The Role
The Procurement Supplier Relationship Assistant Manager drives results by collaborating with teams to negotiate contracts, develop supplier strategies, and optimize relationships for cost reduction and efficiency.
Summary Generated by Built In
About Woven by Toyota
Woven by Toyota is enabling Toyota’s once-in-a-century transformation into a mobility company. Inspired by a legacy of innovating for the benefit of others, our mission is to challenge the current state of mobility through human-centric innovation — expanding what “mobility” means and how it serves society.
Our work centers on four pillars: AD/ADAS, our autonomous driving and advanced driver assist technologies; Arene, our software development platform for software-defined vehicles; Woven City, a test course for mobility; and Cloud & AI, the digital infrastructure powering our collaborative foundation. Business-critical functions empower these teams to execute, and together, we’re working toward one bold goal: a world with zero accidents and enhanced well-being for all.
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WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
As a Procurement Supplier Relationship Assistant Manager, you will report directly to the Supplier Relationship Manager. Your primary responsibility will be to drive high-value results by collaborating closely with Engineering, Corporate teams, and external partners.
You are a proactive, detail-oriented individual with strong organizational skills, thriving in a dynamic, technology-centered environment. You are passionate about cultivating and maintaining relationships with both internal stakeholders and suppliers, ensuring alignment with business goals to achieve desired outcomes. Your clear communication and strategic thinking will be crucial in delivering these goals. This role will require cross-functional collaboration, enabling you to manage processes and priorities in support of critical procurement initiatives.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Negotiate and finalize contracts, securing competitive pricing and favorable terms
- Develop supplier strategies aligned with organizational goals, ensuring compliance and value
- Drive cost reduction through clean sheet analysis and strategic sourcing
- Optimize the supplier base by evaluating performance and consolidating relationships for efficiency. Foster strong internal and external relationships through open communication, acting as the primary contact, and organizing regular meetings.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to propose and design data-driven improvement strategies
- Develop and implement detailed plans, monitoring progress with stakeholder alignment
- Communicate procurement strategies effectively across all organizational levels, maintaining proper documentation
- Escalate issues promptly, providing timely updates and resolutions
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Proven experience (5+ years) in contract negotiation and supplier management negotiation roles
- Deep knowledge in sourcing/purchasing including Supplier Relationship Management as well as basic procedures around RFQ/RFP
- Understanding of IT product categories, licensing models, and technology trends
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving and presentation skills with the ability to perform cost analysis and drive cost-saving initiatives, and to present to executive leadership with demonstrated skills of communications
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with internal stakeholders and external suppliers
- Proficiency in procurement software and tools, as well as Google Workspace (Spreadsheet/Docs/Slide)
- Must be willing to roll up their sleeves and complete multiple tasks under pressure, while assessing, managing and mitigating risks
- Outstanding skill for Internal and External Stakeholder Relationship Management
- Fluent in both Japanese and English for effective communication and negotiation
NICE TO HAVES
- Experience in IT hardware, software, and SaaS supplier management, contract negotiation
- Background in engineering, providing a technical understanding that aids in evaluating IT hardware and software solutions
- Experience in project management, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage timelines, budgets, and deliverables effectively
- Familiarity with contingent workforce sourcing, including strategies for evaluating contract workers in the IT domain
- Demonstrated experience in the implementation or management of corporate systems and software solutions
- Experience working in a multinational company or with global suppliers, offering insight into diverse market practices and cultural nuances
- Ability to develop procurement strategies that align with sustainability and corporate social responsibility goals
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Important Points
・All interviews will be arranged via Google Meet, unless otherwise stated.
・The same job descriptions are available in both English and Japanese; therefore, we kindly ask that you apply to only one version.
・We kindly request that you submit your resume in English, if possible. However, Japanese resumes are also acceptable. Please note that, depending on the English proficiency requirements of the role, we may request an English version of your resume later in the process.
WHAT WE OFFER
・Competitive Salary - Based on experience
・Work Hours - Flexible working time
・Paid Holiday - 20 days per year (prorated)
・Sick Leave - 6 days per year (prorated)
・Holiday - Sat & Sun, Japanese National Holidays, and other days defined by our company
・Japanese Social Insurance - Health Insurance, Pension, Workers’ Comp, and Unemployment Insurance, Long-term care insurance
・Housing Allowance
・Retirement Benefits
・Rental Cars Support
・In-house Training Program (software study/language study)
Our Commitment
・We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity.
・Any information we receive from you will be used only in the hiring and onboarding process. Please see our privacy notice for more details.
Top Skills
Google Workspace
Procurement Software
Rfp
Rfq
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The Company
What We Do
Woven by Toyota will help to deliver the safest, most intelligent mobility experiences and lifestyle for Toyota customers everywhere. At Woven by Toyota, we envision a human-centered future, where world-class technology expands global access to mobility, enhances the capabilities of drivers, and empowers people to thrive. We achieve this with a unique global culture that weaves modern Silicon Valley innovation with Japanese quality craftsmanship. As society, technology and customer needs evolve, we continuously pursue new ways to create a more personal, seamless experience for customers.
