(Senior) Category Purchasing Executive Mechanical

**Line Manager:** Senior Manager Category Purchasing **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 [](http://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 & execute strategies for assigned global commodity groups, aligning with Engineering, Quality and Operations to achieve sustainable cost efficiency, supplier performance and long-term supply security; implement category strategies of lead buyers in Germany within your region. · Conduct global market analyses to identify sourcing opportunities, supplier innovations and cost optimization potential, and translate findings into sourcing strategies. · Drive cost reduction initiatives and contribute to value engineering activities in collaboration with technical and operational teams. Strategic Sourcing · Manage the full sourcing process including supplier identification, RFQs, evaluation, selection and contract award, ensuring alignment with technical and commercial requirements. · Lead commercial and contractual negotiations with international suppliers, ensuring competitive total cost of ownership (TCO), high quality standards and reliable delivery performance. · Support supplier development, localization and transfer initiatives, ensuring smooth implementation and long-term supplier performance. Supplier Management · Build, develop and optimize the supplier base to support current and future business needs, ensuring scalability, resilience and competitiveness. · Drive supplier performance management by monitoring quality, delivery and cost KPIs, conducting regular performance reviews and initiating improvement measures. · Support and participate in supplier audits and ensure compliance with quality, regulatory and company standards. Risk & Compliance Management · Proactively identify supply risks related to capacity, lead times or quality, and implement mitigation actions to ensure continuity of supply. · Ensure all sourcing and procurement activities comply with company policies, ethical standards and legal requirements. · Maintain accurate and up-to-date procurement data in SAP and support reporting and transparency across the organization. Cross-Functional Collaboration · Collaborate closely with cross-functional stakeholders (Engineering, Production, Quality, SCM) to align specifications, demand forecasts and sourcing strategies. **Qualifications and Skills Required** - Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical, Supply Chain, or related disciplines. - At least 5 years of professional experience, thereof 3 years of hands-on experience in strategic category management for mechanical categories in manufacturing companies. - Familiarity with semiconductor supply chain is preferred. - Ability to read and interpret basic engineering drawings. - Familiar with contract law, incoterms, import/export regulations. - Interact confidently with suppliers with good communication and negotiation skills - Practical skills to handle multiple tasks/projects with time/priority planning. - Good proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint and ERP system, 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.