Network & Indirect Procurement Category Manager

Job Overview:

Network & Indirect Procurement Category Manager is a dual-portfolio strategic role responsible for end-to-end category management, strategic sourcing, supplier governance, and total cost of ownership (TCO) optimization across two major operational pillars: Network Infrastructure & Equipment and Indirect Procurement.

This role bridges high-complexity telecommunications engineering requirements—such as Active Network Equipment, Outside Plant (OSP), Inside Plant (ISP), and Technical Facilities—with commercial corporate services including Professional Services, Marketing, Real Estate, Facilities, Insurance, and HR.

Your work life:

Strategic Category Management & Sourcing

• Formulate, implement, and review multi-year category strategies for Network Infrastructure (OSP civil works, fibre cables, IP Core/Transmission, power/cooling facilities) and Indirect Portfolios (Legal, Consulting, Marketing, Facilities, Insurance, HR).
• Lead high-impact RFPs across civil works, fibre rollout, network equipment lifecycle services, 3rd-party manpower, customer installation services, marketing and corporate affairs activities
• Ensure transparent, competitive, and compliant sourcing aligned to sourcing process and policies.
• Drive negotiation strategies covering price, SLA, risk, warranties, and long-term value.
• Oversee complex commercial evaluation, vendor scoring, and business case preparation.

Network Infrastructure & Technical Procurement

• Structure schedule-of-rates (SOR) and master services agreements (MSAs) for OSP trenching micro-trenching, HDD, and fibre cabling installation.
• Manage vendor sourcing for active network platforms (DWDM, OTN platforms, IP/Ethernet switches, GPON OLTs) and datacentre/central office facilities (UPS, DC rectifiers, HVAC/CRAC, generators).
• Oversee commercial terms for network field operations, preventive/corrective maintenance SLAs, and customer-premises last-mile installation labour.

Corporate & Indirect Procurement

• Manage cross-functional stakeholder requirements across Legal, Finance, HR, Marketing, and Real Estate/Facilities.
• Negotiate retainers, rate cards, and project engagements for management consulting, legal counsel, tax advisory, and audit services.
• Oversee procurement for corporate real estate leasing, interior fit-outs, building facilities management, and corporate insurance policies (ISR, D&O, Cyber, Group Medical).
• Manage agency retainers and media contracts for marketing, brand campaigns, PR, and market research.

Stakeholder & Business Partner Leadership

• Serve as the single point of accountability on commercials to Technology, Corporate Affairs and Marketing teams.
• Translate network build/maintenance requirements into sourcing strategies and contract deliverables.
• Foster trust and act as advisor to operational leaders, enabling fast rollout and issue resolution.

Spend Management & Cost Optimization

• Drive savings initiatives, cost modelling, market benchmarking, rate-card efficiency, and TCO improvements for all network & indirect categories.
• Track category performance, budget impacts, and cost risks in collaboration with Finance.
• Lead commercial negotiations for large-scale projects.

To be considered, you’ll need:

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, engineering or similar field preferred.
• Ideally 8 to 12 years of progressive experience in strategic procurement, category management, or sourcing within the telecommunications, technology, or enterprise infrastructure sectors.
• Experience in procuring telecommunication equipment and products and/or outside plant civil and infrastructure works and/or renovation works, marketing and other commercial services relevant to Telecommunication industry.
• Experience leading teams and managing high-stakes stakeholder relationships.
• Knowledge in supply chain, procurement, legal, and commercial.
• Contract management skills with proven experience in developing relevant legal contractual terms and conditions.
• Strong commercial negotiation and vendor management experience.
• Proven track record managing large-scale network rollout or maintenance sourcing.
• Good working knowledge of sourcing strategies.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and with SAP systems are preferred.
• Team player with strong organizational skills.

Our Commitment to You
At Time, we believe great work deserves great support. Here’s what you can look forward to when you join us:

• Comprehensive medical coverage for you and your immediate family, including outpatient care, hospitalisation, dental and optical benefits.
• Wellness support with an annual spending account for health-related needs, alternative treatments, or even paid-up premiums for personal insurance.
• Employee assistance during life’s big moments, from celebrations to times of bereavement.
• Learning & growth opportunities through dedicated time for learning, access to LinkedIn Learning and rewards for upskilling.
• Cash rewards for recognised certifications and full reimbursement for up to two approved professional memberships each year.

*Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.