Category Management Director

A leading global manufacturing and production of electronics is seeking a highly experienced Category Management Director to oversee a substantial portfolio of Class-A spend, driving strategic sourcing and supplier partnerships across multiple categories

Based in Simpang Ampat, Penang, this role offers the opportunity to lead a talented international team, shape global category strategies, and influence key business decisions at the highest level. You will be empowered to build resilient supply chains, foster continuous improvement with suppliers, and deliver significant cost savings through advanced market intelligence and contract management. The organisation values flexibility, professional growth, and a supportive leadership environment that encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing. If you are passionate about supply chain excellence and thrive in a matrix environment where your expertise can make a tangible impact, this is your chance to join an inclusive workplace committed to nurturing talent and rewarding achievement.

• Oversee a $1B global spend portfolio for Class-A materials including equipment, chemicals, copper foil, soldermask & ink, drill bits & routers, and more; drive impactful sourcing strategies that reflect evolving business needs.
• Lead a global team of category managers to develop and execute innovative sourcing strategies, negotiate commercial agreements with strategic suppliers, and ensure flawless implementation under a matrix structure.
• Build extensive market intelligence networks for advanced planning; engage in relationship building with top executives from key suppliers to drive continuous improvement in quality, delivery, technology, and cost performance.

What you'll do:

As Category Management Director based in Simpang Ampat, Penang, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of procurement for a major electronics manufacturer. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve managing a high-value portfolio of Class-A materials across multiple categories while collaborating closely with both internal teams and external partners. You will lead an international group of category managers to create robust sourcing strategies that respond dynamically to market shifts. By engaging directly with senior executives from key suppliers worldwide, you will nurture long-term relationships built on trust and shared goals. Your expertise in contract negotiation will be crucial as you optimise supplier agreements for maximum value. Through rigorous supplier performance reviews and proactive risk management initiatives, you will ensure the supply chain remains resilient against disruptions. Leveraging advanced analytics tools and market intelligence networks, you will provide timely insights that inform critical business decisions. Success in this role requires not only technical proficiency but also exceptional interpersonal skills—your ability to facilitate teams and influence stakeholders will be instrumental in driving continuous improvement throughout the organisation.

• Manage an annual global spend portfolio valued at $1B for Class-A materials such as equipment, laminate/prepreg, copper foil, chemicals, dry film, soldermask & ink, drill bits & routers, entry & back-up.
• Lead a diverse international team of category managers to devise clear global strategies for each category that align with business objectives and stakeholder expectations.
• Review category strategies periodically with the Global Category Management team and internal stakeholders to adapt to market dynamics and changes in business models.
• Develop, manage, and execute comprehensive category sourcing strategies by leveraging deep understanding of market trends, cost drivers, vendor landscapes, and internal matrix environments.
• Negotiate commercial agreements with key strategic suppliers covering pricing, rebates, payment terms and other critical aspects to achieve cost savings and improve return on invested capital.
• Engage in relationship building and strategic partnerships with top executives from key global suppliers to foster trust and mutual benefit.
• Conduct regular business reviews with strategic suppliers using Supplier Performance Review processes to drive continuous improvement in quality, delivery timelines, technological advancement and cost efficiency.
• Build resilient upstream supply chains by leading risk management initiatives that ensure business continuity even during disruptions or supply shortages.
• Drive process improvements in supplier contract lifecycle management including optimisation and standardisation of agreements such as rebate programmes or joint development contracts.
• Implement total cost of ownership approaches by developing cost models and establishing 'should cost' estimates for direct materials; champion value engineering internally and externally.

What you bring:

The ideal candidate for the Category Management Director position brings a wealth of experience from the electronics manufacturing sector—particularly within multinational environments where complexity is the norm. Your academic background includes relevant degrees complemented by industry certifications that demonstrate your commitment to professional excellence. You have spent over fifteen years honing your skills in category management: negotiating intricate contracts across diverse projects while consistently achieving measurable results. Your approach emphasises collaboration—you excel at building relationships both within your team and externally with suppliers around the globe. You are comfortable navigating matrix organisations where cross-functional cooperation is vital. Your analytical abilities enable you to develop sophisticated cost models that support strategic decision-making; meanwhile your proficiency with ERP systems ensures seamless integration between procurement processes and broader business operations. Above all else you are recognised for your empathetic leadership style—your capacity to communicate clearly inspire confidence among colleagues facilitate productive discussions—and drive positive outcomes through shared effort.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management & Logistics or Business Management/Engineering; certification in supply chain profession (CPSM, CSCP, CPIM etc.) is preferred.
• Minimum 15 years’ experience in category management and strategic sourcing within multi-national electronics manufacturing companies; prior experience handling electronic/PCB raw materials or working in PCB shops/material supply base is advantageous.
• Extensive experience negotiating complex pricing structures and contracts across multiple projects/programmes; proven track record delivering cost savings through effective supplier engagement.
• Proficiency in supplier relationship management including development initiatives and risk mitigation strategies; adept at fostering collaborative partnerships with global suppliers.
• Expertise in total cost management methodologies including cost modelling and should-cost analysis; ability to implement value engineering best practices internally/externally.
• Collaborative mindset with strong people management skills; capable of facilitating teams across different cultures/geographies within a matrix environment.
• Effective communication skills encompassing email correspondence, presentations, team facilitation sessions and influencing stakeholders at all levels.
• Demonstrated commitment to organisational leadership principles; ability to inspire trust among colleagues through honest interactions and supportive guidance.
• Skillful use of business/spend analytics tools; familiarity with ERP systems such as Oracle or SAP is essential for data-driven decision making.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Excel (for analytics), Word (documentation), PowerPoint (presentations), Access (database management) and Power BI (reporting).

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out as one of the world’s foremost electronics manufacturers renowned for its commitment to operational excellence innovation—and employee development. With facilities spanning multiple continents it offers unparalleled opportunities for professional growth within an inclusive culture that values diversity collaboration—and mutual respect. Employees benefit from flexible working arrangements generous pension contributions ongoing training programmes—and access to cutting-edge technologies that empower them to succeed. The company’s supportive leadership philosophy prioritises knowledge sharing mentorship—and personal wellbeing ensuring every team member feels valued appreciated—and equipped for success. By joining this organisation you become part of a network dedicated not only to advancing industry standards but also nurturing individual talent through meaningful work impactful projects—and genuine camaraderie.

What's next:

If you are ready to take your career to new heights by joining an internationally respected leader in electronics manufacturing apply now!

Apply today by sending your CV to desmond.khoo@robertwalters.com.

Do note that we will only be in touch if your application is shortlisted.

Agensi Pekerjaan Robert Walters Sdn Bhd
Business Registration Number : 729828-T
Licence Number : JTKSM 423C