Global Category Manager - Electronics (Strategic Sourcing)

Michael Page International (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd; Penang; Hybrid; MYR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Page International (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd seeks a Global Category Manager for Electronics to define and execute the global sourcing strategy for electronics components and assemblies across our product portfolio.

The role emphasizes supplier readiness, localization, and manufacturing ramp-up as Penang expands. Lead RFQ/RFI/RFP activities and drive cost reduction with cross-functional teams worldwide.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
• 5+ years in Category Management, Sourcing, or Procurement focused on electronics.
• Experience managing electronics categories such as PCBA, displays, sensors, motors or power supplies.
• Strong understanding of electronics manufacturing costs and supplier capabilities.
• Experience with supplier negotiation, strategy development, and cost optimization.
• Should-cost modelling and TCO knowledge.
• Ability to read technical drawings and engineering specs.
• Fluent English and Mandarin for global engagement.
• Experience collaborating with Engineering, R&D, Quality, Manufacturing, and Procurement.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global category strategies for electronics components and assemblies.
• Lead RFQ, RFI, and RFP activities with Engineering and Quality teams.
• Qualify, develop, and manage strategic suppliers globally.
• Negotiate pricing, tooling investments, and long-term agreements.
• Build should-cost models and perform cost breakdown analyses.
• Drive annual cost reduction, localization, and productivity initiatives.
• Support supplier development and manufacturing readiness.
• Monitor supplier performance across quality, delivery, cost, and sustainability.
• Partner with R&D and Engineering on design-to-cost and DFM.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

English & Mandarin

Interpreting engineering drawings

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electronics Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering, or related technical discipline

Job description

Global Category Manager - Electronics (Strategic Sourcing)

This position is responsible for defining and executing the global sourcing strategy for critical electronics components and assemblies used across company product portfolio. A key highlight of this role is the opportunity to support supplier readiness, localization initiatives, manufacturing ramp-up activities, and sourcing strategies associated with growing Penang manufacturing operations (Plant).

A globally recognized life science and laboratory technology organization headquartered in Germany, supporting customers across pharmaceutical, biotechnology, diagnostics, healthcare, research, and industrial sectors worldwide. As part of its continued global growth strategy, the organization is expanding its manufacturing footprint in Malaysia through a new production facility in Penang.

Description

• Develop and execute global category strategies for electronics components and assemblies
• Manage sourcing activities covering PCBA, motors, displays, sensors, power supplies, cable & harness assemblies, fans, vacuum pumps, and box-build products
• Lead RFQ, RFI, and RFP activities in partnership with Engineering and Quality teams
• Evaluate, qualify, develop, and manage strategic suppliers globally
• Negotiate pricing, tooling investments, long-term agreements, lead times, and commercial terms
• Build should-cost models and conduct detailed cost breakdown analysis
• Drive annual cost reduction, value engineering, localization, and productivity initiatives
• Support supplier development, manufacturing readiness, and supplier capability improvement programs
• Monitor supplier performance across quality, delivery, cost, flexibility, and sustainability metrics
• Partner with R&D and Engineering teams on design-to-cost and design-for-manufacturing initiatives

Profile

A successful 'Category Manager Electronics' should have:

• Bachelor's Degree in Electronics Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline
• Minimum 5 years+ of experience in Category Management, Strategic Sourcing, Commodity Management, Procurement, or Supply Chain with a strong focus on electronics commodities
• Experience managing electronics categories such as PCBA, displays, sensors, motors, cable assemblies, power supplies, or electronic assemblies
• Strong understanding of electronics manufacturing processes, cost drivers, and supplier capabilities
• Demonstrated experience in supplier negotiation, category strategy development, supplier performance management, and cost optimization initiatives
• Experience with should-cost modelling, cost breakdown analysis, and total cost of ownership (TCO) methodologies
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and engineering specifications
• Strong stakeholder management, communication, and negotiation skills
• Fluent English & Mandarin communication skills with confidence engaging global stakeholders and suppliers
• Experience supporting cross-functional environments involving Engineering, R&D, Quality, Manufacturing, and Procurement teams

Job Offer

• Competitive salary package aligned with global category leadership responsibilities
• 13th Month Fixed Bonus
• Outpatient Medical Coverage
• Fully Claimable Transport Allowance
• Hybrid Working Arrangement
• Exposure to global stakeholders across Europe, Asia, and North America
• Opportunity to shape supplier localization and manufacturing readiness strategies
• High-visibility role within a global procurement organization