Job Title: Plastic Recycling Purchasing Director Location: Port Klang, Malaysia
Travel Requirements: Willingness and availability to travel to HQ abroad for training and strategic meetings
Type: Full-time
Experience Required: 8+ years in business development, industrial trading, purchases or a similar role
Company Overview: We are an international trading company headquartered abroad, specializing in the procurement and distribution of recycled plastic. Our operations span across Southeast Asia, focusing on building long-term supplier relationships, driving sustainable business practices, and maintaining high standards of quality and service. Our trading hub in Malaysia is a key operational base for managing logistics, supplier relations, and expanding our business in the region.
Job Overview: The Plastic Recycling Purchasing Director will lead the strategic procurement of recycled plastics across Southeast Asia. The role is focused on sourcing, negotiating, and securing a steady supply of high-quality recycled plastic materials for manufacturing or distribution purposes, ensuring alignment with sustainability goals and cost efficiencies. The Director will develop strong relationships with suppliers, monitor market trends, and optimize the supply chain to support the company's regional plastic recycling initiatives.
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in business development, supplier management, and international trade, preferably within the recycling or industrial trading sectors. This role requires strong leadership skills, an entrepreneurial mindset, and the ability to work independently while managing a small team.
Key Responsibilities: Strategic Procurement & Sourcing:Develop and execute a comprehensive regional purchasing strategy for recycled plastics, ensuring alignment with the company's sustainability and recycling goals.Identify, evaluate, and establish relationships with key suppliers and vendors in Southeast Asia specializing in recycled plastics, primarily rPET.Negotiate contracts and agreements with suppliers to secure optimal terms related to price, quality, and delivery timelines.Supplier Relationship Management:Build and maintain long-term partnerships with regional recycling facilities, waste management companies, and secondary material providers to ensure a stable supply of recycled materials.Ensure suppliers comply with environmental, quality, and safety standards, conducting regular audits and evaluations.Develop supplier performance management programs, including key performance indicators (KPIs), and lead continuous improvement initiatives.Commercial Strategy and Execution:Drive the development of commercial strategies to achieve revenue and profitability targets.Conduct market analysis to stay informed about industry trends and adjust strategies accordingly.Oversee pricing strategies to ensure the company remains competitive while meeting financial goals.Supply Chain and Logistics Management:Manage import/export activities, ensuring compliance with customs regulations and efficient handling of shipments.Liaise with logistics providers, customs agents, and freight forwarders to optimize supply chain operations.Coordinate the movement of plastic from suppliers to customers, ensuring timely delivery and proper documentation.Team Leadership and Operations Oversight:Provide guidance and leadership to the local operations team, ensuring that business and operational goals are met.Foster a collaborative environment across teams, ensuring alignment between commercial and operational activities.Reporting and Liaison with HQ:Maintain regular communication with the headquarters abroad, providing updates on market conditions, business performance, and strategic initiatives.Travel abroad for training, strategy sessions, and to ensure alignment with the broader corporate goals. Key Requirements: Experience:Minimum 8 years of experience in business development, industrial trading, or procurement roles. Experience in recycled materials or related industries is a plus.Leadership and Management:Proven leadership experience in managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and driving business growth within the industrial or trading sectors.Business Development Expertise:Strong experience in identifying market opportunities, closing deals, and expanding a business's presence in competitive markets.Commercial Acumen:Ability to develop and execute commercial strategies that align with both short-term business needs and long-term growth objectives.Supply Chain and Logistics Knowledge:Understanding of import/export procedures, customs regulations, and international logistics.Negotiation and Communication Skills:Excellent negotiation skills, with the ability to manage complex supplier relationships and resolve disputes effectively.Strong verbal and written communication skills, with fluency in English (additional languages such as European languages, Malay, or Mandarin are a plus).Self-Starter and Independent Worker:Ability to work independently, manage projects, and take ownership of tasks with minimal oversight.International Experience:Experience working in a cross-cultural environment, with a willingness to travel internationally as needed.Benefits: Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits packageLeadership role with significant responsibility and growth potentialOpportunities for international travel and professional development