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.