Senior Manager Category Purchasing

Feste Anstellung, unbefristet

Line Manager: Senior Director Purchasing Asia

 About AIXTRON

AIXTRON is a technology and innovation-driven market leader in deposition equipment (MOCVD) for third-generation semiconductor materials such as GaN, SiC and GaAs—critical enablers for energy efficiency, data communications and AI infrastructure. Headquartered in Herzogenrath, Germany, we hold the #1 market position in each of the markets we serve and build some of the industry’s most sophisticated high-tech systems. What sets us apart is how we combine deep technology focus, customer orientation and speed of innovation with strong team spirit, agility and a collaborative company culture. Learn more at www.aixtron.com.

AIXTRON’s new manufacturing & engineering hub in Malaysia

We are building a new greenfield manufacturing and engineering hub in Batu Kawan, Penang. The site will provide a state-of-the-art cleanroom environment for assembly & test of our high-end systems and will contribute to engineering the next generation of products. Operations are planned to start in 2027 with rapid ramp-up. Beyond technology, the new location is designed as a modern workplace with state-of-the art office and amenities  — built to foster collaboration and a strong focus on people’s wellbeing.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for purpose-driven builders: hands-on professionals with entrepreneurial spirit who enjoy setting up structures, improving processes and taking ownership in a fast-moving environment. As pioneers of our Malaysia site, you will help to shape not only your function, but also how we work together locally — while being connected to a global team of around 1,000 employees from ~60 nationalities across Asia, Europe and the US. We offer competitive benefits, outstanding technical expertise, development opportunities and training.

Responsibilities

Category Strategy & Planning

• Develop, lead and govern the category management function for Asia, ensuring alignment with global purchasing strategies and standards.
• Define and execute selected global category strategies under the lead buyer concept together with your team
• Conduct market & supplier analysis with respect to cost drivers, risks, innovations, delivery.
• Identify savings opportunities and value improvement initiatives

 Strategic Sourcing

• Lead supplier selection processes from RFQs/RFPs and contract award.
• Conduct commercial and contractual negotiations
• Manage framework agreements with regional/international suppliers
• Continuously drive total cost of ownership (TCO) optimization

 Supplier Management

• Establish and maintain strategic supplier network and relationships
• Monitor supplier performance with respect to cost, quality, and delivery.
• Lead business reviews to identify improvement potential and to conduct Continuous Improvement Projects (CIP).
• Support supplier audits and qualification processes

Team and Performance Management

• Directly lead, train and supervise the daily operation of the category purchasing team.
• Allocate category responsibilities and ensure workload balance
• Coach and mentor team members to strengthen negotiation, analytical, and strategic skills

 Risk & Compliance Management

• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks and bottlenecks.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, governance standards and sourcing procedures
• Monitor contractual obligations, supplier compliance, team integrity.
• Ensure accurate and complete documentation for audit readiness.

 Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Finance, and other stakeholders.
• Align sourcing decisions with project, operational and business requirements
• Support new product introductions (NPI) and change management processes

Qualifications and Skills Required 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical, Supply Chain, or related disciplines.
• 10-15 years of procurement or strategic sourcing experience, with at least 5 years in leadership positions in small to mid-sized teams in international manufacturing companies.
• Familiarity with the Asian semiconductor supply chain ecosystem is required.
• Strong communication, negotiation and contract management skills
• Analytical mindset with strong data interpretation capabilities

• Strong people management, coaching and development capabilities.
• Proficiency in SAP is preferred.
• Fluent in English; Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin proficiency is a plus.

 Working Conditions & Environment

·       Role based at AIXTRON Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

·       Majority of the work is at Batu Kawan site

• Visits to supplier locations will be requested as needed.

·       Occasional travel, to Headquarters in Germany or other regional sites.