Purchasing Supervisor/Engineer (MY)

Location: Johor, Malaysia
Employment Type: Full-Time

Job Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented and results-driven Purchasing Engineer to support our manufacturing operations in Malaysia. The successful candidate will be responsible for sourcing, evaluating, and managing suppliers to ensure cost-effective procurement of materials, components, and services while maintaining quality and delivery standards.

This role requires strong technical understanding of engineering materials and manufacturing processes, coupled with sound commercial acumen. The candidate will work closely with Engineering, Production, and Finance teams to ensure smooth supply chain operations and continuous cost optimization.

Preferred Attributes:
1. Experience in CNC precision engineering or an industrial manufacturing environment.
2. Prior experience in the sheet metal or machining industry is highly desirable, with familiarity in material properties (e.g., stainless steel, aluminium alloys) and local supply chain dynamics.
3. Preference for candidates open to relocating to Malaysia upon hiring, with company support. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of background.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Material & Production Planning

Formulate procurement plans for sheet metal and machining materials (e.g., steel, hardware components) based on production schedules. Control procurement quantities to prevent overstock or stockouts. Track order status and promptly resolve issues like material shortages and delayed deliveries to ensure uninterrupted production.

2. Cost Control & Supplier Management

Reduce procurement costs through competitive quoting, price comparison, and commercial negotiations. Issue regular cost analysis reports. Source and develop local Malaysian suppliers and high-quality overseas vendors. Conduct periodic supplier evaluations (quality, delivery, cost, etc.), optimize the supplier matrix, and maintain long-term relationships with key partners.

3. Process & Contract Governance

Optimize procurement processes tailored to the sheet metal and machining industry. Standardize workflows including order approval, material inspection, and payment processing. Review procurement contract terms, monitor contract execution, and handle contract disputes, as well as return, replacement, and claim procedures for non-conforming materials.

4. Team Leadership & Cross-Departmental Collaboration

Lead and manage the procurement team, define roles and responsibilities, and organize skill training (e.g., material knowledge, negotiation techniques). Collaborate closely with production, quality control (QC), and engineering departments to align material requirements, coordinate incoming material inspections, and resolve coordination issues between procurement and production.

5. Market Intelligence & Risk Mitigation

Monitor market price fluctuations and industry trends of key materials (e.g., steel, aluminum). Adjust procurement strategies proactively. Establish an alternative supplier pool to mitigate supply chain disruptions. Respond efficiently to procurement emergencies such as material quality defects or delivery delays.

Job Qualifications:

1. Education & Major

Bachelor’s degree or above in Supply Chain Management, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related fields is preferred. Candidates with a diploma and extensive industry experience will also be considered.

2. Work Experience

Minimum 3–5 years of procurement experience, with at least 1–2 years in a supervisory role. Prior experience in the sheet metal or machining industry is highly desirable, with familiarity in material properties (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum alloys) and local supply chain dynamics.

3. Technical & Language Skills

- Proficient in reading sheet metal and machining drawings.
- Skilled in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or local Malaysian systems like Autocount).
- Strong commercial negotiation, cost analysis, and supplier evaluation capabilities.
- Fluent in English (spoken and written) for daily work. Proficiency in Mandarin is a plus for collaborating with Chinese suppliers or MNCs.

4. Core Competencies

- Strong cost awareness and high ethical standards; strictly adhere to procurement compliance and anti-corruption policies.
- Excellent problem-solving, cross-departmental communication, and time management skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Knowledge of Malaysian procurement regulations, customs procedures, and local business practices is advantageous.