Category Lead

Global Category Leader – Semiconductor CAPEX & EquipmentLocation: On-Site | Multiple U.S. LocationsThe OpportunityA global leader in advanced semiconductor manufacturing is seeking an experienced Global Category Leader to lead strategic sourcing and category management across capital equipment (CAPEX), tooling, equipment-related services, and critical suppliers.This is a highly visible role with responsibility for both global and site-level supplier relationships. You will partner closely with Engineering, R&D, Operations, and equipment support teams across a global manufacturing network to drive cost optimization, strengthen supplier performance, mitigate supply risk, and improve operational efficiency.The successful candidate will bring a strong combination of strategic sourcing, commercial negotiation, supplier management, and technical procurement experience, ideally within semiconductor or another highly complex manufacturing environment.Key ResponsibilitiesLead global category strategy for semiconductor capital equipment, tooling, services, and assigned suppliers.Own strategic sourcing and supplier management activities across both global and local manufacturing operations.Lead category reviews and sourcing initiatives across multiple manufacturing sites.Partner with Engineering, R&D, Operations, and equipment support teams to identify and execute cost-reduction and value-creation opportunities.Lead supplier selection, evaluation, negotiation, and contracting activities.Develop and maintain strategic relationships with critical equipment and service providers.Negotiate and renew complex commercial agreements while identifying opportunities to improve cost, service, and operational performance.Monitor supplier performance against contractual and operational requirements through KPIs, scorecards, corrective actions, escalations, and structured business reviews.Develop sourcing strategies and business continuity plans to mitigate supplier and operational risk.Support ERP-related procurement activities, including purchase order releases and follow-up.Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities across sourcing, supplier management, and category performance.Candidate ProfileBachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related discipline; MBA, MS, or other advanced degree preferred.Significant experience within strategic sourcing, procurement, category management, or supply chain.Strong understanding of capital equipment procurement and complex technical supplier ecosystems; semiconductor industry experience is highly desirable.Demonstrated success leading complex, high-value supplier negotiations and commercial agreements.Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance cost, supplier performance, risk, and operational requirements.Experience developing category strategies, managing supplier performance, and driving measurable cost improvements.Advanced proficiency with SAP and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.Strong communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across Engineering, R&D, Operations, and Supply Chain.Self-motivated and comfortable independently driving strategic initiatives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.Ability to effectively manage competing priorities and tight deadlines.Why Consider This Opportunity?This is an opportunity to take ownership of a strategically important global category within a sophisticated, capital-intensive manufacturing environment. You'll have significant exposure across Engineering, R&D, Operations, and Supply Chain while influencing major capital investments and supplier strategies across a global manufacturing network.The position offers the opportunity to make a measurable impact across cost, supplier performance, supply continuity, and operational efficiency while working with highly technical equipment and supplier markets.This is a 100% on-site position and requires daily presence at one of the designated U.S. manufacturing locations.Interested in learning more? Apply directly or reach out confidentially to discuss the opportunity.