Global Category Manager -Marketing Communications

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Global Category Manager - Marketing Communications

🔹 Company: Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd.

🔹 Location: Singapore

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, On-site

🔹 Category: Marketing & Communications

🔹 Date Posted: April 7, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 7+ years (4+ years in Marketing Communications Procurement)

🔹 Remote Status: On-site (with potential for hybrid work)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading and implementing procurement strategies across the organization
• Fostering unity and promoting best practices among regional teams
• Managing supplier partnerships and executing strategic sourcing plans
• Driving sustainable procurement and innovation strategies
• Contributing to operational excellence and continuous improvement of procurement capabilities

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong stakeholder management skills, and a deep understanding of marketing communications categories.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Implement Procurement purpose, vision, strategies, and governance

✅ Lead Procurement team and promote one team spirit between all regions

✅ Support Global Procurement People strategy and culture

✅ Self-manage adherence to defined governance, policies, and processes

✅ Protect all company’s assets by putting in place internal control system and procedures

✅ Protect reputation of Asahi by following applicable legislation

✅ Drive Sustainable Procurement (incl. CSR) and Procurement innovation strategies and projects

✅ Create and implement category strategies

✅ Execute strategic sourcing plans to maximize the value for the business

✅ Build and enhance strong stakeholder relationship across all Procurement activities

✅ Develop and maintain strong partnership with suppliers including performance and quality assurance

✅ Manage and track plans and budgets including objectives, key value drivers, and related KPIs

✅ Risk management focusing on extended agenda: price volatility, supplier stability, and product or service availability

✅ Contribute to achieving operational excellence for Procurement, including its processes and systems

✅ Drive continuous improvement of Procurement capabilities and practices in alignment with the overall Asahi strategy and external benchmarks

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, stakeholder management, and operational execution. Strong project management skills are essential.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: University degree, preferably in Business or a related field (Master's degree preferred)

Experience: 7+ years of professional experience, including 4+ years in procurement of Marketing Communications categories (e.g., Creative, Content Production, Market Research)

Required Skills:

• International experience from a multinational company
• Experience from an above-market role
• 3+ years of proven managerial experience
• Procurement platform/-s experience
• Advanced knowledge of MS Office Suite
• Proficiency in English

Preferred Skills:

• Fluency in additional languages (e.g., Japanese, Mandarin)
• Experience in the beverage or F&B industry
• Certification in procurement (e.g., CIPS, CPSM)

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with relevant industry experience and a strong track record in procurement will be most competitive for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: SGD 120,000 - 160,000 per annum (based on industry standards for the role, experience level, and location)

Benefits:

• Competitive salary package aligned with industry standards and experience
• Comprehensive health, life, and dental insurance
• Opportunities for career growth and continuous professional development
• Dynamic, inclusive, and collaborative work environment that values diversity and innovation
• Flexible work arrangements, promoting work-life balance

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week) with potential for flexible work arrangements

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Asahi Group Holdings is a global leader in the beverage industry, offering a diverse collection of brands centered on beer, alcohol and non-alcohol beverages, and food. The company is committed to delivering great taste and bringing more fun to life.

Company Size: Asahi Group Holdings is a large organization with over 10,000 employees globally. This size offers opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse teams and projects.

Founded: Asahi Group Holdings was established in Japan in 1889 and has since grown into a globally recognized portfolio of brands.

Company Description:

• Asahi Group Holdings is a global leader offering a diverse collection of brands centered on beer, alcohol and non-alcohol beverages, and food
• The company's mission is to deliver on its great taste promise and bring more fun to life
• Asahi Group Holdings is committed to innovation and quality, with a rich heritage spanning over centuries

Company Specialties:

• Alcohol: Beer, Spirits, Whiskey
• Non-Alcoholic Beverages
• Food

Company Website: https://www.asahigroup-holdings.com/en/

ASSUMPTION: Asahi Group Holdings' large size and global presence offer applicants the opportunity to work on diverse projects and gain exposure to various teams and cultures.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a senior-level position within the procurement department, reporting directly to the Global Category Director - MBS.

Reporting Structure: The Global Category Manager - Marketing Communications will lead the Procurement team and collaborate with senior leadership teams across the globe.

Work Arrangement: This role is primarily on-site, with potential for hybrid work arrangements depending on business needs and team dynamics.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to expand category responsibilities based on performance and business needs
• Opportunities to work on cross-functional projects and gain exposure to different aspects of the business
• Career progression within the procurement department or related functions

ASSUMPTION: This role offers strong growth potential for candidates looking to advance their careers in procurement and gain exposure to a global organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Asahi Group Holdings' Singapore office is a modern, collaborative workspace that fosters innovation and teamwork.

Office Location(s): 1-23-1, Azumabashi, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 1308602, JP

Geographic Context:

• Singapore is a multicultural city-state and island country in Southeast Asia
• It is known for its business-friendly environment, high quality of life, and multicultural atmosphere
• Singapore is a major hub for the beverage and F&B industries in the region

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week) with potential for flexible work arrangements depending on business needs and team dynamics

ASSUMPTION: The Singapore office provides a dynamic and multicultural work environment that encourages collaboration and innovation.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume screening
• Phone or video call interview with the hiring manager
• On-site or virtual interview with the procurement team and relevant stakeholders
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Stakeholder management and communication skills
• Domain expertise in marketing communications categories
• Cultural fit and alignment with Asahi Group Holdings' values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Demonstrate your understanding of Asahi Group Holdings' business and the beverage industry
• Prepare examples of your past achievements in strategic sourcing, stakeholder management, and category strategy development

ATS Keywords: Marketing Communications Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, Category Management, Stakeholder Management, Supplier Partnerships, Risk Management, Sustainable Procurement, Innovation, Operational Excellence

ASSUMPTION: Asahi Group Holdings' recruitment process is designed to assess candidates' strategic thinking, domain expertise, and cultural fit for the organization.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Procurement platforms (e.g., Jaggaer, Coupa, SAP Ariba)
• Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with relevant procurement platforms and project management tools is essential for success in this role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Customer-centricity: Putting customers at the heart of everything we do
• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all our actions
• Collaboration: Working together to achieve common goals

Work Style:

• Dynamic and fast-paced work environment
• Cross-functional collaboration and teamwork
• Openness to new ideas and continuous learning

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you demonstrate customer-centricity in your procurement strategies?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you had to collaborate with multiple stakeholders to achieve a common goal?
• How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices in marketing communications procurement?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with Asahi Group Holdings' values and work style will be most successful in this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple stakeholders with varying priorities and expectations
• Balancing strategic planning and operational execution
• Keeping up with industry trends and best practices in marketing communications procurement
• Navigating a large, global organization with diverse teams and cultures

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong stakeholder management skills, strategic thinking, and a willingness to adapt and learn in a dynamic work environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other category manager roles, this position has a stronger focus on strategic sourcing and stakeholder management
• In the beverage industry, marketing communications procurement plays a critical role in brand differentiation and market positioning
• Career progression in this role could lead to global category leadership or related functions within the procurement department

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider the unique aspects of this role and how it aligns with their career goals and aspirations.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a strategic sourcing plan for creative agencies
• Negotiating contracts and terms with suppliers to ensure quality, delivery, and cost-effectiveness
• Managing risk and ensuring business continuity in the face of price volatility, supplier instability, or product/service availability issues

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and challenges faced by the Global Category Manager - Marketing Communications.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role contribute to Asahi Group Holdings' overall strategy and business objectives?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does the procurement department collaborate with other functions within the organization?
• What opportunities are there for career growth and development within the procurement department or related functions?
• How does Asahi Group Holdings support work-life balance and employee well-being?

ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate a candidate's interest in the role, the organization, and their long-term career prospects.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through Asahi Group Holdings' careers page
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare examples of your past achievements in strategic sourcing, stakeholder management, and category strategy development
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.