Principal Specialist, Category Procurement

Strategic Sourcing and Supplier Management:

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for Assembly and Test equipment and services, early involvement with Research and Development (R&D) and align Supplier to support our future technology roadmap.
• Identify, evaluate, and manage relationships with suppliers, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives, particularly in supporting future technology advancements.
• Lead the Request for Proposal (RFP) and Request for Quotation (RFQ) processes, actively collaborating with suppliers to support innovation and technological advancements.
• Conduct strategic negotiations with suppliers to secure favorable terms and conditions, including pricing, payment terms, delivery schedules, and contractual agreements.
• Drive continuous improvement in supplier performance and relationships through effective negotiation strategies and tactics, aimed at achieving cost savings, quality improvements, and innovation.

Cost Management and Supply Chain Optimization including service support.

• Analyze pricing structures, cost drivers, and total cost of ownership for metrology equipment and services, with a focus on achieving yearly Cost reduction (CNI) through strategic negotiations.
• Implement cost-saving initiatives and optimization strategies to maximize value and support future technology investments, leveraging negotiation techniques to secure competitive pricing and favorable terms.
• Optimize the supply chain for Assembly and Test equipment, including inventory management, lead time reduction, and logistics optimization, utilizing negotiation skills to drive cost efficiencies and ensure timely availability of equipment and services.

Quality Assurance and Risk Management:

• Collaborate closely with R&D, quality assurance, and engineering teams to ensure Assembly and Test equipment and services meet quality standards, specifications, and performance requirements for future technology needs, utilizing negotiation skills to address quality issues and ensure compliance.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with equipment procurement, including supply chain disruptions, technology obsolescence, and regulatory compliance issues, employing negotiation strategies to manage and mitigate risks effectively.

Market Analysis and Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Conduct thorough market research and analysis to stay informed about industry trends, technological advancements, and competitive landscape in the metrology equipment market, using negotiation skills to secure advantageous deals and partnerships.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including R&D, engineering, manufacturing, finance, and legal departments, to ensure alignment of procurement activities with overall business objectives and future technology roadmap goals, leveraging negotiation skills to drive consensus and alignment.
• Compliance, Ethics, and Continuous Improvement:
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and corporate policies governing procurement activities, as well as adherence to ethical standards and business conduct.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in procurement processes, systems, and tools to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and value delivery, employing negotiation techniques to secure resources and support for improvement initiatives.

Supplier Performance Evaluation and Category Management Accountability:

• Establish key performance metrics and criteria for evaluating Supplier performance, conducting periodic performance reviews, and providing feedback to suppliers to drive improvement, utilizing negotiation skills to establish mutually beneficial performance agreements.
• Manage and be accountable for the category's performance metrics, serving as the subject matter expert and driving results to support future technology investments, employing negotiation skills to negotiate and achieve performance targets.
• Mentor and guide junior team members, emphasizing the importance of strategic negotiation in supplier management and procurement activities, and providing guidance on negotiation techniques and best practices.

• Completed university degree (Master’s / Diploma) in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a comparable qualification with extensive professional experience
• Proven track record of several years of professional experience in technical procurement, category management, ideally related to semiconductor manufacturing equipment
• Strong focus on results (adherence to target costs, deadlines, and defined quality for all machines and materials to be procured)
• Intercultural experience and process knowledge in semiconductor manufacturing are desirable
• High degree of Integrity, goal oriented, assertiveness and teamwork
• Proficiency in MS Office and other common programs
• Excellent communication skills
• Fluent in both English and Chinese for negotiations. Knowledge of 3rd languages is a plus.
• Willingness to travel (10-20%)