Corporate Indirect Category Specialist

II-VI UK, Ltd.; Ipoh; Hybrid; MYR 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm based in Malaysia is seeking a Category Manager to develop and implement sourcing strategies. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in Category Management and strategic sourcing processes. Responsibilities include supplier management and leading cross-functional teams. Excellent negotiation and communication skills are essential. This is a hybrid position with travel opportunities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in Category Management for Indirect categories.
• Excellent negotiating and communication skills.
• Familiar with Strategic Sourcing processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deploy sourcing strategies with Global Category Managers.
• Analyze spend portfolio for assigned areas.
• Lead cross-functional teams to achieve objectives.

Skills

Category Management experience

Strategic Sourcing processes

Supplier relationship management

Negotiation skills

Data analysis

Project management

Effective communication in English

Education

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management or engineering

C.P.M. or CPSM certification

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

• Category Management experience in the categories defined above. Work with Global Category Managers to develop and deploy sourcing strategies to drive the best value globally. Align and execute with all stakeholders and business leaders involved
• Experienced in Strategic Sourcing processes which include internal & external analysis, sourcing strategies and execution, contract execution, contract management and supplier management
• Ability to maintain current market information for categories of responsibility to ensure that Coherent’s prices remain competitive within the confines of existing and new contracts
• Analyze spend portfolio and determine overall procurement approach for assigned areas based on magnitude of dollars, strategic importance and opportunity for value delivery
• Experienced in supplier development, supplier relationship management, and supplier negotiations
• Identify capable suppliers to provide indirect goods and services to factories while optimizing the supply base
• Demonstrated ability to promote communication across the company to identify and drive toward standardization of common policies and best practices to achieve efficiencies and cost reduction
• Work with Global Category Managers to develop implementation plans for key categories to be rolled out within Coherent Corp. segments (divisions, plant locations). Drive and monitor contract compliance
• Develop, monitor, and report performance metrics to key stakeholders
• Interact with project/stakeholders on a multi-country/location/division basis to ensure needs and supply strategies are being executed as desired
• Encourage and Implement supplier continuous improvement and cost savings
• Lead cross functional teams to achieve corporate objectives
• Work with suppliers to institute VMI and Consignment programs as appropriate
• Willingness to travel and join international conference calls potentially at night to accommodate international divisions and suppliers

Education & Experience

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in supply chain management or engineering, preferred Master’s degree
• Possesses certifications such as C.P.M. or CPSM (preferred)
• Min 5 years of Category Management- Indirect categories
• Excellent negotiating and communication skills
• Familiar with Strategic Sourcing processes
• Experience in building and executing category strategies and quantitative analysis skills
• Ability to network and sustain good working relationships
• Ability to influence and drive results

Skills

• Maintains ethical and professional standards
• Demonstrates leadership skills in international and multicultural contexts
• Communicates effectively in English, both written and verbal
• Communicates with internal customers, peers, and external suppliers at all levels
• Applies data analysis and project management skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite products
• Has experience in supplier development, quality systems, processes, and supplier management
• Has conducted supplier audits and qualifications
• Works independently with strong time management skills
• Manages multiple tasks and adapts to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment

Working Conditions

• This role is hybrid position
• Travel up to 30% domestically and internationally
• Open to travel and participate in international conference calls outside regular hours to coordinate with global teams and suppliers

Culture Commitment

Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

About Us

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It’s an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!

Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.

About the Team

Coherent Malaysia (formerly known as II-VI Incorporated) began operations in 2001 through the incorporation of Finisar Malaysia with 300 headcounts, now employs over 3000 employees. Ipoh’s assembly and test site for optical components, transceivers, and wavelength management equipment, remains committed to the expansion of Coherent Corporation, accelerated by the growth of next generation products to meet the increasing demands for network bandwidth and data storage.

Job Info

• Job Identification 2008677
• Posting Date 09/20/2025, 03:28 AM
• Degree Level Bachelor's Degree
• Job Schedule Full time