Assistant Manager, Planning, Assessment & Sourcing

Assistant Manager, Planning, Assessment & Sourcing

• Conduct market research to identify potential suppliers, assess market trends, and evaluate the availability and costs of materials and services. Gather and analyze market data and pricing structures, supplier capabilities/ performances, and industry best practices to recommend the most effective sourcing strategies.

• Assist in the evaluation of current and potential suppliers based on factors such as price, quality, reliability, and delivery performance. Conduct regular assessments of supplier performance, including on-time delivery, product quality, and customer service levels. Work with suppliers to resolve performance issues, improve service levels, and ensure compliance with contractual terms and conditions. Support the maintenance of supplier scorecards and performance tracking systems.

• Support the sourcing process by preparing requests for quotations (RFQs), reviewing proposals, and conducting supplier negotiations under the guidance of senior managers. Assist in the selection of suppliers that meet company requirements, negotiating pricing and terms to ensure favorable agreements. Help coordinate the preparation of purchase orders, ensuring accuracy and timely processing.

• Monitor supplier deliveries and inventory levels to ensure procurement meets the company’s operational needs.

• Assist with cost analysis for sourcing decisions, identify opportunities for cost reductions and efficiencies in the procurement process. Support the budgeting process by providing insights into procurement spend, cost trends, and supplier pricing. Monitor procurement budgets to ensure it is within budget and/ or reduce costs.

• Assist in continuous improvement initiatives within the sourcing and procurement process, identifying areas for automation, cost savings, and process efficiency.

• Generate regular reports on sourcing activities, supplier performance, and procurement savings for management review. Analyze procurement data and provide actionable insights to improve decision-making and sourcing strategies.

• Monitor industry trends, competitor activities, and regulatory changes to stay informed and adapt sourcing strategies accordingly. Ensure that all sourcing activities comply with internal policies, procedures, and relevant regulations. Implement contingency plans and work closely with suppliers to address potential supply chain disruptions.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment between sourcing strategies and business objectives. Assist in managing relationships with suppliers, resolving issues, and ensuring that suppliers meet the required quality standards and deadlines.

• Communicate with internal stakeholders to understand their sourcing needs and ensure timely delivery of products or services.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.

• 3-4 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain management. Experience with market analysis, supplier evaluation, and procurement processes.

• Familiarity with sourcing strategies, cost analysis, and contract negotiation. Good analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent negotiation and communication skills to effectively manage vendor relationships and cross-functional collaboration.

• Ability to handle multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment, and adapt to changing business needs.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and preferably, also supply chain or procurement management software.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively. Ability to work independently and within a team.

• Occasional travel may be required.