Category Manager, Electronics

Impact and Opportunity

Partner with Category Directors to drive purchasing activities and support strategic sourcing initiatives across a diverse portfolio of semiconductor components. Develop and execute category strategies that balance cost, quality, supply continuity, and innovation while supporting broader business objectives. This role offers the opportunity to influence supplier strategy, strengthen the supply base, and deliver measurable value across a critical component portfolio.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the procurement process for various electronics semiconductor materials, ensuring early involvement of Supplier Quality Development (SQD) in new supplier and/or material evaluations, and driving timely PPAP approvals;
• Manage supplier selection and development, including identifying and qualifying second sources for components from an approved supplier list to ensure supply chain resilience;
• Supervise the correct, complete, and timely maintenance of master data and workflows in all relevant systems to ensure operational efficiency and data integrity;
• Coordinate the ordering of program-related needs if required, such as samples and toolings, in alignment with project timelines and requirements;
• Develop and execute category strategies to optimize cost, quality, and delivery performance;
• Routinely review supplier product roadmap updates and ensure cross functional teams are designing and implementing the latest supplier technology into core architecture designs
• Confirm material availability and lead times for components, proactively addressing potential disruptions to ensure uninterrupted supply;
• Monitor and manage supplier capacities to prevent supply bottlenecks and support production schedules;
• Drive cost reduction initiatives and drive VAVE idea generation in collaboration with Business Unit stakeholders to achieve pre-SOP saving targets and improve overall profitability;
• Oversee product Change Requests and End of Life ramp-down activities at the component level, ensuring smooth transitions and minimal operational impact;
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and development opportunities to the semiconductor procurement team, fostering a high-performance culture.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in Business, Engineering, or a related field, with a combination of technical and business/economic expertise preferred (e.g., Industrial Engineering).
• 10+ years’ experience in Purchasing with industrial and electronics industry background, preferably with automotive experience;
• Demonstrated expertise in electronics procurement processes, supplier management, and supply chain optimization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and assertiveness skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and drive favorable outcomes;
• Proven project management experience, with the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and deliver results on time and within budget;
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to translate technical requirements into economical considerations and strategic decisions;
• Very strong English skills in speech and writing, able to negotiate in English
• Experience working in a multinational environment and collaborating with global teams.
• Ability to present confidently and effectively to senior leadership teams.

NICE TO KNOW

Travel: Domestic and international travel may be required

Leadership Responsibilities: Lead team member in matrix environment.

Competencies:

Deliver Results

• Understand the mission and output of your team; set SMART objectives and deliver.

Drive Change

• Focus on agility and commitment to continuous improvement; Understand and act on internal and external drivers of change

Build Capability

• Foster a culture of learning and development; Support individual growth through continuous feedback to achieve personal and professional goals

Cultivate Innovation

• Openly embrace, create, implement and support new and innovative ideas, processes and technology that deliver business results.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT (US):

All positions in our office require interaction with people and technology while either standing or sitting. In order to best serve our customers, internal and external, all associates must be able to communicate face-to-face and on the phone with or without reasonable accommodation. Gentherm is committed to compliance with its obligations under all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. In keeping with this commitment, it attempts to reasonably accommodate applicants and employees in accordance with the requirements of the disability discrimination laws. It also invites individuals with disabilities to participate in a good faith, interactive process to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made without imposing an undue hardship.