Associate Director, Group Procurement Governance & Ops

An empowering career at Singtel begins with a Hello. Our purpose, to Empower Every Generation, connects people to the possibilities they need to excel. Every "hello" at Singtel opens doors to new initiatives, growth, and BIG possibilities that takes your career to new heights. So, when you say hello to us, you are really empowered to say…“Hello BIG Possibilities”.

Singtel is where Technology meets Purpose.

We're building an AI-first telco for the future—connecting people, businesses and communities through trusted networks, intelligent digital services and next-generation technology.

From transforming everyday experiences in mobile, broadband, entertainment and lifestyle services to enabling enterprises with AI, 5G+, cloud, cybersecurity, data centres and digital platforms, we create the technology that powers how millions live, work and connect.

At Singtel, your work creates real impact. You'll solve meaningful challenges, shape critical digital infrastructure and help build secure, resilient and AI-enabled solutions that serve businesses, digital ecosystems and communities across the globe.

This is where BIG Possibilities become reality. Whether you're engineering intelligent networks, advancing sovereign AI cloud platforms, strengthening cybersecurity, designing seamless customer experiences or driving sustainable innovation, you'll be part of teams shaping the future of technology.

Backed by decades of expertise and driven by a culture of continuous learning and innovation, Singtel offers the scale, opportunities and support to help you grow your career while making a difference where it matters most.

Be a Part of Something BIG!  

The Associate Director of Group Procurement Governance, Policies and Operations reports to the VP of Group Procurement, and has a remit to:

1. Define the long-term Procurement policy framework in alignment with Vision & Mission of Group Procurement 
2. Develop world class purchasing operations capabilities (policies, skills & knowledge competencies) in support of the vision.

The role incumbent will be responsible for setting Group Procurement policies across and functionally lead the Group Procurement Shared Services team based in Singapore. Focus will be on the implementation of policies and operations that supports the respective Singtel’s acquisition and materials management of goods and services. The scope of the Corporate Procurement under management includes Sourcing/Tender administration, procurement governance, and effectively acting as a shared service to Procurement BU Category teams and the business. 

Detailed deliverables in this role are as follows:

a)       Group Procurement Policies and Governance

Leads the setting, alignment and enforcement of procurement policies and processes across the Singtel Group (Singtel, Optus) as follows:

1. Regularly review procurement policies and if necessary, set new guidelines to ensure that they remain relevant and effective in promoting best practices and corporate governance principles.
2. Lead engagement with Group legal and Group Risk to continuously enhance the contract and risk management framework, and to simplify the compliance processes.
3. Serve as the primary contact for procurement related questions, policy and procedure interpretation and alignment by all departments.

b)       Group Procurement Shared Services/Operations

Oversee the operations of the Group Procurement Shared Services/Operations team supporting all business Procurement units (IT, Networks, Devices, Indirect,) comprising

1. Tender Administration – supporting all BU Procurement teams in Singapore in the lifecycle management of Tenders, Waivers of Competition and Direct Sourcing
2. Contracts Lifecycle Management – central resource in managing procurement contracts across Singtel based units
3. Tailspend management (Source4U) – sourcing specialist support for all procurement spends up to $200k
4. Procurement Helpdesk (HelpMeBuy) – first-level telephone/email support for all in-bound queries for procurement, with escalations to subject matter experts (systems, business procurement) as needed.

c)       Group Procurement Communications and Engagement

Business Owner for the internal customer touchpoints of Group Procurement, providing content oversight for:

1. Group Procurement policies and forms
2. Procurement helpdesk
3. Procurement AI to accelerate adoption and digitalisation
4. Drive initiatives to improve end to end customer experience and Procurement engagement
5. Define communication and knowledge strategies across Procurement functions and ensure high ethical standards are met

d)       People and Culture

1. Create a culture that strives to add value, reward initiative, promote talent and expand procurement knowledge
2. Lead employee engagement initiatives to improve employee retention and uplift morale and motivation
3. Guide training programs and development activities for the development of knowledge base within the Procurement team
4. Develop and groom talent within procurement organisation

Make An Impact By

Financial

• Oversee the Group Procurement Policy framework in support of procurement spends in Singtel (SGD 3.5bn) and Optus ($4.5bn) 
• Manage Corporate Procurement Policies and Operations function within the approved budget.

Strategic 

• Lead in the evaluation and implementation of new sourcing and commercial models appropriate to the increasingly Digitalized and Virtualized technology landscape,
• Lead the refinement and enforcement of Group Procurement, Contracts, Risk Management and Security policies with the support of Group Risk, Group Legal and Networks Security/Infosec divisions, and shape in the simplification of related governance processes
• Coordinate Procurement response plans in relation to government and regulatory developments impacting sourcing, such as imposition of US sanctions and export controls.

Business Support & Operations

• Maximise business user satisfaction, as evaluated in Procurement Customer Satisfaction Surveys
• Lead continuous alignment with best practices, including simplification & rationalization of legacy Procurement Policies and Procedures.
• Oversee knowledge management of practices and & policies, including increased codification for known sourcing and contracting scenarios 

People

• Strengthen the functional capabilities of the Policies and Operations team, through coaching, classroom and on-the-job trainings, and periodic rotations of responsibilities
• Continue to enhance Employee Engagement through support, guidance and coaching as well team-building activities
• Uplift the Digital capabilities of the team, including the use of automation and analytics to improve productivity and reduce turnaround times

Skills To Succeed

• Bachelor degree in engineering, computer, business, commerce, accounting or law.
• Minimum of 10 years leadership roles in procurement, project management experience preferably within a Telco or IT environment.
• Demonstrated capability in program and project management or category management
• Proven willingness to challenge ‘business as usual’; curiosity to think ‘outside the box’ and passion for driving cost improvements.
• Strong analytical & problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to facilitate strategic supplier relationships and work with senior business executives and across procurement leadership
• Strong commercial background and good understand of different cost drivers and saving levers.
• Ability to manage differing stakeholders’ relationship and expectations
• Excellent commercial acumen, financial and risk assessment skills
• Sound judgment and decision making amongst competing demands
• Familiarity with Telco product pricing/costing
• Strategic mindset with a dynamic drive to drive change
• Strong leadership in team management across countries and different organizations.
• Strong interpersonal, influencing and conflict resolution skills with internal stakeholders and external business entity.
• Ability to communicate effectively with vendors, internal customers, management and peers
• Good negotiation skills and commercially inclined.
• Ability to relate well to a range of people at all levels
• Communicating clearly (verbal and writing) & able to adjust communications style to different audiences
• Demonstrated ability to work in great detail and deliver under tight time constraints and external pressure
• Maintain high personal and professional standards
• Ability to be creative to meet business needs, but also pragmatic and results oriented

Are you ready to say hello to BIG Possibilities?

Join Singtel to shape what's next and accelerate your career through meaningful work, continuous learning, and real impact.