Category Manager

Role and Responsibilities

• Support the Head of Category Management, to drive global sourcing strategies for various categories include but not limited to machining, mechanical & electronics, rubber/plastic, standard parts etc.

• Acting as a business partner to key stakeholders in business team (Business Units, Engineering, Global Operation etc.) and Operations team (Supplier Quality, Production, Materials Management etc).

• Perform comprehensive capacity assessment for mechanical and non-mechanical category. Follow by developing category strategy in securing long term capacity to meet hyper ramp condition

• Sustaining the Global Category Management Operating Model and provide the supply capability and capacity at best cost to support the company's future business needs and protection of brand value.

• Management of own categories and functional category team (capacity, knowledge management, performance)                     

• Application of aligned sourcing processes, sustainable supplier assessments and development approach, a performing and regulatory compliant supply base footprint shall be established and actively managed, contributing to the enhancement of the supply base performance on Quality, Delivery and Cost (QCD).

• Realization of a measurable value >3% in recurring and P&L effective cost reductions per year across the global 3rd party spend in the assigned spend categories accompanied by a leveraged and benchmarked supply base management.

• Grow and further develop a qualified and performing Best Cost Country Supply Base in line with the companies and operations BCC objectives at Asia and manage a sustainable spend allocation. Scope may include executing strategic program with Global Operation Development

• Accountable for the category specific achievement of the objectives of cost optimization, supply base optimization, geographic sourcing footprint and Best Cost Country Sourcing              

• Providing forward-looking guidance on trends, threats and opportunities in own category & Actively monitors and performs a supply base risk assessment.

• Active contribution to the bottom up alignment of the Direct Materials Category Team with the defined / set company objectives                  

• Embracing change, possessing a continuous improvement mindset, has a passion for exceeding company and customer expectations

Qualifications and Key skills:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in Sourcing / Procurement / Mechanical Engineering. 

• Min 5 years in-depth strategic and operational sourcing experience with a solid working knowledge of global category management

• Preferable hands-on experience in supplier management on various categories. Main focus on Machining Supplier, but not limited to Raw Materials, Surface Treatment (Clear/Hard Anodizing/Coating, Cleaning Level, Heat Treatment etc), M&E/P&E/E&E Assembly. Includes supplier training on VAT-specific processes and standards

• Experience in the field of vacuum technology semi-conductors would be an added advantage

• Sourcing in Asia and experience in Best Cost Country and spend relocation activities

• Strong analytical skills (risk based) and focus on the essential facts, with the ability to present results clearly and compellingly.

• Working experience within a global complex organization

• Sensible and emphatic communication skills with suppliers, colleagues, internal stakeholders, etc.

• Self-motivator who works effectively in team or independent work environments;

• Able to get results through others, able to multi-task, sense of priority, able to handle stress levels.

Special skills (such as special certifications)

- A technical background would be an added advantage

Core knowledge of the 10 Principles and expert knowledge in our areas of responsibility.

• VAT Blueprints

• VAT Strategic Roadmap

• VAT Management and Leadership Principles

• VAT Values

• VAT P&L structure

• Knowledge about category sourcing markets

• Contract law

• Office Software / IT application (esp. Excel, Word, Power Point, D365 etc.)

• Good communication skills in English (any other language will be a plus)

• C.P.M., CIPS will be a plus

• Master's degree / min. BA