Procurement Specialist

Location Tokyo
Discipline Supply Chain & Procurement
Job type Permanent
Salary Negotiable
Reference 59165

Position: Procurement Specialist
Company Overview

A global organization is seeking a Procurement Specialist to support indirect procurement operations and strategic sourcing initiatives. The role focuses on vendor management, contract negotiation, procurement process optimization, and cross-functional stakeholder collaboration to enhance operational efficiency and transparency across the organization.

Position Overview

The Procurement Specialist will be responsible for managing indirect procurement categories, driving strategic sourcing initiatives, supporting procurement governance, and ensuring compliance with internal procurement policies and global standards.

This role works closely with internal stakeholders and suppliers to optimize procurement activities, reduce costs, improve supplier performance, and strengthen procurement operations.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Procurement & Sourcing
  • Develop and execute category procurement strategies aligned with business objectives

  • Identify cost optimization opportunities and lead sourcing initiatives

  • Conduct RFP/RFQ processes and supplier evaluations

  • Negotiate commercial terms and contracts with vendors

  • Ensure compliance with procurement policies and governance standards

Category Management
  • Manage indirect procurement categories including:

    • Company vehicles and event vehicles

    • Domestic and international business travel

    • Mobile devices and telecommunications

    • 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) services

    • Marketing-related procurement

  • Analyze spending trends and procurement KPIs to improve operational efficiency

  • Support budget planning and procurement optimization initiatives

Procurement Operations & Process Management
  • Manage the full Procure-to-Pay (P2P) process

  • Handle new vendor onboarding and approval processes

  • Monitor procurement performance and generate procurement reports

  • Support procurement compliance and internal controls

Contract & Vendor Management
  • Review and support contract execution processes

  • Maintain procurement-related documentation and records

  • Manage supplier relationships and performance evaluations

  • Mitigate procurement and contractual risks through proper governance and documentation

Requirements
Required Qualifications
  • Native-level Japanese proficiency (or JLPT N1 with professional experience in Japan)

  • Business-level English reading comprehension ability

    • English speaking ability is preferred

  • Minimum 5 years of procurement experience within Japan

  • Experience in supplier negotiations and contract management

  • Strong stakeholder management and communication skills

  • Experience conducting expenditure analysis and RFP processes

  • Strong problem-solving and negotiation skills

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including:

    • Excel

    • Word

    • PowerPoint

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in indirect procurement

  • Experience working within a multinational or global organization

  • Experience using analytical or reporting tools such as Power BI

  • Knowledge of procurement governance and compliance processes

Position Highlights
  • Opportunity to lead strategic procurement initiatives across multiple indirect categories

  • Exposure to global procurement operations and international stakeholders

  • Broad responsibility across sourcing, contracts, vendor management, and procurement operations

  • Opportunity to improve procurement transparency and operational efficiency through data-driven initiatives