About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Category Manager to develop and execute sourcing strategies for Halal products from Malaysia and the broader ASEAN region. This role is crucial to expanding Wismettac’s global portfolio of Japanese-inspired food products to meet the growing consumer demand for high-quality, certified Halal products.
The role focuses on identifying, developing and procuring products in meat, seafood, snacks & confectionery, beverages and processed foods, ensuring halal certification for sales in global and local markets. You will build and maintain strong supplier relationships, identify sourcing opportunities, manage category performance, and ensure compliance with Halal certification standards.
Strategic Procurement & Sourcing
- Identify, evaluate, and negotiate with suppliers and manufacturers in Malaysia and ASEAN producing Japanese-inspired food products.
- Ensure all sourced products meet Halal certification standards and can be marketed globally.
- Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts to ensure cost-effectiveness and supplier reliability.
- Support the expansion of product categories in line with global demand and HQ strategy.
- Deeply understand customer demand and provide valuable products to support their business.
- Sourcing value-added or solution products to support customer business.
- Collaborate with reliable suppliers to develop our own brand “Shirakiku” products.
- Monitor and analyze category performance, sales trends and emerging product opportunities.
- Ensure regulatory compliance and Halal certification across all products.
- Build long-term, strategic relationships with high-potential suppliers across the region to improve quality, cost competitiveness, and innovation.
- Work closely with quality assurance, logistics, marketing, and compliance teams.
- Conduct regular supplier audits and quality checks, ensuring compliance with Halal, food safety, and sustainability standards.
- Manage full product lifecycle from sourcing to listing and end-of-life.
- Facilitate supplier readiness to export or local key markets.
- Collaborate with Wismettac’s Japan HQ, Singapore Office, and other regional teams to align procurement strategy and execution.
- Act as a regional bridge for Halal product sourcing into the global supply chain.
- Maintain effective reporting and communication across Malaysia, Singapore and Japan.
Market Development & Category Growth
Monitor ASEAN and global trends in Halal food demand, especially for Japanese-inspired products.Provide category insights on pricing intelligence and supplier capacity analysis to guide global category planning.Lead new product development initiatives to fill portfolio gaps (e.g., Halal snacks, beverages, seafood).Travel & Regional Responsibility
Travel regularly across ASEAN to source and audit suppliers.Occasional travel to Japan for strategic alignment and collaboration with HQ stakeholders.Qualifications & Experience
Minimum 10 years’ experience in food procurement, product development, or supply chain management.Strong knowledge of Halal certification processes (JAKIM or equivalent ASEAN standards).Demonstrated experience in international trade / export requirements and supplier management in food categories.Proven success track record in developing new suppliers and managing multi-category portfolios.Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management.Excellent cross-cultural communication and coordination capabilities.High attention to detail, documentation, and compliance.Ability to work independently with reporting lines across multiple geographies.Strategic mindset with hands-on execution capability.Work with a globally recognized brand in Japanese and Asian food distribution.Opportunity to drive innovation in the Halal food space.Collaborate across international teams and develop regionally impactful strategies.Apply
We are Japanese food importer and distributor located in Singapore. If you are interested, please apply to join our team.
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