Vice Manager Candidate for Software Category Sourcing Specialist - Procurement Operations Department, Procurement Operations Supervisory Department
On-siteTokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Job Summary
Develop and execute procurement strategies for software and indirect categories, leading end-to-end RFP processes from requirement definition through vendor selection and evaluation. Perform cost analysis, lead price negotiations, and optimize commercial and contractual terms while managing vendors, including existing contract optimization and new supplier onboarding. Drive procurement initiatives by collaborating with internal stakeholders across Engineering, Legal, and Finance to conduct contract reviews from commercial, risk, and cost perspectives. Deliver cost savings and drive Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) optimization within the group-wide centralized procurement model.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in procurement, purchasing, or strategic sourcing functions
- Hands-on experience in procurement of software and/or indirect categories
- Native-level Japanese proficiency or JLPT N1 certification
- Business-level English proficiency (Proficient enough to handle meetings, negotiations, and email correspondence)
- TOEIC score of 800 or above, or equivalent proficiency with the ability to conduct business negotiations in English
- Experience in procurement within the telecommunications industry, or IT/platform companies
Desired Qualifications
- Experience in people management
- Hands-on experience in procurement and contract management for software (licenses, SaaS, AMC)
- Proven track record of leading TCO analysis and cost reduction initiatives with measurable results
- Experience leading end-to-end sourcing activities from vendor selection through contract execution
- Ability to drive procurement initiatives by engaging cross-functional stakeholders (Engineering, Legal, Finance, etc.)
- Experience negotiating and reviewing contracts in English with global vendors
- Strong understanding of complex contractual terms, including data protection, limitation of liability, and SLAs
- Knowledge of IT services such as cloud, security solutions, and development tools
- Familiarity with OSS/BSS, network software, and analytics tools
- Experience in procurement process standardization, governance framework design, and tool implementation (e.g., Ariba)
- Experience in spend analysis and data-driven improvement using Excel and/or BI tools
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