Principal, Category Procurement

NIKE, Inc., relentless pursuit of product innovation and sustainable growth demands bold new ways of doing business - including supplier engagement. Stretching for beyond conventional sourcing, Nike Procurement secures the best supplier relationships to drive business success. The team maximizes the value and reach of the company’s investments in external resources, including supply chain, marketing services, digital tools, temporary labor, high-tech equipment and other products and services to fuel business growth and sustainability.

**Who You’ll Work With**

This role will work closely with business stakeholders to understand their needs, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and implement best-in-class procurement practices. Reporting directly to the Senior Director, Procurement for Greater China (GC) and APLA based in China, you will play a critical role in driving value across all procurement categories and ensuring alignment with the company’s global strategies.

**WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR**

We are currently seeking a highly motivated and experienced Procurement Lead to oversee all procurement categories for our operations across Southeast Asia & India (SEA&I).
- ** Experience**: Minimum of 8-10 years of procurement experience in a multinational, consumer product, or manufacturing company, with at least 3+ years in a leadership role managing procurement functions across diverse regions.
- ** Educational Background**: A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. An advanced degree (e.g., MBA, Master’s in Supply Chain) or professional procurement certification (e.g., CIPS) is highly preferred.
- ** Expertise in Procurement**: In-depth knowledge and experience across various procurement categories with strong knowledge in Supply Chain area, including indirect sourcing, supplier management, contract negotiation, and category strategy.
- ** Cross-functional Collaboration**: Proven ability to collaborate and influence senior stakeholders, including senior leadership, finance and legal.
- ** Strong Strategic and Analytical Skills**: Ability to analyze market conditions, supplier performance, and procurement data to drive informed decisions and strategic initiatives.
- ** Language Skills**: Proficiency in English is essential. Proficiency in any Southeast Asian languages is a plus.
- ** Cultural Awareness**: Strong understanding of regional dynamics, cultural nuances, and the ability to manage cross-cultural teams and suppliers.
- ** Travel**: Some regional travel may be required to support supplier relationships and business needs.

Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in working with consumer goods or FMCG products, especially in SC related procurement work, and a regional/global context.
- Expertise in digital procurement tools, e-sourcing platforms, and data analytics.
- Previous experience reporting to senior executives or global stakeholders.
- Strong negotiation skills and ability to manage complex supplier relationships.

**WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON**

As a key member of the procurement leadership team, you will be responsible for leading and executing the procurement strategy for the territory, ensuring the delivery of cost-effective, sustainable, and efficient procurement solutions.
- ** Regional Procurement Leadership**: Lead procurement activities across all categories for SEA&I, including sourcing, supplier relationship management, contract negotiations, and strategic procurement planning.
- ** Stakeholder Management**: Develop strong relationships with key internal stakeholders across different functions, ensuring that procurement strategies are aligned with business objectives and priorities.
- ** Category Management**: Own and execute selected category-specific strategies that optimize costs and ensure product quality, availability, and compliance.
- ** Supplier Selection & Negotiations**: Identify, evaluate, and negotiate with suppliers to secure the best value for the company. Ensure supplier performance aligns with company expectations on cost, quality, and delivery.
- ** Risk Management & Compliance**: Mitigate risks related to supply chain disruptions, geopolitical factors, and regulatory compliance. Ensure that procurement practices are fully compliant with company policies, local regulations, and sustainability goals.
- ** Regional Strategy Execution**: Align SEA&I procurement operations with the global procurement strategy, driving continuous improvement, innovation, and best practices within the region.
- ** Team Development**: As a single point of leadership for procurement in SEA&I, guide and lead virtual cross-functional project teams through influence.
- ** Cost Management**: Implement cost-saving initiatives while maintaining high standards of quality and service. Regularly report on procurement performance, savings, and operational efficiency metrics.
- ** Market Intelligence**: Stay up to date on market trends, supply chain challenges, and new pro