Key Responsibilities 1. Category Strategy & Spend Analysis Map annual spend by category: cotton/yarn, dyes and laundry chemicals, trims (zippers, buttons, rivets, labels), packaging, machine spare parts and MRO consumables Define a sourcing strategy per category: number of suppliers, local vs. import, contract vs. spot buying, and risk mitigation Identify savings opportunities through vendor consolidation, specification optimization and volume leverage 2. Supplier Selection, RFQ & Negotiation Run RFQs/tenders with a minimum of 3 quotations for all recurring items; document evaluation and selection rationale Negotiate price, MOQ, lead time, quality terms and payment terms with suppliers Issue and maintain the Approved Vendor List (AVL) and approved price list that the Purchase team must use Set up framework/annual agreements for high-frequency items to eliminate ad-hoc buying 3. Supplier Qualification, Audit & Sustainability Compliance Qualify and audit new and existing suppliers on quality, capacity, financial stability, social compliance and sustainability Ensure materials and suppliers meet required certifications: GOTS, GRS/RCS, OEKO-TEX, ZDHC MRSL for chemicals, and bluesign where relevant Support Saitex’s B Corp commitments by increasing the share of certified sustainable and recycled materials 4. Supplier Development & Alternative Sourcing Develop local Vietnam and regional alternatives (China, India, Turkey, Bangladesh) to reduce lead time and import dependency Work with R&D/Product Development on new fabrics, finishes and sustainable materials; manage brand-nominated vs. Saitex-sourced suppliers Coordinate with the Maintenance Manager on critical spare parts and local alternatives for machine components 5. Price Benchmarking & Market Intelligence Benchmark prices quarterly against market and commodity indices (cotton, indigo, caustic soda, PET) Flag, challenge and justify any supplier price increase with data before approval Monitor supply market risks (capacity, raw material shortages, FX, logistics) and propose contingency plans 6. Supplier Performance Management Track supplier KPIs: price variance, on-time delivery, defect rate and compliance status Run quarterly supplier business reviews and drive corrective action plans for under-performing suppliers Share supplier performance data with Purchase, QA, Material Control and the Cost Accountant 7. Governance, Documentation & Integrity Maintain full documentation of quotations, evaluations, contracts and approvals for audit trail Comply strictly with segregation of duties: no involvement in PO creation or goods receipt confirmation Declare conflicts of interest annually and uphold Saitex’s anti-bribery and supplier code of conduct [Requirements] Experience Minimum 8 years of experience in sourcing/procurement, with at least 4 years in a denim or woven garment/textile mill Proven cost-saving track record with measurable results (e.g. 5–10% category savings, vendor consolidation) Experience setting up AVLs, framework agreements and supplier evaluation systems Nice to have: experience at a trims or chemical supplier, or in a vertical (fabric + garment) manufacturer Knowledge & Skills Strong knowledge of denim inputs: yarn counts, indigo/sulphur dyeing, finishing and laundry chemicals, trims Solid understanding of sustainability standards: GOTS, GRS/RCS, OEKO-TEX, ZDHC, bluesign Proficient in ERP purchasing modules and advanced Excel; able to build cost and quotation comparison models Fluent English; Mandarin is a strong plus (many chemical and trim suppliers are Chinese) Soft Skills High integrity — the role must be immune to kickbacks and conflicts of interest Data-driven, confident negotiator who can challenge suppliers and internal stakeholders Structured and analytical; able to manage multiple categories and suppliers simultaneously Collaborative with Purchase, R&D, QA, Production and Finance teams Education Bachelor’s degree in Textile Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration or related field Procurement certifications (CIPS, CPSM or equivalent) are a plus