Global Category Specialist

Global Category Specialist - IT/IS

Functional overview

The purpose of Asahi Procurement is to safeguard the existing value and to unlock new sources of sustainable value for Asahi, our customers, and the planet. This is done through partnering with Asahi business stakeholders and a high-performing supplier network.

Procurement capabilities are mobilized to improve product and service quality, mitigate risks, drive total cost of ownership and infuse top-line growth for Asahi local businesses.

Asahi Procurement aspires to be the partner of choice for internal clients as well as for external suppliers; trusted for being an inspirational business advocate; connecting people and driving sustainable procurement value; while aiming to achieve operational and transactional excellence to ensure business continuity.

Excellence in procurement is achieved by establishing strong partnerships for strategic internal and external cooperation, as well as responding innovatively and agilely to business disruptions and challenges.

No matter if Procurement people are based in Japan, Australia, Malaysia, Europe or any other location, there is a one-direction approach used to maximize value delivery in a consistent way.

Cost and Net Working Capital efficiency is equally important as proactive risk management is. The aspiration for continuity, sustainability, and circular economy is reflected in everything we do. Moreover, Procurement employees are not only experts in their categories but also ambassadors for corporate social responsibility. Following the Asahi Group philosophy, Procurement thinks globally and acts locally.

Job title : Global Category Specialist – IT/IS

Reporting to: Global Category Director – Marketing & Business Services

Contract Type: 1-year Fixed Term Contract (maternity cover), with the possibility of extension

Main interfaces

Internally

Senior leadership teams across the globe

Externally

Suppliers / other procurement organization / local authorities

Main purpose of the job

As a Global Category Specialist - IT/IS, the primary role is to oversee, implement, and optimize procurement strategies and operations across the organization. Ensuring compliance with company policies, fostering a unified team, and promoting the sharing of best practices across all regions are key elements of the position. The role involves managing supplier relationships, executing strategic sourcing plans, and implementing category strategies to maximize business value. It also entails risk management, with a focus on price volatility, supplier stability, and product or service availability. Driving sustainable procurement initiatives and innovations, while cultivating a positive work culture that aligns with the company's people strategy, are vital aspects of the role. Ultimately, the aim is to contribute to operational excellence in procurement, continuously improve capabilities, and align procurement practices with Asahi's overall strategy.

Accountabilities and deliverables

1. Act according to Procurement purpose, vision, strategies and governance.

2. Promote one team spirit between all regions to enable sharing of best practices and knowledge.

3. Support Global Procurement People strategy and culture (incl. DEI, employee engagement and well-being).

4. Self-manage adherence to defined governance, policies, and processes.

5. Protect all company's assets by putting in place internal control system and procedures.

6. Protect reputation of Asahi by following applicable legislation.

7. Advocate and foster Sustainable Procurement (incl. CSR) and Procurement innovation strategies and projects.

8. Support creation and implementation of category strategies.

9. Support execution of strategic sourcing plans to maximize the value for the business.

10. Support building and enhancement of strong stakeholder relationship across all Procurement activities.

11. Support development and maintenance of strong partnership with suppliers including performance and quality assurance.

12. Support management and tracking of plans and budgets including objectives, key value drivers and related KPIs.

13. Support risk management focusing on extended agenda: price volatility, supplier stability and product or service availability.

14. Contribute to achieving operational excellence for Procurement, including its processes and systems.

15. Support continuous improvement of Procurement capabilities and practices in alignment with the overall Asahi strategy and external benchmarks.

Requirements

Qualification criteria

• University degree, preferably in Business related field
• Able to communicate in English
• 5+ years of professional experience, whereof 2+ years in procurement of IT/IS products and services
• International experience from multinational company
• Experience from an above-market role
• Procurement platform/-s experience
• Advanced knowledge of MS Office Suite

Benefits

Competitive salary package.

Health, Life and Dental coverage.

Opportunities for career advancement and professional development.

Dynamic and inclusive work environment.