Electronics Category Manager, APAC

Smiths Detection (Australia) Pty Ltd; Penang; Hybrid; MYR 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Smiths Detection (Australia) Pty Ltd is seeking an experienced sourcing professional to lead regional APAC strategies for electronic components and direct materials. The role requires hands-on execution, supplier onboarding, and close collaboration with Engineering, Operations, and Manufacturing to improve TCO, lead times, and supply continuity.

You will manage category strategies across semiconductors, PCB/PCBA, connectors, and related electronics, while engaging stakeholders across a matrixed

Qualifications

• Proven experience in direct sourcing, procurement, category management, or strategic sourcing within electronics/tech industries.
• Experience managing regional APAC suppliers and sourcing activities.
• Strong understanding of electronics supply chains and supplier landscapes.

Responsibilities

• Develop regional sourcing and category strategies for electronic components and direct materials across APAC.
• Lead sourcing across semiconductors, PCB/PCBA, connectors, passive components, EMS, and related electronics commodities.
• Identify, evaluate, qualify, and onboard suppliers to support growth and resilience.
• Build and execute SRM strategies with key suppliers and manufacturing partners.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Planning to align strategies.
• Drive supplier selection and awards based on TCO, quality, delivery, risk, and working capital.
• Lead negotiations on pricing, contracts, capacity, and performance improvements.
• Deliver lead-time reduction and speed-to-market through proactive supplier engagement.

Skills

Direct sourcing

Procurement

Category management

Strategic sourcing

APAC regional sourcing

Supplier relationship mgmt

Job description

This role will be based remotely in Penang and surrounding areas. As part of the team collaboration model, the successful candidate will be required to work from the Johor office for five (5) days per month to facilitate stakeholder engagement, team collaboration, and business alignment. Additional travel may be required based on business needs.

An exciting opportunity for an experienced sourcing professional with deep expertise in electronic components, semiconductors, EMS (Electronics Manufacturing Services), PCBAs, PCBs, connectors, and related direct materials categories. This role offers the chance to drive category excellence, strengthen strategic supplier partnerships, and deliver improvements in Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), lead times, supply continuity, and speed to market.

A highly visible role that combines strategic sourcing leadership with hands-on execution, working closely with global leadership, manufacturing facilities, and regional stakeholders in a matrixed environment.

Key responsibilities

Develop and execute regional sourcing and category strategies for electronic components and direct materials across APAC.

Lead sourcing activities across categories including semiconductors, PCB/PCBA, connectors, passive components, electromechanical parts, EMS, and related electronics commodities.

Identify, evaluate, qualify, and onboard suppliers to support business growth and supply chain resilience.

Build and execute supplier relationship management (SRM) strategies across key suppliers and manufacturing partners.

Partner closely with Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Planning teams to align sourcing strategies with business objectives.

Drive supplier selection and award decisions based on Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), quality, delivery performance, risk, and working capital considerations.

Lead negotiations covering pricing, commercial agreements, capacity commitments, and supplier performance improvements.

Deliver lead-time reduction initiatives and improve speed-to-market through proactive supplier engagement and cross-functional collaboration.

Execute low-cost country sourcing strategies to improve competitiveness and support regional manufacturing requirements.

Lead supplier segmentation, panel management, and performance reviews.

About you

Proven experience in direct sourcing, procurement, category management, or strategic sourcing within the electronics industry.

Strong sourcing experience across one or more of the following categories: electronic components, semiconductors, EMS (Electronics Manufacturing Services), PCB/PCBA, connectors, electromechanical components, passive components.

Demonstrated success managing regional APAC suppliers and sourcing activities.

Strong understanding of electronics supply chains, supplier landscapes, and manufacturing environments.

Experience negotiating commercial agreements and delivering measurable cost, quality, and delivery improvements.

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.

Ability to influence and drive outcomes across a matrixed organisation.

High level of ownership with the ability to operate both strategically and tactically.

Strong communication skills and cultural awareness when working across APAC markets.

Experience supporting supplier development, supplier performance management, and supply chain risk mitigation initiatives.

About us

Smiths Detection is a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security. Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites and five R&D centres, with a global network of 3,000 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.

Join us and we'll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally. You'll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. You'll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial and lifestyle perspective.

Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group, is a global leader in threat detection and screening technologies for aviation, ports & borders, defense, and urban security. Our expertise is spread across 5 R&D centers, 21 Global Offices and 7 Manufacturing Sites with 3000 Brilliant Minds globally contributing for over 40 years at the frontline which enables us to deliver the solutions needed to protect our society from any threat and illegal passage of explosives, prohibited weapons, contraband, toxic chemicals, and narcotics. Every minute of every day, our technology and talented team members help to make the world a safer place.

Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group, is a global leader in threat detection and screening technologies for aviation, ports & borders, defense, and urban security. Our expertise is spread across 5 R&D centers, 21 Global Offices and 7 Manufacturing Sites with 3000 Brilliant Minds globally contributing for over 40 years at the frontline which enables us to deliver the solutions needed to protect our society from any threat and illegal passage of explosives, prohibited weapons, contraband, toxic chemicals, and narcotics. Every minute of every day, our technology and talented team members help to make the world a safer place.