Apac Management Trainee - Procurement Japan

About Sika

Sika is a specialty chemicals company with a globally leading position in the development and production of systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing, and protection in the building sector and industry. Sika has subsidiaries in 103 countries around the world, produces in over 400 factories, and develops innovative technologies for customers worldwide. In doing so, it plays a crucial role in enabling the transformation of the construction and transportation industries toward greater environmental compatibility. Approximately 33,000 employees generated CHF 11.20 billion in sales in 2025.

About the Programme

Kick-start your career through our structured 18-month Management Trainee Programme, designed to develop high-potential talent into future professionals and leaders within our organization. The programme offers an accelerated learning journey that combines structured on-the-job training, formal learning, mentoring, coaching, and project-based assignments. Throughout the programme, you will progressively build technical expertise, business acumen, and leadership capabilities while gaining valuable hands-on experience in your chosen function. As a Management Trainee, you will be assigned to a sponsoring department and follow a structured learning journey tailored to your function. While developing specialized knowledge within your department, you will also participate in company-wide learning initiatives, cross-functional exposure, and programme milestones that support your overall professional growth. The programme consists of three developmental phases, each with clearly defined learning objectives, competency milestones, and performance reviews to ensure continuous growth throughout your journey. Throughout the programme, you will receive guidance and coaching from experienced mentors and leaders who are committed to supporting your development and helping you succeed. If you are passionate about learning, enjoy solving complex challenges, and aspire to build a rewarding career in a dynamic multinational environment, we invite you to begin your journey with us.

About the Department

The Regional Procurement Department plays a strategic role in ensuring the sustainable, cost-effective, and reliable supply of materials, services, and equipment required to support business growth across the region. Working closely with global categories, local procurement teams, supply chain, operations, and business stakeholders, the department drives sourcing excellence, supplier management, cost optimization, risk mitigation, and sustainability initiatives.

Your Learning Journey

As a Regional Procurement Management Trainee, you will gain hands-on exposure to regional procurement operations, category management, strategic sourcing, supplier performance management, and cross-functional collaboration. You will have the opportunity to work on regional projects across multiple countries, analyze spend and market trends, support supplier negotiations, and contribute to initiatives that enhance competitiveness and create business value. You will be in a pipeline of young high-level regional talent and future senior managers flowing into the procurement organisation (in addition to on-going support reasonability, the candidate will follow a structured process of technical and commercial training across all categories which will culminate in a 6 month overseas placement)

What You'll Experience

Throughout the programme, you will have the opportunity to:

• Participate in a structured 18-month learning journey comprising three developmental phases.
• Receive coaching and mentoring from experienced managers and subject matter experts.
• Gain practical, hands-on experience within your sponsoring department.
• Develop technical, business, and leadership competencies through structured learning and on-the-job training.
• Work on meaningful projects that contribute to business objectives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and build professional networks across the organization.
• Participate in company-wide learning programmes, leadership development initiatives, and networking opportunities.
• Receive regular feedback, coaching, and performance reviews to support your development.

Key Responsibilities

Programme Responsibilities

As a Management Trainee, you will:

• Complete all learning milestones and development activities throughout the programme.
• Participate actively in training programmes, workshops, coaching sessions, and other learning opportunities.
• Learn and apply company policies, business processes, systems, and best practices.
• Support departmental operations and contribute to assigned projects and business initiatives.
• Conduct research, analyse information, and prepare reports, presentations, or recommendations where appropriate.
• Collaborate with colleagues across different functions to support business objectives.
• Demonstrate initiative, accountability, professionalism, and a continuous learning mindset.
• Build strong working relationships with mentors, managers, and stakeholders.
• Comply with company policies, procedures, and health, safety, quality, and compliance standards.
• Successfully complete programme assessments and performance reviews.

Department-Specific Responsibilities

• Complete a structured 3-year procurement management training plan culminating in a project dissertation and 6-month over-seas placement
• To be assigned a range of tasks in the local procurement organization that will provide a broad base of experience and training across category management, tools systems and processes and Procurement Governance
• Complete a structured three-year Procurement Management Development Programme, including defined learning objectives, practical assignments, formal training, a project dissertation, and a six-month overseas placement.
• Undertake a range of assignments within the local Procurement organisation to build broad practical experience across direct and indirect procurement, category management, supplier management, procurement systems and processes, analytics, and Procurement Governance.
• Support category management activities including spend analysis, market and supplier research, sourcing strategy development, tendering, commercial evaluation, negotiation, contracting, implementation, and performance monitoring.
• Participate in supplier selection, evaluation, development, and performance management activities, gaining experience in both commercial and operational aspects of supplier relationships.
• Develop a strong understanding of procurement tools, systems, data, and processes, including the effective use of ERP, sourcing, reporting, and analytical tools to support procurement decision-making.
• Support procurement improvement projects aimed at improving cost competitiveness, supplier performance, process efficiency, compliance, sustainability, and working capital.
• Participate in regional and global procurement initiatives, working with colleagues across countries, functions, and categories to gain exposure beyond the local organisation.
• Develop commercial and financial understanding, including cost structures, total cost of ownership, price and market analysis, business cases, budgeting, and the financial impact of procurement decisions.
• Build effective working relationships with key internal stakeholders, including Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, Sales, R&D, and other relevant functions.
• Develop negotiation, communication, presentation, project management, and stakeholder-management capabilities required for future management responsibilities.
• Maintain appropriate documentation and ensure activities are conducted in accordance with Procurement policies, procedures, governance requirements, and applicable compliance standards.
• Complete a significant business improvement project and associated dissertation demonstrating the ability to analyse a business problem, develop recommendations, and deliver measurable value.
• Successfully complete a six-month overseas assignment during the final stage of the programme, taking responsibility for defined procurement activities or projects while gaining experience in a different market and organisational environment.
• Demonstrate the performance, leadership potential, mobility, and professional capabilities required for progression into a Procurement or Supply Chain management position following completion of the programme.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the programme, you should be able to:

• Demonstrate competency in the technical and operational aspects of your assigned function.
• Understand how your department contributes to the organization's overall business objectives.
• Apply analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to real business challenges.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders across different functions and levels.
• Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous learning.
• Successfully achieve all programme milestones and competency assessments.

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for individuals who are:

• Passionate about learning and continuous development.
• Curious, proactive, and adaptable in a dynamic environment.
• Strong analytical thinkers with sound problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communicators with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Collaborative team players who can also work independently.
• Well-organized with strong planning and time management skills.
• Resilient, accountable, and eager to embrace new challenges.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Located in Tokyo, Japan and willing to relocate to other APAC countries such as Malaysia Kuala Lumper when development opportunity arise
• Self-starter with high degree of drive and motivation
• Excellent academic results
• Excellent communication skills and outgoing gregarious personality
• Highly numerate with a technical / engineering background
• International mindset with overseas experience (e.g. study) or from a mixed international family background
• Well-developed IT skills, knowledgeable in MS Office tool set, AI tools

Why Join Our Management Trainee Programme?

At our company, we believe in investing in people with the potential to make a difference. Through our Management Trainee Programme, you will gain meaningful work experience, receive structured learning and mentoring, build lasting professional networks, and develop the technical and leadership capabilities needed for long-term career success. Our programme provides:

• A structured 18-month development journey.
• A personalized functional learning roadmap.
• Dedicated mentoring and coaching from experienced leaders.
• Hands-on experience through meaningful business assignments.
• Cross-functional exposure and collaboration opportunities.
• Structured learning and leadership development programmes.
• Regular coaching, feedback, and career development discussions.
• Opportunities to build a rewarding career within the organization, subject to individual performance and business requirements.

Location: Tokyo(Akasaka) or Hiratsuka(Nagatoro)

当社では、現地市場の水準や、各職務の具体的な内容・責任の範囲を踏まえ、競争力のある給与を提示しています。 報酬は、業務に関連するスキルや学歴、研修・経験などを総合的に考慮して決定します。 また、当社は関係法令および規制を遵守し、公正かつ公平な賃金制度の運用に努めています。