Procurement Manager

Our client entered Japan in 2009, but is part of a major international group, dating back to 1891. The company is a trusted brand of heavy vehicles.

Due to continued success in Japan they are actively hiring and seeking a Procurement Manager.

We are seeking a Procurement Manager (individual contributor) to lead and own the
procurement function for our Japanese subsidiary. This role is responsible for ensuring that
procurement activities and supplier contracts comply with local laws and regulations, and are
fully aligned with company policies and Group procurement standards.

Key Responsibilities
Purchasing Governance & Compliance
• Lead and oversee the purchasing function in Japan, ensuring compliance with company
purchasing policies, ethical standards, and applicable laws and regulations
• Serve as the primary local contact for Group Purchasing, supporting the
implementation and adoption of Group policies, initiatives, and tools
• Establish and maintain appropriate purchasing governance to ensure consistent and
compliant operations

Contract Management & Legal Compliance
• Manage all aspects of contract administration, including contract review, negotiation,
execution, amendments, renewals, and terminations
• Ensure supplier contracts comply with legal requirements and internal rules, working
closely with internal stakeholders and external legal counsel as required
• Maintain well-structured contract documentation and ensure visibility of key
contractual terms and risks

Cost Management, Negotiation & Supplier Management
• Drive cost savings and cost control through effective price negotiations and
optimization of contractual terms
• Promote supplier consolidation and standardization to improve efficiency and
strengthen purchasing leverage
• Lead sourcing and tender processes in line with Group purchasing strategies
• Monitor spend and contractual commitments to ensure transparency and cost
effectiveness

Business Partnering & Process Improvement
• Work closely with internal stakeholders to understand purchasing needs and provide
timely, appropriate purchasing support
• Provide guidance on purchasing processes, contracts, and policy compliance,
promoting understanding and adherence across the organization
• Continuously improve purchasing processes and workflows to enhance efficiency,
transparency, and internal controls
• Identify purchasing-related risks, including contractual, compliance, and supplier
risks, and implement appropriate mitigation measures

Procurement / Purchasing Experience

• 8+ years of procurement, purchasing, sourcing, or contract management experience
• Experience independently managing procurement activities within a multinational company
• Experience operating as an individual contributor with end-to-end ownership of procurement processes

Contract Management

• Strong experience reviewing, negotiating, and managing supplier contracts
• Experience handling contract renewals, amendments, terminations, and compliance reviews
• Ability to identify and mitigate contractual and commercial risks

Supplier & Cost Management

• Proven track record in supplier negotiations and cost reduction initiatives
• Experience driving supplier consolidation and purchasing standardization
• Experience managing RFQs, tenders, and sourcing activities

Governance & Compliance

• Strong understanding of procurement governance, policies, and controls
• Experience ensuring compliance with internal purchasing policies and local regulations
• Experience working within structured global procurement environments

Stakeholder Management

• Ability to influence stakeholders across multiple business functions
• Experience partnering with Finance, Legal, Operations, HR, Facilities, and Business Leaders
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills

Language

• Native or fluent Japanese
• Business-level English sufficient to work directly with regional/global procurement teams