Assistant Manager (Research Administration Support), iCORE

Role Overview

The Assistant Manager will oversee the procurement and contract management processes to ensure cost-effectiveness, continuous supply, and stakeholder satisfaction for laboratory-related needs within the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies for aggregating demand and sourcing laboratory consumables, equipment, and services to optimize costs and maintain supply continuity.
• Collaborate with research personnel, centralized procurement teams, and vendors to consolidate purchasing needs, identify opportunities for demand aggregation, lead negotiations, and establish beneficial contracts organization-wide.
• Coordinate the entire procurement cycle for aggregated laboratory consumables, ensuring compliance with organizational and governmental procurement guidelines and timely delivery to meet research demands.
• Manage all phases of contract lifecycles including drafting, execution, administration, performance assessment, management of variations, renewals, and closure activities.
• Conduct market analysis, evaluate suppliers, and negotiate commercially to achieve competitive pricing, advantageous contract terms, and dependable supply arrangements.
• Track supplier performance, contract utilization, procurement forecasts, and renewal timelines to maintain uninterrupted supply and effective contract governance.
• Analyze procurement expenditure, demand patterns, supplier metrics, and operational risks to discover opportunities for cost savings, process refinement, and risk reduction.
• Maintain precise procurement and contract documentation such as contract repositories, dashboards, and management reports, and regularly inform stakeholders about procurement progress and key indicators.
• Recommend and apply improvements to procurement workflows, contract management methods, and demand aggregation activities to increase efficiency.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders and cross-disciplinary teams to promote continuous enhancements and meet procurement and operational goals.

Qualifications and Skills

• Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Analytics, or related disciplines; equivalent relevant experience in procurement or contract management is also considered.
• Exceptional organizational capability with a keen eye for detail.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Knowledge or experience with SAP or Ariba procurement systems is a plus.
• Proactive self-starter able to take initiative and manage tasks with urgency.
• Capable of independent work as well as effective teamwork.
• Prior experience in a laboratory environment is advantageous.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a solutions-focused approach.
• Eagerness to learn and adapt to new challenges.
• Strong stakeholder management and collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and interact across teams effectively.
• Dependable, mature, and exhibits logical reasoning with minimal supervision.
• Applicants without prior industry experience are welcome to apply.