Buyer – Category Lead (Global Procurement)

About the role

The Buyer – Category Lead (CLB) is responsible for global procurement of assigned categories across all manufacturing sites. This role drives supplier sourcing, qualification, contract negotiation and ongoing purchasing administration to ensure continuous supply of goods and services.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic relationships with preferred suppliers and negotiate long‑term agreements based on cost, quality, delivery and technology.
• Create category sourcing plans, manage country risk, business continuity and alternative sourcing strategies.
• Analyze product components and cost structures, applying should‑cost, value analysis and price‑break techniques to achieve cost reductions.
• Lead cost‑reduction programs and on‑time delivery commitments with internal stakeholders and suppliers.
• Challenge suppliers on quality, total cost and cycle time, and develop improvement or exit plans for poor performers.
• Support sites in yearly cost‑reduction negotiations by leveraging combined purchase volumes.
• Act as first‑level escalation from Supply Management to suppliers and ensure issue resolution per company standards.
• Manage RFQ/RFP/RFI processes, review quotes and approve purchase requisitions for the assigned categories.

Required profile

• University degree; postgraduate education is a plus.
• Technical background preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of related experience, preferably in the semiconductor industry.
• Experience with categories such as spares, services, maintenance and contract facilitation.

Required skills