Category Specialist ( MRO )
Permanent - Full TimeJob Overview
Job location: Shenzhen, China
About the role:
The Category Specialist(MRO) plays a pivotal role in securing critical non-production materials that drive our global marketing and operational excellence. This role will be executing specialized MRO categories, with a specific focus on Global Marketing Materials (including corporate uniforms, PPE, after-sales tools, and installation kits) and local Office/Laboratory Equipment.
About the role:
The Category Specialist(MRO) plays a pivotal role in securing critical non-production materials that drive our global marketing and operational excellence. This role will be executing specialized MRO categories, with a specific focus on Global Marketing Materials (including corporate uniforms, PPE, after-sales tools, and installation kits) and local Office/Laboratory Equipment.
In this role, you will serve as the primary procurement partner for our Marketing teams across Africa, ensuring their unique material needs are met with speed, quality, and cost efficiency. You will manage supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, and navigate complex logistics to support our expanding presence in the African market. Success in this role requires deep MRO expertise, strong cross-cultural communication skills, and fluent English to work effectively with international stakeholders.
What you will be expected to do
- Strategic Category Management:
- Own the sourcing strategy for key MRO categories, specifically Marketing Materials (uniforms, branded merchandise, PPE), Service Tools (after-sales and installation tools), and Office/Lab Equipment.
- Develop category roadmaps that align with global marketing campaigns and operational goals.
- Global Stakeholder Collaboration:
- Act as the trusted procurement advisor to Marketing teams distributed across Africa.
- Conduct regular needs assessments, understand local market nuances, and translate business requirements into effective sourcing solutions.
- End-to-End Procurement Execution:
- Manage the full procurement lifecycle from requisition validation, supplier identification, and RFQ/RFP processes to negotiation, contract signing, and purchase order administration.
- Supplier Relationship Management:
- Build and maintain a robust global and local supplier base. Evaluate supplier performance, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and mitigate supply risks to ensure business continuity.
- Contract & Cost Negotiation:
- Lead commercial negotiations to secure favorable terms, pricing, and service levels.
- Manage contract lifecycles to ensure compliance with company policies and local regulations in various African jurisdictions.
- Logistics & Delivery Coordination:
- Work with providers and internal teams to ensure timely delivery of materials to diverse locations across Africa, overcoming infrastructure challenges and ensuring customs compliance where necessary.
- Quality & Compliance Assurance:
- Ensure all procured items (especially PPE and technical tools) meet strict quality standards and safety regulations.
- Resolve any quality disputes or delivery delays proactively.
- Market Intelligence:
- Monitor global and regional market trends for raw materials and finished goods relevant to marketing and MRO supplies to anticipate price fluctuations and supply constraints.
You might be a strong candidate if you have/are
- A Bachelor’s degree or higher in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
- 5+ years of progressive experience in procurement or supply chain management.
- At least 3 years of specialized experience in MRO procurement, with a proven track record in managing Marketing Materials (uniforms, PPE, promotional items), Technical Tools, or Lab/Office Equipment.
- Fluency in English is mandatory (both written and spoken), with the ability to negotiate and present confidently to senior stakeholders.
- Solid knowledge of MRO sourcing dynamics, supplier markets, and total cost of ownership (TCO).
- Strong negotiation skills with the ability to drive value without compromising quality or relationships.
- Proven ability to manage complex logistics and cross-border trade issues.
- Strong ability to work effectively with diverse, geographically dispersed teams.
- Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and MS Office software.
- A proactive problem-solver with a results-oriented mindset, capable of working independently in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.