At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global sourcing strategies for electronic components and manage supplier relationships.
- Company: Multinational tech manufacturer with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and international travel opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a global impact in the electronics industry while driving cost efficiency and innovation.
- Qualifications: Degree in a technical field and experience in strategic sourcing within electronics.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to influence senior stakeholders and drive change.
The predicted salary is between 76000 - 114000 £ per year.
Location: Cambridge, CB4
Type: Permanent
Hours: 8.30am - 4.30pm (Monday to Friday)
Salary: Circa £95,000 depending on experience
Job Reference: 35982
Our client, a multinational technology manufacturer, is seeking a Global Category Manager - Electronics to lead the strategic sourcing of electronic components, assemblies and outsourced electronic manufacturing services (EMS). This is a senior, globally focused role responsible for category strategy, supplier management, cost reduction and supply risk mitigation across international manufacturing operations.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the global electronics category strategy, aligned with cross-functional and business objectives
- Monitor local and international supply markets, technology trends and cost drivers to inform sourcing decisions and risk management
- Analyse global and cross-divisional spend to identify cost-reduction, value-engineering and standardisation opportunities
- Build, manage and continuously optimise a competitive global supplier portfolio, including qualification, performance management and development
- Establish and maintain long-term strategic supplier relationships to drive cost competitiveness, quality, delivery and innovation
- Identify and mitigate category-specific supply risks, including obsolescence, EOL, long lead times and single-source exposure
- Lead global RFQs, contract negotiations and demand consolidation to leverage scale and secure optimal commercial terms
- Define and implement inventory and supply-chain resilience strategies, including VMI, buffer stock and consignment models
- Support make-or-buy decisions and outsourcing strategies for electronic assemblies and EMS partners
- Drive implementation of category strategy through regional buyers and sourcing teams, providing guidance and escalation support
- Monitor savings, supplier performance and supply continuity, ensuring quality and regulatory compliance
- Provide regular reporting and insights to senior sourcing leadership
Requirements
- Degree in a technical discipline, ideally combined with business or commercial training
- Proven experience in strategic sourcing or category management, with several years in the electronics industry
- Strong understanding of global supply markets, electronics manufacturing and supplier ecosystems
- Demonstrated expertise in contract management and complex commercial negotiations
- Strong analytical capability with experience in spend analysis, cost modelling and savings tracking
- Confident cross-functional leader with the gravitas to own the role, influence senior stakeholders and drive decision-making
- Tenacious, resilient and accountable, with the ability to challenge the status quo and drive behavioural change across the organisation
- Self-starter with a high level of ownership, initiative, and the ability to operate effectively with limited direction
- Experience working in international, multi-site environments with cultural awareness
- Good working knowledge of quality and supplier assurance methodologies (e.g. FMEA, PPAP, SPC)
- Fluent English communication skills; willingness to travel internationally on a regular basis (20-30%)
Please contact us as soon as possible for more details or apply below.
Global Category Manager - Electronics employer: Polytec Personnel Ltd
Contact Detail:
Polytec Personnel Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Category Manager - Electronics
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the electronics industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Global Category Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. Understand their supply chain challenges and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. This shows you're not just interested in any job, but specifically in helping them succeed.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Global Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate contracts and manage supplier relationships. Role-play with a friend or mentor to build your confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to potential employers. Plus, it gives you a better chance of standing out in the crowd!
We think you need these skills to ace Global Category Manager - Electronics
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Global Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in strategic sourcing and supplier management, especially in the electronics industry. We want to see how your skills align with the job description!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific achievements that demonstrate your analytical capabilities and contract management expertise. Let us know why you’re excited about this opportunity!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong analytical capabilities, make sure to include examples of your experience with spend analysis and cost modelling. We love numbers, so don’t shy away from showcasing your successes in tracking savings and optimising supplier performance.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Polytec Personnel Ltd
✨Know Your Electronics Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in electronics and supply chain management. Understand the key components, technologies, and market dynamics that affect sourcing decisions. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to the company's category strategy.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past contract negotiations where you achieved significant savings or improved supplier relationships. Be ready to discuss your approach to complex negotiations and how you handle challenging situations. This will demonstrate your expertise and ability to drive results.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Prowess
Be prepared to discuss your experience with spend analysis and cost modelling. Bring along examples of how you've identified cost-reduction opportunities in previous roles. This will show that you have the analytical capability needed for this senior position.
✨Cultural Awareness is Key
Since this role involves international collaboration, highlight any experience you have working in diverse environments. Discuss how you adapt your communication style to different cultures and how you build relationships with global suppliers. This will illustrate your ability to thrive in a multinational setting.