Group Purchasing Manager

RMA Group, headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, is a multi-sector group with over 8000 employees and an operational presence in 14 countries. For over 30 years, we have developed enduring partnerships to support the needs of our clients, underpinned by the core values of Innovation, Integrity and Endurance. Through its various businesses including RMA Automotive, Global Fleet Sales, Comin Asia and Express Food Group (EFG), RMA Group has established itself as the partner of choice for leading automotive, equipment, engineering services, and food brands in Southeast Asia and beyond.

We are seeking to fill the role of  "Group Purchasing Manager", responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of the purchasing process and supplier quality within our organization. The primary goals of this role will be to develop and lead the team in Thailand and beyond, to ensure the timely procurement of high-quality materials and services, whilst also developing strong relationships with our suppliers. 

This role is based in the Chonburi province with regular travel requirements to Bangkok and overseas as required.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Sourcing: Develop and implement a comprehensive sourcing strategy to identify and select the best suppliers in terms of quality, cost, delivery, and innovation.
2. Project Purchasing: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, project management, and production, to ensure timely and cost-effective procurement of materials and services for project-based initiatives.
3. Supplier Management: Establish and maintain effective relationships with key suppliers, negotiate contracts, and monitor supplier performance to ensure compliance with quality standards and delivery schedules. Develop the current supplier qualification and assessment model.
4. Purchasing Operations: Lead the purchasing team in executing daily procurement activities, including purchase order creation, supplier evaluation, price negotiation, and expediting of deliveries.
5. Cost Optimization: Continuously evaluate market conditions, supplier capabilities, and product requirements to identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements in the procurement process.
6. Supplier Technical Assistance: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, quality assurance, and manufacturing, to ensure that supplier components and materials meet the required specifications and quality standards. The scope of work includes supplier qualification, product and process qualification during development, and ad-hoc action plan during mass production.
7. Risk Management: Identify potential risks in the supply chain and develop contingency plans to mitigate disruptions, ensuring the continuity of supply.
8. Performance Monitoring: Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure supplier performance, such as on-time delivery, quality, cost, and responsiveness. Participate in developing new procurement systems and foster the use of new tools in the team.
9. Compliance and Ethics: Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and company policies, promoting ethical practices throughout the procurement process.
10. Team Leadership: propose, structure and develop the Purchasing and STA team, to fit with the business growth and project requirements. Provide guidance, mentorship, and support to the team of nearly 20 direct reports, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and accountability.
11. Market Research: Stay updated on industry trends, market dynamics, and emerging technologies to drive innovation and identify new opportunities for supplier engagement.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, supply chain management, engineering, or a related field. A master's degree is preferred.
• Proven experience in purchasing and supplier quality management, preferably within the automotive industry or a related manufacturing sector.
• Strong knowledge of sourcing strategies, negotiation techniques, and supply chain best practices.
• Familiarity with quality management systems, such as ISO 9001, IATF 16949, VDA6.3 and experience in managing supplier audits and certifications.
• Proficiency in using enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and other procurement tools. Agility with Excel, data organization, BI reporting
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills to build effective relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, with experience in managing and developing a team.
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal (Thai language is a plus)

RMA Group is an equal opportunity employer, with a diverse group of colleagues globally representing different cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs. Our values of Innovation, Integrity and Endurance is embedded in what we do, and we welcome applicants who are committed to respecting diversity of thought, and in living our values on a day-to-day basis.