Category Lead / Senior Category Lead - Procurement

About the role

SMRT is looking for a Category Lead or Senior Category Lead to drive procurement processes and initiatives. The role ensures the efficient, value-driven acquisition of critical hardware, spares and services needed for infrastructure and operational continuity, through strategic and operational sourcing and category management.

Key responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end procurement of spares and services.
• Partner with business units to understand requirements, influence sourcing decisions and drive alignment in tenders and contracts.
• Oversee vendor relationships and the contract lifecycle, ensuring compliance, performance and strategic improvements.
• Monitor procurement outcomes and drive continuous improvement and risk mitigation.
• Formulate sourcing strategies and category plans for transport systems, including market analysis and supplier segmentation.
• Stay updated on industry trends and innovations to identify cost-saving and process-improvement opportunities.
• Perform any other tasks assigned by the Supervisor.

Required profile

• Degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Administration or a closely related technical field.
• Fresh graduates are welcome, as training and development opportunities will be provided.
• Relevant experience in a procurement or sourcing role is an advantage.
• Exposure to or interest in the public transport industry is an advantage.

Required skills

• Advantage: familiarity with ERP platforms such as Ariba and SAP.
• Advantage: experience developing, interpreting and negotiating complex deals, with a strong grasp of total cost of ownership (TCO) and value-based procurement.
• Advantage: familiarity with contract law, international trade law, financial regulations and outsourcing/vendor risk management.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to build strategic relationships with vendors, partners and regulators.
• Able to learn and adapt to technical and operational challenges in automotive spares procurement and contract management under guidance and supervision.