Group Category Manager Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS)

Westermo Network Technologies AB; Västerås kommun; On-site; SEK 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Westermo Network Technologies AB in Västerås, Sweden, seeks a Group Category Manager Manufacturing Services to own EMS and conformal coating supplier strategy globally. You will lead supplier development, negotiations and framework agreements across regions.

The role blends electronics manufacturing expertise with strategic procurement, working with Operations, Quality, R&D and local procurement to shape supplier relationships and ensure resilience and long-term value.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or Business Administration or similar.
• Extensive experience in category management and strategic procurement.
• Solid background in electronics manufacturing and EMS environments.
• Strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
• Fluent in English; Swedish language skills are an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Own and develop the global category strategy for EMS and conformal coating suppliers.
• Lead strategic sourcing, RFQs, supplier selections and consolidations.
• Negotiate framework agreements and commercial terms.
• Build long-term strategic relationships with manufacturing partners.
• Drive supplier performance, cost competitiveness and continuous improvement.
• Support manufacturing transfer, capacity expansion and business continuity planning.

Skills

Strategic procurement

Supplier relationship management

Electronics manufacturing

Category management

Negotiations

Cross-functional collaboration

English fluent

Education

Degree in Engineering / Supply Chain / Business Administration

Job description

Do you have the commercial mindset to help shape Westermo’s global manufacturing partner network and the electronics manufacturing expertise to make a lasting impact?

At Westermo, our supply chain is a key enabler of growth, quality and long-term success. We are now looking for a Group Category Manager Manufacturing Services to take global ownership of one of our most strategic supplier categories: Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) and Conformal Coating Services.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to combine deep knowledge of electronics manufacturing with strategic supplier management in a collaborative global environment where your ideas and contributions truly matter. At Westermo, we combine the reach and professionalism of an international company with the agility, short decision-making paths and close-knit culture of a smaller organisation. In this role, you will have the opportunity to influence how we work with our manufacturing partners and contribute to shaping our future capabilities together with colleagues across the business.

Are you our next Group Category Manager Manufacturing Services?

You will work closely with stakeholders across Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, R&D and local procurement teams throughout the Westermo Group. Together, you will shape the future supplier landscape and ensure that our manufacturing partners support both our current business needs and long-term ambitions.

In this role, you will own and drive Westermo's global category strategy for EMS and conformal coating suppliers. You will serve as a trusted partner to both internal stakeholders and external suppliers, leading supplier development, sourcing decisions and commercial negotiations on a global level.

The role offers significant influence and visibility across the organisation. You will collaborate with colleagues from different functions and regions, contribute to important strategic decisions and help shape supplier relationships that support growth, resilience and long-term competitiveness.

You will work in a global environment and travel occasionally, primarily within Europe, a few times per year.

Responsibilities

• Own and develop the global category strategy for EMS and conformal coating suppliers across the Westermo Group
• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives, RFQs, supplier selections and supplier consolidation projects
• Negotiate and manage global framework agreements and commercial terms
• Build and develop long-term strategic relationships with key manufacturing partners
• Drive supplier performance, cost competitiveness and continuous improvement initiatives
• Support manufacturing transfer projects, capacity expansion activities and business continuity planning
• Monitor developments and risks within the electronics manufacturing industry
• Ensure alignment of supplier strategies, agreements and governance models across sites and business units

Who Are We Looking For?

We are looking for a commercially minded and strategic professional who combines strong supplier management capabilities with a solid understanding of electronics manufacturing.

You enjoy working collaboratively across functions, cultures and geographical locations and understand the value of building strong relationships to achieve common goals. You are comfortable taking ownership while also bringing people together around new ideas and initiatives. You have the ability to influence, engage stakeholders and create momentum that turns strategy into action.

Whether your experience comes from working directly for an EMS provider or from managing EMS suppliers within an industrial company, you understand the realities of electronics manufacturing and can confidently engage with both internal stakeholders and external partners.

Most importantly, you are motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution, strengthen partnerships and create sustainable long-term business value together with others.

Requirements

• Degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration or similar.
• Vast experience in Category Management, Strategic Procurement, Supply Chain Management or Supplier Development, preferably from a position such as Group Category Manager, Global Category Manager, Category Manager or a similar strategic sourcing role.
• Solid experience from the electronics industry, including working with EMS suppliers or experience gained directly within an Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) organisation.
• A strong understanding of electronics manufacturing processes, supply chains and supplier economics, combined with experience of strategic sourcing and commercial negotiations.
• Experience managing supplier relationships, contracts, framework agreements and supplier performance on a strategic level.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and collaborate effectively across cultures and geographical locations.
• Fluent in English, at least basic level of Swedish

Meritorious

• Experience from an international manufacturing environment.
• Business German

In Return, We Offer

At Westermo, you will join a growing global technology company where people genuinely make a difference. We have established processes, clear ways of working and a strong international presence, while still maintaining short decision-making paths and a culture built on trust, collaboration and knowledge sharing.

This is a role with genuine influence. You will own a strategically important category, work closely with colleagues and decision-makers across the organisation and have the opportunity to shape both supplier strategy and future ways of working.

For the right person, this is an opportunity to grow professionally, expand your international network and make a lasting impact in a supportive environment where your contributions are valued and visible.

Basic Information

• Location: Kopparlunden, Västerås, Sweden
• Job Type: Full-time
• Employment Contract: Permanent employment