About the role
AI summarisedThe Director of Category Management at ASM leads strategic sourcing initiatives for critical semiconductor supply chains, focusing on ultra-high purity gas delivery systems and complex global supplier networks. This role drives cost reductions, quality improvements, and supply chain resilience through technical value engineering, supplier innovation, and cross-functional collaboration. The position requires deep technical expertise in semiconductor manufacturing environments and proven leadership in building high-performing global sourcing teams.
EquipmentOnsite
Key Responsibilities
- Establish a zero-defect quality culture with strategic suppliers, targeting Six Sigma performance and achieving >95% on-time delivery for complex, long-lead components
- Lead supplier relationship management across a global supply base, including performance scorecards, quarterly business reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Identify, qualify, and develop suppliers with advanced capabilities in ultra-high purity gas delivery, safety-critical systems, and global scale
- Drive supplier-led innovation by establishing joint development roadmaps and enabling early supplier involvement in new product introduction (NPI)
- Lead cross-functional initiatives to reduce lead times, mitigate supply risk, improve quality, and strengthen supply chain resilience
- Build, coach, and develop a high-performing global sourcing team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making
- Partner closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality, planning, business units, and finance to align sourcing strategies with business priorities
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, or a related discipline
- Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or engineering within a high-mix, low-volume, high-complexity manufacturing environment
- Proven experience managing complex global supply chains and critical technology categories within the semiconductor, aerospace, or medical device industries
- Strong commercial acumen with a demonstrated ability to negotiate and manage long-term global supplier agreements
- Track record of leading sourcing transformations and building high-performing, globally distributed teams
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, technology-driven environment with demanding supply chain challenges
- Experience working with SAP S/4HANA or similar enterprise systems
- Deep technical expertise in gas delivery systems, including gas panels, valves, regulators, mass flow controllers, purifiers, filters, tubing, and fittings
- Strong understanding of ultra-high purity requirements, contamination control, leak integrity, and safety standards for semiconductor manufacturing
- Knowledge of materials selection, surface treatments, cleaning processes, and compatibility for reactive, corrosive, and toxic gases
- Experience engaging suppliers and engineering teams on design-for-manufacturability, yield improvement, and reliability optimization
- Familiarity with fab and sub-fab environments and the regulatory and safety requirements that govern gas delivery systems