Direct Category Manager - APAC (Transport)

ALBS is an Air Liquide entity in Kuala Lumpur, regrouping for the APAC scope its Business Service Centers (Kuala Lumpur and Shanghai) as well as the two Global Functions (IT, Digital and Procurement). Designed to derive optimal value by better leveraging technology, people and competencies, the ultimate goal is to boost efficiency and deliver outstanding and sustainable performance while keeping a strong focus on customer centricity. This Organization is striving for excellence, adopting the Best in Class models to deliver value through simplification and standardization of processes, while adhering to Internal controls and compliance requirements.

We are seeking two strategic, results-driven Direct Category Managers to join our APAC Procurement Team. In this role, you will act as the lead of your assigned spend area, transitioning from operational purchasing to long-term strategic value creation. You will be responsible for developing end-to-end category strategies, managing high-stakes negotiations, and ensuring our supply chain is resilient, cost-effective, and innovative.

We are hiring for 1 distinct portfolio: Transport Category

How will you CONTRIBUTE and GROW?

1. Develop and share a comprehensive vision for your categories, defining short, mid, and long-term approaches in collaboration with key stakeholders.

2. Master the knowledge of market dynamics, including competitor movements and supplier ecosystems, to anticipate macro-economic shifts that influence strategy.

3. Set clear goals, objectives, and KPIs to drive high performance across the entire lifecycle—from new equipment purchases to spare parts and maintenance services.

4. Build strategic, sustainable partnerships with key suppliers to promote innovative solutions and leverage buying power.

5. Act as a bridge between internal engineering and business leaders to promote a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) approach and ensure compliance with the Air Liquide code of conduct.

6. Act as the primary escalation point for your category, resolving issues and negotiating strategic contracts to reduce costs and improve safety.

Are you a MATCH?

1. Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering, Commercial, or Business Administration.

2. 5+ years of relevant category and supply market expertise, preferably in specific equipment and process units, used in chemical industry, such as reactors, heaters, filtration components, specific valves for O2 applications, etc.

3. Fluency in English is required; a second business-relevant language is a plus.

4. Willingness to travel overseas to support implementation and process improvement across delivery locations.

About Air Liquide

A world leader in gases, technologies and services for Industry and Health, Air Liquide is present in 78 countries with approximately 64,500 employees and serves more than 3.8 million customers and patients. Oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen are essential small molecules for life, matter and energy. They embody Air Liquide’s scientific territory and have been at the core of the company’s activities since its creation in 1902.

Our Differences make our Performance

At Air Liquide, we are committed to build a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces the diversity of our employees, our customers, patients, community stakeholders and cultures across the world.

We welcome and consider applications from all qualified applicants, regardless of their background. We strongly believe a diverse organization opens up opportunities for people to express their talent, both individually and collectively and it helps foster our ability to innovate by living our fundamentals, acting for our success and creating an engaging environment in a changing world.