Asia Category Manager - Real Estate & Facility Management

About the role

Manulife is looking for an experienced Category Manager to join its Asia Procurement team, focusing mainly on Real Estate and Facility Management. The role develops and implements category strategies, manages vendor relationships and ensures efficient procurement of facility management services, while also supporting selected initiatives under the Technology Professional Services (TPS) category. It suits a strategic thinker with strong analytical skills who can drive cost savings and operational efficiencies.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute category and sourcing strategies for Facility Management and other Professional Services categories in Asia
• Manage vendor relationships, negotiate contracts and ensure compliance with company policies and standards
• Monitor and govern IFM vendors to realise negotiated savings on labour and third-party spend, and follow proper procurement processes
• Ensure data is accurately documented and reported in line with Manulife's savings methodology
• Monitor negotiation performance on new leases and build reporting with the vendor account manager, Asia CRE and Finance to capture accrued savings
• Conduct market analysis and benchmarking to find cost-saving opportunities
• Work with internal stakeholders and lead cross-functional teams to drive procurement initiatives

Required profile

• University graduate in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business or a related field; an advanced degree or CIPS/CPSM certification is an advantage
• Over 10 years of experience managing end-to-end sourcing and spend negotiations for indirect categories in a large multinational, with financial services experience preferred
• Experience working in a regional team and collaborating with local country teams
• Proven track record of driving cost savings and operational efficiencies
• Excellent English verbal and written communication; Asian language skills are an advantage

Required skills

• Strong stakeholder management, negotiation and contract management skills
• Ability to present and influence top-level internal and external parties
• Ability to motivate and lead a multi-functional team in a matrix organisation

The working arrangement is hybrid. Manulife describes itself as an international financial services provider and an equal opportunity employer.