Global Category Manager - Localization & Supply Strategy

Ultra Clean Technology; Penang; On-site; MYR 300,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

Ultra Clean Technology seeks a seasoned Category Manager in Malaysia to lead category strategies, localize components for the Israel‑to‑Malaysia transfer, and drive cross‑functional sourcing teams. You will manage supplier evaluations, negotiate contracts, and ensure quality and regulatory alignment for machined parts and assemblies.

With 10+ years in procurement and strong analytics skills (Excel, Power BI), you will partner with Operations, Engineering, and Quality to secure cost-effective,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Logistics, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in procurement, category management, strategic sourcing, supplier localization, or direct materials management.
• Proven experience managing technical commodities (machined parts, metal fabrication, assemblies, valves, etc.) and supporting multi‑stage supplier qualification.
• Strong proficiency in advanced Excel (pivot tables, XLOOKUP, data modeling) and analytics tools such as Power BI or Tableau.
• Hands‑on experience with ERP systems, preferably SAP MM (material master, sourcing, PIR, Source List, RFQ/PO processes); exposure to Oracle or NetSuite is a plus.
• Demonstrated capability in spend analysis, cost modeling, supplier evaluation, and competitive sourcing strategies.
• Solid understanding of contracting, negotiation methodologies, supplier performance management, and risk mitigation.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills with a data‑driven mindset.
• Excellent communication skills and proven ability to influence and collaborate across Engineering, Quality, Operations, and cross‑site teams.
• Preferably experienced in localization programs, supplier transfer, NPI sourcing, or managing multi‑country supply chains.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies to optimize cost, quality, delivery, and supplier performance.
• Lead full-cycle sourcing activities including market analysis, supplier evaluation, RFP/RFQ management, negotiation, and contract execution.
• Conduct spend analysis to identify savings opportunities, supplier consolidation options, and demand optimization levers.
• Partner with Operations, Finance, Engineering, Quality, and Logistics to ensure category strategies support business needs.
• Monitor industry trends, cost drivers, supply chain risks, and emerging technologies.
• Lead end‑to‑end localization strategy for components in support of the Israel‑to‑Malaysia production transfer.
• Drive supplier scouting, technical capability assessment, sample qualification, and FA/FFF validation cycles for localized parts.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Operations to manage multi‑stage supplier qualifications, resolve deviations, and close rejections.
• Develop and maintain local supply base capability roadmaps, ensuring continuity, capacity, cost competitiveness, and risk diversification.
• Establish and govern local sourcing timelines, ensuring alignment with build schedules, phase‑in/phase‑out plans, and transfer milestones.
• Manage cost modeling, negotiation, and award decisions for localized suppliers across machined parts, assemblies, tubing, fittings, valves, and other direct commodities.
• Partner with site teams to ensure localized parts meet technical, quality, and regulatory requirements for Malaysia operations.
• Own cross‑site communication between FSI (Israel), FSM (Malaysia), and corporate GSCM to ensure clarity on specifications, drawings, revision changes, FA results, and sample feedback loops.
• Monitor and mitigate risks related to sample delays, qualification bottlenecks, limited supplier engagement, and forecast inaccuracies.
• Provide leadership updates on localization progress (priority list, overall completion %, supplier readiness) and escalate risks requiring executive intervention.

Skills

Procurement

Category management

Strategic sourcing

Supplier localization

NPI sourcing

Cost modeling

Excel / data modeling

Power BI / Tableau

ERP systems (SAP MM)

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Logistics, Business

Tools

SAP MM

Oracle / NetSuite

Job description

Ultra Clean Technology seeks a seasoned Category Manager in Malaysia to lead category strategies, localize components for the Israel‑to‑Malaysia transfer, and drive cross‑functional sourcing teams. You will manage supplier evaluations, negotiate contracts, and ensure quality and regulatory alignment for machined parts and assemblies.

With 10+ years in procurement and strong analytics skills (Excel, Power BI), you will partner with Operations, Engineering, and Quality to secure cost-effective,