Category Specialist

TTM Technologies Malaysia; Seberang Perai; On-site; MYR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology manufacturer in Malaysia is seeking a Senior Category Specialist to manage sourcing strategies and supplier relationships. The role requires a strong background in supply chain management, particularly with copper clad laminate and prepreg materials. Candidates should possess at least 3 years of relevant experience, with strong analytical and communication skills. The position offers opportunities to influence cost management and drive continuous improvements in quality and cost performance.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in manufacturing or supply chain.
• Experience with PCB shops or raw-material suppliers preferred.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English required.

Responsibilities

• Manage AP annual spend on CCL&PP category.
• Lead supplier negotiations on commercial agreements.
• Develop sourcing strategies and manage supplier relationships.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Cost management

Education

BSc/MSc in Supply Chain or related engineering field

Tools

ERP (Oracle)

Excel

Job description

Responsibilities

• Manage AP annual spend on CCL&PP category
• Execute a clear global category strategy to reflect business needs and engage with key internal stakeholders to assure a flawless implementation under a matrix environment
• Actively monitor internal/external trends, synthesize and distill the business intelligence into actionable opportunities
• Review with global lead on category strategy periodically in relation to market dynamics and business model changes, and adjust the category strategy accordingly

Strategic Sourcing

• Develop, manage and execute sourcing strategies through a deep understanding of market dynamics & trends, cost drivers and vendor landscapes and internal matrix environment
• Lead negotiations with suppliers on commercial agreements (pricing, rebate, payment terms, etc.) to achieve cost savings, standards terms and ROIC improvements
• Lead supplier business review process to drive continuous improvement in quality, delivery, technology and cost performance through Supplier Performance Review (SPR) Program
• Manage with suppliers early in risk assessment and mitigation plan for business continuity and to build a resilient supply chain upstream
• Collaborate with supplier to enhance business and partnering relationship

Contract Management

• Lead negotiating and closing various vendor contracts such as general business agreement, rebate program, vendor manged inventory, supply assurance agreement, strategic partnership agreement, joint development agreement, etc.
• Act as commercial liaison between Legal and supplier business partners on finalizing the contract terms

Cost Management

• Apply the process of analyzing the total cost of ownership for different categories under charge
• Identify and define internal and external cost drivers, develop cost models and establish “should cost” estimates

To succeed in the Senior Category Specialist, you must have experience in handling copper clad laminate & prepreg materials, preferable from PCB manufacturing or raw materials suppliers.

Key requirements:

• Degree: BSc/MSc in Supply Chain/Strategic Sourcing or Materials/Chemical/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering preferred. Professional certifications (e.g., CPSM, CSCP, CPIM, CSCMP, CPL, CPCM) are an advantage.
• Experience: Minimum 3 years in manufacturing/supply chain; prior exposure to PCB shops or raw-material suppliers (e.g., CCL & Prepreg, chemicals, films) is preferred.
• Supplier & SCM interest: Demonstrated interest in suppliers and supply chain management, with intent to grow commercial/business acumen (TCO, cost drivers, contract basics).
• Stakeholder management: Proven ability to align cross functional team, influence without authority, manage conflicts, and secure decisions.
• Drive to closure: Track record of taking initiatives from problem statement to delivered outcomes with clear owners, timelines, and follow-through.
• Analytical & systems: Good in Excel with strong analytical mindset; familiarity with ERP (Oracle).
• Communication & ways of working: Clear written and verbal communication (concise executive updates), strong project management and organization, able to handle multiple projects in a high-paced environment and meet deadlines.
• Language: English required; Mandarin is advantages for supplier/site engagements.