Drive procurement for life-changing medical devices. Join Cochlear in KL as a Procurement Specialist, sourcing engineering services & managing suppliers for global R&D projects. 5+ years engineering procurement exp. req.
Procure with Purpose: Enable Innovation in Hearing Technology
Cochlear’s mission is to help people hear and be heard. As the global leader in implantable hearing solutions, we connect people to a world of sound. More people choose Cochlear than any other hearing implant company because of our unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and lifelong support.
Join our global, transforming Procurement team in Kuala Lumpur as a Procurement Specialist for Engineering Services. In this pivotal role, you will be the commercial engine behind our new product development and engineering projects. You will source critical services and components, manage strategic supplier relationships, and drive value—ensuring our engineers have what they need to create the next generation of life-changing hearing technology.
Your Mission: Strategic Procurement for Global R&D
You will partner directly with Engineering and R&D teams to execute strategic sourcing, manage suppliers, and navigate complex procurement challenges. Your work will balance operational excellence with long-term value, directly supporting Cochlear’s pipeline of innovation from our global shared services hub in KL.
Key Responsibilities
1. Lead Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Partnerships
- Conduct market analysis and lead end-to-end strategic sourcing for engineering categories (equipment, lab services, technical consultants, prototyping).
- Negotiate and manage contracts to secure optimal commercial terms, quality, and reliability.
- Develop and manage key supplier relationships, driving performance, innovation, and risk mitigation.
- Evaluate and onboard suppliers that meet stringent technical, quality, and regulatory standards.
2. Drive Project Success & Stakeholder Collaboration
- Act as the embedded procurement partner for engineering project teams, ensuring alignment on specifications, timelines, and budgets.
- Proactively manage the procurement lifecycle to support critical project milestones and new product introduction (NPI) phases.
- Track, report, and analyze project spend, savings, and risks.
3. Champion Process Excellence & Digital Transformation
- Utilize and optimize e-procurement and ERP tools (SAP/Oracle) to drive efficiency and data-driven decisions.
- Champion process improvements, automation, and the adoption of procurement best practices within a transforming function.
- Provide expert commercial and contractual guidance to cross-functional stakeholders.
Who You Are: The Ideal Candidate
You are a commercially astute procurement professional with a solid understanding of engineering principles. You thrive in complex, technical environments and excel at building trust with both suppliers and internal stakeholders to drive strategic outcomes.
Your Required Foundation:
- Minimum of 5 years of direct experience in engineering procurement & services, preferably within a high-tech manufacturing or R&D environment.
- Demonstrated expertise in strategic sourcing, supplier management, and complex contract negotiation.
- Strong ability to interpret technical specifications and engineering requirements for sourcing.
- Proficiency with ERP systems (SAP or Oracle) and the Microsoft Office suite.
- Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with experience collaborating across regions and cultures.
- Proven ability to manage operational challenges and drive continuous improvement.
What Makes You a Standout (Ideal Requirements):
- A Bachelor’s degree in Electrical & Electronics, Mechanical, Mechatronics Engineering, or a closely related field.
- Experience in the medical device or another highly regulated industry (familiarity with ISO standards, QA systems).
- In-depth knowledge of advanced sourcing methodologies and Lean/continuous improvement principles.
- A strong manufacturing background and experience supporting global stakeholders.
Why Build Your Procurement Career at Cochlear in KL?
1. Impact Beyond Procurement
- See your work directly enable the development of products that restore hearing to thousands globally.
- Play a key role in a high-visibility, global team undergoing transformation.
- Engage in complex, high-impact projects that shape Cochlear’s future product pipeline.
2. Strategic Career Growth
- Gain unparalleled exposure to technical procurement within a top-tier MedTech company.
- Develop expertise in navigating the unique commercial and regulatory landscape of medical devices.
- Clear pathways for advancement within the global Procurement and Supply Chain organization.
3. Comprehensive Benefits & Global Culture
- Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
- Continuous professional development and training programs.
- Work within Cochlear’s vital shared services hub in Kuala Lumpur, collaborating with a diverse, growing team of professionals.
- Be part of a supportive, inclusive culture renowned for its mission-driven purpose.
Ready to Source for a Sound Future?
If you are a strategic, technically-minded procurement expert looking to apply your skills to a meaningful mission, we want to hear from you.
Join us in Kuala Lumpur and help procure the components of life-changing innovation.
Apply now by submitting your resume.
