Senior Manager Category Purchasing

**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 [](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, 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.