Job Description

Summary

As a key member of the NEA Leadership Team, the Head of Procurement will lead the procurement function across Japan and Korea, covering both Direct and Indirect categories.

This role combines strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, and people leadership to deliver sustainable cost savings, operational excellence, and value creation.

The successful candidate will be bilingual in Japanese and English, with proven experience managing teams and stakeholders in a multinational environment.

Responsibilities:

• Strategic Procurement

• Manage both Direct (co-pack sourcing, New product development support, supplier governance) and Indirect categories (Sales & Marketing, IT, HR Services, Facilities, Travel, Utilities, etc.).

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies aligned with regional and global category leads.

• Oversee end-to-end procurement processes including requirements scoping, RFP, cost analysis, contract negotiation, and lifecycle management.

• Supplier Relationship & Performance Management

• Build and maintain strategic supplier partnerships to drive innovation, quality, and service improvements.

• Conduct value chain analysis and drive productivity and cost efficiency initiatives.

• Ensure compliance with company governance, policies, and sustainability objectives.

• Financial & Performance Accountability

• Deliver results in key metrics: cost savings, forecast accuracy, cash performance, and service quality.

• Manage Purchase Price Variance (PPV) and track benefit realization against targets.

• Manage tail spend effectively.

• Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner closely with business units across NEA and global category teams to ensure alignment.

• Influence senior stakeholders to support procurement strategies and value delivery.

• Leadership & People Management

• Lead and develop the NEA Procurement team, fostering a high-performance, collaborative culture.

• Provide coaching, mentoring, and career development opportunities.

Required skills, qualifications and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Business, or related discipline.
• Fluency in both Japanese and English (spoken and written) is mandatory.
• Minimum 10 years’ procurement experience, with exposure to both Direct and Indirect categories.
• Proven people management experience.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Data-driven mindset with advanced analytical skills (Excel proficiency required).
• Knowledge of contract development, implementation, and supplier governance.
• Highly resilient with excellent project, time, and priority management.
• FMCG/food manufacturing industry experience is highly advantageous.

Location(s)

Tokyo Office

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes.