Procurement Head – Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Development (Asia)
Location:
Singapore | Tuas | New Manufacturing Setup | Pioneer Regional Role | Permanent Position | APAC Procurement Leadership
About Our Client
Stemgenic is proud to be partnering exclusively with a growing international specialty chemicals manufacturer establishing its new manufacturing operations in Singapore as part of its Asia-Pacific expansion strategy.
With manufacturing and commercial operations across multiple global locations, the company is strengthening its APAC footprint through a new Singapore manufacturing hub designed to support regional customers with enhanced supply chain agility and technical capabilities.
Role Summary
This is a pioneer procurement leadership opportunity responsible for establishing and developing regional sourcing capabilities across Asia.
The successful candidate will take ownership of both operational procurement requirements for the Singapore manufacturing facility and progressively build a strategic supplier network across Asia, with a strong focus on supplier development, sourcing optimisation, and long-term procurement strategy.
This role offers the opportunity to shape the procurement function from the ground up and grow into a broader regional leadership position as the business expands.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Development
Identify, evaluate, and develop suppliers for raw materials, packaging materials, consumables, and manufacturing requirements
Build and expand supplier networks across Asia, particularly China and other strategic sourcing markets
Conduct supplier market mapping, benchmarking, and capability assessments
Develop alternative sourcing strategies to improve supply security and cost competitiveness
Collaborate with global procurement teams to implement regional sourcing strategies
Supplier & Vendor Management
Lead supplier qualification, evaluation, and development activities
Establish strong long-term relationships with regional suppliers
Monitor supplier performance including quality, delivery reliability, service levels, and commercial performance
Support supplier audits and continuous improvement initiatives
Commercial Negotiation & Cost Optimisation
Manage supplier negotiations covering pricing, commercial terms, payment conditions, lead times, and supply arrangements
Analyse market conditions, supplier quotations, and total procurement costs
Identify opportunities for cost optimisation while maintaining quality and supply continuity
Procurement Operations & Supply Continuity
Support day-to-day procurement activities during the plant establishment phase
Manage purchase requisitions, purchase orders, supplier coordination, and delivery tracking
Work closely with Production, Supply Chain, Logistics, Quality, and Technical teams to ensure uninterrupted material availability
Identify supply risks and implement mitigation strategies
Ideal Background
Degree or equivalent qualification in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business, Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related disciplines
Proven experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or supplier development roles within: Specialty Chemicals / Materials / Industrial Manufacturing/ Advanced Materials and related process industries
Strong experience identifying and developing new suppliers rather than only managing existing contracts
Direct supplier engagement experience in China is strongly preferred
Experience supporting plant startups, greenfield operations, or expanding manufacturing environments is advantageous
Strong commercial negotiation and stakeholder management skills
Comfortable operating in a hands-on, entrepreneurial environment
Why Consider This Opportunity
First regional procurement appointment supporting a new Singapore manufacturing operation
Opportunity to build an APAC supplier network from the ground up
Direct exposure to global procurement leadership and international technical teams
Opportunity to work within an international business environment supporting global markets
Opportunity to own and directly influence sourcing strategy, supplier development, and business growth
Stemgenic
is a boutique
Talent Search & Career Advisory firm
headquartered in
Singapore.
We specialize in connecting exceptional professionals and leaders across
STEM domains — Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Our focus spans leadership, technical, and functional roles that are business-critical, high-impact, and often confidential — connecting experts who drive innovation, operational excellence, and growth across industrial and scientific sectors.
In the high-stakes industries we serve, finding the right talent goes far beyond a database search. It begins with understanding how
people, technology, and strategy connect
, and with sharp insight into company landscapes and talent ecosystems, both locally and regionally.
By combining deep market knowledge with
data-driven intelligence
and
human judgment
, we help clients and candidates make informed, forward-looking decisions that are not only right for today but built for the future.
Our Key Services:
Comprehensive Executive Search – Retained
Contingency Search with Talent Map Insights
Standard Contingency Search
Talent Mapping, Market Insights & Competitive Intelligence
Outplacement Campaigns & Workforce Transition Services
Recruitment-as-a-Service (RaaS) - Subscription based Talent Acquisition Model
Career Consulting for Senior & Specialized STEM Talent
Competency Assessments
STEM Industries we cover
Specialty Chemicals, Refineries & Petrochemicals
Food Specialties, Flavors & Nutrition (Human, Animal & Infant)
HealthTech & Medical Devices
Hospitals & Healthcare Services
Industrial EPC – High-Tech Plant Design & Construction
OEMs, Machinery & Advanced Equipment
Pharmaceuticals, Biotech & Life Sciences
Robotics, AI, Automation & Mechatronics
Sustainable Energy, Renewables & Green Technologies
Job Types & Expertise - Specialization:
Business Leadership & Executive Appointments
Technical, R&D & Scientific Roles
Commercial & Business Development
Engineering & Manufacturing
Procurement, Supply Chain & Logistics
HSEQ, Risk & Sustainability
Strategy, Investments & Consulting
Corporate & Professional Services
Digital, Data & AI Leadership
EA Registration Number: 23C1889