Assistant Manager

Company description:

The National University of Singapore is the national research university of Singapore. Founded in 1905 as the Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States Government Medical School, NUS is the oldest higher education institution in Singapore

Job description:

Job Description

The Assistant Manager (Procurement) plays a pivotal role within NUS Medicine by overseeing comprehensive procurement activities that ensure optimal value-for-money, strict compliance with policy, and outstanding service delivery. This dynamic position is responsible for spearheading strategic sourcing initiatives for General Goods and Services (GGS), managing the entire cycle of Request for Quotation (RFQ), Request for Proposal (RFP), and tender processes in accordance with University Procurement Policies and Procedures (UPP). The successful candidate will engage in effective negotiation with suppliers to secure advantageous commercial and contractual agreements while driving continuous improvement in procurement workflows.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Strategic Sourcing and Procurement Management - Plan, coordinate, and execute all stages of procurement cycles, including the administration of transactions through the NUS e-procurement portal, ensuring adherence to service level agreements (SLAs) and minimizing administrative bottlenecks.
• Specification Development - Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop and refine precise procurement specifications that minimize ambiguities and reduce iterative clarifications.
• Supplier Negotiation and Relationship Building - Lead proactive supplier negotiations to achieve cost savings and favorable contractual terms. Establish and nurture strategic supplier networks to maintain high performance and reliability.
• Contract Lifecycle Management - Oversee contract execution, including option management, amendments, and terminations, ensuring alignment with institutional goals, compliance framework, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Governance, Compliance, and User Support - Act as a subject-matter expert providing advisory services, training sessions, and hands-on user assistance to enhance adherence to procurement policies and procedural guidelines. Facilitate bid evaluation processes and meticulous preparation of procurement documentation for approvals and awards.
• Procurement Analytics and Reporting - Utilize data analytics tools to generate insightful KPI dashboards and comprehensive reports that guide executive decision-making and track procurement performance metrics.
• Process Enhancement and Stakeholder Engagement - Identify, recommend, and implement process optimization opportunities to streamline workflows, enhance service delivery, and elevate stakeholder satisfaction across the procurement value chain.
• Team Leadership and Development - Mentor and supervise junior procurement staff, fostering a culture of compliance, innovation, and continuous learning to uphold quality standards and operational excellence in procurement practices.

This role offers an opportunity to contribute significantly to the operational effectiveness of NUS Medicine by ensuring procurement excellence, strengthening supplier partnerships, and supporting sustainable institutional growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in any academic discipline from a recognized institution.
• A minimum of three years' progressive experience in procurement with demonstrable expertise in managing complex sourcing projects and contracts.
• Excellent analytical capabilities, with proven skills in interpreting procurement data, preparing comprehensive reports, and utilizing KPI dashboards to inform strategy.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills enabling effective collaboration with diverse internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Proven ability to independently manage procurement workflows while also thriving in collaborative team environments.
• Diplomatic and tactful approach to stakeholder engagement, with adeptness in resolving compliance issues and managing challenging negotiation scenarios professionally.
• Comprehensive understanding of procurement governance frameworks, policies, and best practices to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Proficiency in e-procurement platforms and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems for seamless transaction management.
• Advanced skills with Microsoft Word and Excel, including the development of clear procurement specifications, approval workflows, and award documentation.
• Experience in data analytics and the creation or management of KPI dashboards is highly advantageous, enhancing evidence-based procurement decisions.

More Information

Location: Kent Ridge Campus

Organization: Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine

Department: Dean-Med-Procurement

Employee Referral Eligible:

Job Requisition ID: 31003

The successful candidate will join a stimulating environment that values professional development, accountability, and teamwork. This contract position spans two years, during which individuals will have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to procurement innovations and process improvements within NUS Medicine while gaining valuable experience in a leading academic institution. The role supports a culture of continuous learning and embraces diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employees are respected and provided equitable opportunities to thrive.