Senior Commodity Specialist

Cognex Corporation; Johor Bahru; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognex Corporation is seeking a Senior Commodity Specialist to drive global sourcing and category strategies across the electronics supply chain. You will lead supplier negotiations, contract execution, and cross‑functional sourcing initiatives while managing key supplier relationships and supporting continuous improvement in the supply chain.

Key responsibilities include leading global category strategies, negotiating pricing, contract setup with manufacturers, and driving supplier performance

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field or related area with relevance to supply chain management.
• 5–15 years in sourcing, supply chain or related fields, ideally in electronics/semiconductors.
• Experience managing suppliers as a commodity engineer/specialist for at least 3 years.

Responsibilities

• Develop global category strategies with cost, quality, lead time, and supply security objectives.
• Lead supplier negotiations and contract execution with cross‑functional teams.
• Guide supplier selection and establish contracts with manufacturers in Cognex portfolio.
• Drive cross‑functional commodity teams and improve supplier management processes.

Skills

Cost negotiation

Cross-cultural Asia

Analytical

Attention to detail

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelors in tech

Supply chain degree

Tools

SAP

MS Office

Job description

Job Summary:

The Senior Commodity Specialist drives global sourcing and category strategies to improve cost, quality, service, and supply continuity. This role leads supplier negotiations, contract execution, and cross‑functional sourcing initiatives, while managing key supplier relationships and supporting continuous improvement across the global supply chain.

Essential Functions:

• Develop multi‑dimensional global category strategies with defined improvement plans for cost, quality, service, lead time and security of supply. Provide rigorous analysis of spend data, market trends and dynamics, to prioritize and launch sourcing initiatives.
• Negotiate pricing periodically and manage price with key suppliers.
• Collaborate with the legal team to negotiate and execute contracts with suppliers.
• Lead strategic global cross‑functional commodity/category teams and champion the sourcing process.
• Manage the supplier selection process and ensure selections are based on sound criteria. Facilitate the setup of contract manufacturers within the Cognex supplier portfolio.
• Provide input on techniques to enhance the supplier management program processes & tools and participate in these initiatives.
• Conduct periodic business reviews with key suppliers & manage all aspects of the supplier relationship
• Other responsibilities & special projects as assigned.
• Provide leadership to the engineering teams on component supplier technology roadmaps for semiconductor components (e.g. Processors, Imagers, FPGAs, Memory, IC, LEDs, Active/Passive components, PCBs, etc.).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated success in negotiating cost reductions and favorable terms with suppliers.
• Working knowledge of the electronic contract manufacturing industry, electronics accessories market and/or the global supply chain for electronic components.
• Excellent communicator, ability to lead in an environment of in‑direct control, analytical and fact based with an attention to detail.
• Experience performing in a fast‑paced, goal‑oriented, and time‑sensitive environment
• Proficient with managing and understanding cross‑cultural business practices, especially within Asia
• Proficient in MS Office Suite and working knowledge of ERP systems such as SAP.

Minimum education and work experience required:

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field, supply chain management, materials management, business administration, or equivalent experience in a related field.
• 5-15 years of work experience mostly in sourcing, supply chain management or related fields. Sourcing electronic/semiconductor components and/or working as a sales professional with a semiconductor chip manufacturer or distributor in the semiconductor industry is preferred.
• Experience managing suppliers as a commodity engineer/specialist for at least 3 years is strongly desired.