• Manage end-to-end logistics arrangements for both domestic and international shipments, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.
• Monitor global supply chain developments and proactively mitigate risks arising from shipping delays, trade regulations, tariffs, or customs requirements.
• Ensure compliance with Singapore import and export regulations, including maintaining and auditing Major Exporter Scheme (MES) requirements.
• Coordinate with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and logistics partners to optimise transportation performance and minimise disruptions.

Procurement & Strategic Sourcing

• Develop and execute procurement strategies to ensure uninterrupted supply while maintaining competitive costs and supplier quality.
• Source, evaluate, negotiate, and manage supplier relationships to achieve optimal pricing, lead times, and commercial terms.
• Review supplier contracts and negotiate flexible purchasing arrangements, particularly for low-volume manufacturing requirements.
• Communicate effectively with suppliers in China through Mandarin, including reviewing documentation and managing commercial discussions.
• Evaluate supplier performance through regular KPI reviews and implement improvement initiatives where required.

Inventory Planning & Control

• Monitor inventory health using ERP systems (Odoo preferred) to maintain optimal stock levels and minimise shortages or excess inventory.
• Develop inventory control policies, replenishment strategies, and reorder parameters to improve material availability.
• Forecast material requirements using historical demand trends, production schedules, and business forecasts.
• Oversee inventory accuracy through regular reconciliation of receipts, deliveries, transfers, and stock movements.
• Establish early warning mechanisms to identify inventory risks before they impact production.

Process Improvement & Digitalisation

• Drive automation initiatives to replace manual procurement and inventory tracking processes.
• Develop dashboards and reporting tools that provide real-time visibility into procurement status, inventory levels, supplier performance, and work-in-progress materials.
• Utilise Microsoft Excel, Power Query, and business intelligence tools to improve reporting accuracy and operational decision-making.
• Identify opportunities to streamline procurement workflows, reduce lead times, and improve overall supply chain efficiency.

Stakeholder Management & Leadership

• Serve as the primary liaison between management, manufacturing, engineering, finance, and suppliers to ensure alignment on procurement priorities.
• Translate strategic business decisions into operational execution while ensuring accountability across stakeholders.
• Prepare regular reports and performance dashboards covering procurement activities, inventory performance, supplier metrics, cost variances, and operational risks.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, inventory accuracy, and supply chain resilience.

Requirements

• Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in procurement, inventory management, or supply chain operations within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting High-Mix Low-Volume (HMLV) manufacturing operations will be highly advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of procurement planning, inventory management, demand forecasting, and supplier performance management.
• Experience working with ERP systems such as Odoo or similar inventory management platforms.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including Pivot Tables, Lookup functions, and Power Query. Experience with Power BI or other data visualisation tools will be an advantage.
• Familiarity with electronics manufacturing materials, components, reels, or MSL handling will be beneficial.
• Professional proficiency in both spoken and written Mandarin to communicate effectively with Chinese suppliers and review commercial documentation.
• Strong analytical, planning, and problem-solving capabilities with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation, and cross-functional communication skills.
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail, process discipline, and documentation standards.
• Demonstrated ability to lead process improvements and implement operational efficiencies.
• High level of integrity, accountability, and ownership in managing business-critical procurement activities.

This is in partnership with the Employment and Employability Institute Pte Ltd ("e2i"). e2i is the empowering network for workers and employers seeking employment and employability solutions. e2i serves as a bridge between workers and employers, connecting with workers to offer job security through job-matching, career guidance and skills upgrading services, and partnering employers to address their manpower needs through recruitment, training, and job redesign solutions. e2i is a tripartite initiative of the National Trades Union Congress set up to support nation-wide manpower and skills upgrading initiatives. By applying for this role, you consent to recruitSG's PDPA and e2i's PDPA.