Global Category Manager in Shipley

Overview: Global Category Manager (GCM) for memory. Defines and executes the global sourcing strategy for memory, in collaboration with cross-functional teams and management. Drives supplier relationship management, commercial excellence, operational performance, and continuous improvement through structured governance and regular business reviews.

Location: global role with offices and customers worldwide. Language: English mandatory; Mandarin desirable.

EEO: Vantiva is committed to equality and inclusion and supports reasonable accommodations in the application process.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead the global memory category sourcing strategy in collaboration with the Category Focus Team (CFT), including engineering, operations, quality, and supply chain.
• Define and propose the sourcing strategy based on market segmentation, demand forecast, technology trends, benchmarking, and adjacent industries.
• Have management approval for the strategy and action plan at least once a year; drive execution with clear action plans, ownership, and measurable KPIs.
• Communicate the strategy to internal stakeholders; organize meetings, training, and maintain supplier lists and a concise strategy statement.
• Approve introduction of new suppliers and update strategy as needed for competitive advantage.
• Provide quarterly reporting, risk escalation, and performance tracking.
• Own end-to-end supplier relationship management for Memory suppliers; define supplier segmentation and relationship models; establish governance frameworks; lead governance with internal stakeholders.
• Develop knowledge of suppliers to build strong relationships; document supplier organization and decision-makers.
• Conduct Regular Supplier Business Reviews (SBRs) to review cost, quality, delivery, and innovation; drive corrective actions and improvement plans; align on roadmap, capacity, and risk mitigation; keep knowledge base updated.
• Expand collaboration beyond traditional boundaries (innovation, joint business, standards bodies, and third parties).
• Lead robust, structured price negotiations (quarterly); ensure early involvement in product development and design-win negotiations; build and challenge cost models.
• Apply sourcing tools (eRFQs / e-auctions) and negotiate all terms influencing total cost of ownership (payment terms, Incoterms, flexibility, exclusivity).
• Negotiate supplier contracts (supply/purchase agreements, quality agreements, rebates, long-term agreements); partner with Legal to minimize risks while maximizing value.
• Oversee memory-related activities from supplier selection to mass production with support from operations, supply chain, GCEs, and quality teams; contribute to supplier baseline assessments and continuous improvement actions.
• Drive best practices in cost optimization, productivity, speed-to-market, and on-time delivery; provide technical direction to optimize component choices from day one.
• Support product cost reviews and execution excellence across multiple suppliers; challenge designs where needed to optimize cost and engage strategic suppliers.

Qualifications:

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (business-focused preferred); 5+ years in strategic sourcing, category management, or procurement; strong experience managing global suppliers and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Technical & Category Expertise: Solid knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing processes; memory market knowledge desirable; strong commercial and analytical skills; proven negotiation experience with complex contracts; ability to build and analyze costs and business cases; capable of challenging supplier pricing and internal design assumptions.
• Supplier & Business Management: Demonstrated SRM experience with regular supplier business reviews and improvement programs; strong risk management and issue resolution skills.
• Additional Advantage: Experience in purchasing electronic materials or knowledge of electronic components.
• Personal Attributes: Strong communication and stakeholder management at all levels; ability to influence in a matrix environment; results-driven, analytical, proactive; comfortable in a multicultural global environment; strong team player with cross-functional alignment.
• Languages: English mandatory; Mandarin desirable.