Lead, Category Management

As a Lead II, Category Management in ASM’s global sourcing team, you will develop and manage a resilient supplier ecosystem within the Advanced Materials category—an essential set of components powering ASM’s industry leading semiconductor solutions. This role plays a pivotal part in driving innovation, cost competitiveness, supplier performance, and supply continuity. Operating at the intersection of supply chain, engineering, and business units, you will influence global sourcing strategies and shape long‑term supplier partnerships that support ASM’s growth and technology leadership.

What you will be working on

Category & Supplier Strategy

• Lead the development and execution of global sourcing strategies for advanced materials categories to achieve key business goals, including Time‑to‑Market acceleration, Cost of Goods (COGS) reduction, lead-time optimization, and supply continuity through ramps and transitions.
• Communicate commodity strategies across Business Units, Engineering, and NPI Operations to ensure sourcing decisions and product development align with strategic supplier selections.
• Maintain deep knowledge of industry and supply trends; schedule and host Quarterly Business Review (QBRs) with senior leadership and high impact suppliers.

Supplier Selection, Negotiation & Contracting

• Shape negotiation strategies to proactively drive cost reductions in a complex high mix, low‑volume manufacturing environment.
• Own total commodity lifecycle, including supplier identification, screening, preselection, onboarding, and relationship management.
• Negotiate complex agreements that incorporate program requirements, NPI through HVM lifecycle, and cross functional business objectives.

Supplier Performance & Governance

• Own total supplier performance, ensuring delivery against quality, cost, delivery, service, and ESG commitments.
• Establish and execute supplier performance improvement roadmaps to close gaps in delivery, quality, and operational reliability.
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations and drive corrective actions where needed.

Risk Management

• Routinely review supply risk profiles and lead mitigation strategies, including development of secondary/alternative sources for critical advanced materials.
• Drive resilience planning and proactive measures for capacity, geopolitical risk, and supply continuity.

Cross Functional Collaboration

• Engage effectively with internal stakeholders across functions, regions, and external partners to support program deliverables and business priorities.
• Act as the key liaison between suppliers, engineering, operations, and the business to ensure seamless execution.

What we are looking for

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in Procurement or Category Management with progressive responsibility.
• Experience in semiconductor or high technology manufacturing environments preferred.
• Strong familiarity with build‑to‑print manufacturing, high volume manufacturing processes, and supplier management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.

What sets you apart

• Proven ability to build strong supplier partnerships that balance innovation with risk mitigation.
• Thrives in a high mix, low‑volume environment with agility to manage shifting priorities.
• Skilled at navigating complex global supply ecosystems with cultural sensitivity and operational discipline.
• Demonstrates a continuous improvement mindset with data-driven decision‑making capabilities.