Procurement Manager APAC

Would you like to join a global, growing company that innovates for a more sustainable tomorrow? UPM could be the team for you. We are frontrunners in developing renewable alternatives to fossil-based materials. Besides enabling both businesses and consumers make more sustainable choices, we strive to create a positive UPM experience for all our employees around the world. We live by our values – trust and be trusted, achieve together, renew with courage. Together we can renew the everyday, for a future beyond fossils! 

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UPM Adhesive materials is now looking for a Procurement Manager APAC. The primary location for this position is Changshu, with Johor Bahru as the secondary location.

Greetings from your future colleague/manager

“We invite you to join our enthusiastic and committed Direct Procurement Team in APAC, with colleagues based at our manufacturing plants in Changshu and Johor. This is a unique opportunity to take a leading role in shaping and integrating regional direct procurement operations, strengthening collaboration across locations, and building strong partnerships with our suppliers. In this role, you will have real impact—driving performance, optimizing material flow, and helping our teams work as one to support the continued growth of our business” - Agata, Director, Global Procurement

What you will do

• Lead and develop procurement teams located in China and Malaysia, fostering strong collaboration and a “one-team” mindset
• Oversee regional material planning, forecasting, ordering, and inventory level optimization
• Manage and increase supplier performance, with emphasis on both local and international suppliers
• Resolve supply, delivery, and quality issues with suppliers and internal stakeholders in a timely and structured manner
• Coordinate and interface with logistics teams to ensure timely and cost‑efficient inbound material flow
• Monitor and drive key KPIs related to delivery performance, inventory levels, forecast accuracy, and relevant procurement and planning metrics
• Drive continuous improvement of cross-functional initiatives in procurement and supply chain to increase forecast accuracy, reduce excess stock, and improve material availability
• Contribute to global procurement transformation by driving continuous excellence ensuring alignment between regional and global ways of working
• Collaborate closely with supply planning, operations, sourcing, logistics, finance, and global procurement teams in a matrix environment

Who you are

• You have university degree; minimum 5+ years leading procurement, planning and/or supply chain teams within a manufacturing or industrial environment
• You are fluent in Chinese (Mandarin) and English; Chinese language capability is a must for this role
• You have solid background in planning, supply chain management, and inventory optimization, including material planning, forecasting, and inventory control
• You have strong supplier management experience, ideally including Chinese suppliers and international supplier networks
• You have experience working in an international and multicultural environment, preferably in a regional or global role
• You have strong understanding of matrix organizations, with demonstrated ability to work effectively when the line manager and key stakeholders are located in different countries and time zones
• You have ability to integrate teams across countries and cultures to build strong, cross-functional collaboration
• You have excellent communication, stakeholder management, and problem‑solving skills
• You have results-oriented mindset with ability to drive change and build synergies
• You have willingness to travel internationally (mainly between China and Malaysia, with occasional intercontinental travel)

This is what we offer to you

• A meaningful job: We have an inspiring purpose “We renew the everyday for a future beyond fossils”. Our work is impactful and transformative. 
• A caring community: Our community is built on great team spirit and shared commitment. We care about each other and the well-being of our colleagues. We support the work-life balance of all our employees.
• Development opportunities: We offer you great opportunities to learn and grow throughout your career. We are an international, multi-business organization offering plenty of avenues for personal growth.
• Responsible employer: Sustainability is at the core of everything we do. We are committed to ambitious, science-based sustainability targets in all areas, from climate change mitigation to enhancing biodiversity. We foster diversity and inclusivity, offering a work environment in which everyone can be themselves.

Additional information

For support with submitting your application, please contact the HR Service Center at [email protected]

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