Logistics Procurement Manager – NEA, SEA

Job purpose

Deploy the Logistics Procurement Strategy aligned with the business requirements, country regulations and the global logistics procurement strategy to deliver optimal Total Cost of Ownership for all Logistics Procurement categories and activities in:

• Northeast Asia (NEA) – Japan, Korea
• Southeast Asia (SEA) – Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia

The role drives category performance with effective proactive category management, ensuring supply continuity, and lead transformation initiatives across the diverse markets of NEA and SEA countries.

Key Accountabilities

• Deploy Regional and Global Logistics Procurement Strategy in alignment with business, site, and country requirements.
• Deliver continuous improvement by identifying logistics optimization opportunities using benchmarking, market intelligence and business inputs.
• Achieve agreed savings, cost avoidance, and contribution margin impacting benefits through strategic sourcing and supplier negotiations.
• Lead and ensure successful implementation of logistics change programs in NEA and SEA, including change management across multiple stakeholders.
• Strengthen risk management, contingency planning and alternative / diversification options for the region.

Key Activities

• Develop a robust logistics procurement strategy for NEA and SEA countries aligned with the global / regional strategy and businesses priorities.
• Full accountability for procurement of all logistics categories, including:
• Local and cross border road transportation for DG and Non-DG chemicals which may also need refrigeration solution
• Warehousing for DG and Non-DG chemicals needing Temp. Control and Deep Cold facilities
• Tank Farms (Silo Storage) including Tank Truck Transportation
• Ocean freight (FCL, LCL, ISO Tanks, SOC, COC, Reefer, special equipment)
• Equipment Maintenance of Reefer Containers, IBCs, ISO Tanks
• Escorting of Dangerous Goods
• Air freight (where relevant for Japan/Korea/SEA)
• Freight Forwarding and Drayage (DG and non-DG cargo)

Strategic Procurement

• Maintain and continuously review Strategic Points of View (SPoVs) for each category.
• Monitor market intelligence, freight indices and regulatory developments to adapt category strategies.
• Collaborate, engage and align with the stakeholders to further define / refine the specifications and wherever needed challenge constructively the “As-Is” status quo for a better improved outcome and a long term category strategy.
• Lead effective negotiations and develop robust negotiation strategies.
• End-to-end responsibility for contracting, including development, approvals, and participation in strategic contract reviews.

Team Contribution

• Actively contribute to cross‑functional and cross‑regional projects within logistics procurement and broader Business Planning, Customer Service and Logistics initiatives.
• Support commercial controllers and business units to fully leverage Nouryon’s buying power.
• Represent Procurement in cross-regional forums and global category discussions.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Identify, engage and nurture relationships with strategic logistics partners across NEA \& SEA.
• Lead structured supplier business reviews, QBRs and performance improvement plans.
• Oversee supplier performance on safety, service, sustainability, compliance and cost.

Analytical Thinking \& Business Insights

• Identify synergies across businesses within NEA/SEA and the broader APAC, MEIAF, Europe and Americas regions.
• Contribute to modelling, simulation, logistics footprint optimization and mode selection strategies.
• Drive benchmarking across all logistics categories and implement best practices.
• Ensure logistics tools, processes and digital platforms are actively used.
• Provide reporting and insights to the leadership and business stakeholders.

Experiences

• At least 5-10 years relevant work experience in logistics procurement or supply chain roles.
• Regional experience across Asian markets or multi‑geography roles with cross‑country stakeholder management
• Strong logistics operational understanding (shipping, road transportation, warehousing) including HSE requirements (DG Handling) and basic trade compliance.
• Strong analytical \& interpersonal skills and ability to influence stakeholders and colleagues.
• Strong knowledge with proven experience of strategic sourcing methodology (sourcing strategy creation) and contract lifecycle management
• Experience in leading transformation and process‑improvement projects.
• Exposure to ocean freight markets, regional regulations, and logistics cost modelling.

Education\&Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering or related field.
• Master’s degree in Supply Chain or Logistics preferred.
• Strong communication skills with

fluency in both English and Japanese

• Strong analytical, negotiation and problem‑solving capability.
• Ability to manage multiple markets, stakeholders and priorities.
• Proficiency with AI-enabled productivity tools (Palantir, M365 Copilot, ChatGPT, etc.).
• Extensive experience of using MS-Office and SharePoint environment

About Nouryon

If you’re looking for your next career move, apply today and join Nouryon’s worldwide team in providing essential solutions that our customers use to manufacture everyday products such as personal care, cleaning, paints and coatings, agriculture and food, pharmaceuticals, and building products. Our employees are driven by the wish to make an impact and actively drive positive change. If that describes you, we will gladly make way for your ambitions. From day one we support you with your personal growth, through challenging positions and comprehensive learning and development opportunities, in a dynamic, international, diverse, and proactive working environment.