Category Manager / Plywood & Wood Categories (EAP)

Purpose of the Role

As Category Manager / Strategic Purchaser for Plywood, you will shape and implement sourcing strategies for plywood and related wood products across our EAP region and global procurement network. Your goal is to secure a reliable and competitive supply while optimizing total costs, developing strong supplier partnerships, and managing market and supply risks.

Working closely with internal stakeholders and local procurement teams, you will combine strategic category management with hands-on sourcing and negotiation activities. In doing so, you will contribute to sustainable value creation and the continuous development of our procurement organization.

Your Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category and sourcing strategies for plywood and related wood products
• Analyze supplier markets, price developments, cost drivers, regulatory requirements, and potential supply risks
• Lead sourcing initiatives, tenders, supplier evaluations, and commercial negotiations
• Negotiate contracts and long-term framework agreements based on fact-based and total-cost approaches
• Manage and develop strategic supplier relationships, including performance reviews and improvement measures
• Identify alternative suppliers and sourcing opportunities to strengthen supply security and competitiveness
• Drive cost optimization, standardization, value engineering, and process improvement initiatives
• Collaborate with Sales, Business Development, Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering, Production, Finance, and local procurement teams
• Support the testing and implementation of new materials, products, and supplier solutions
• Monitor category performance, savings, supplier KPIs, and risks while ensuring compliance with procurement standards
• Contribute to procurement digitalization, structured data management, and the effective use of sourcing and analytics tools

• Reporting to: Group Lead Category Management / Group Lead Category Wood
• Location: Preferably with regular presence in HQ Kuala Lumpur
• Travel Requirement: National & International travel >20%

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in:
• Business Administration / Procurement
• Wood Technology
• Professional certifications (e.g., CIPS, CPSM) are an advantage
• Experience in international procurement, sourcing, or category management preferred
• Timber or plywood industry knowledge is a strong advantage
• Fluent English (spoken and written) is required, German and additional languages are an advantage

Applications from motivated graduates or candidates with relevant practical experience are welcome!