Director, Category Management - Mechanics

ASM; Singapore; On-site; SGD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading tech company in Singapore is seeking a Director of Category Management in Mechanics to drive sourcing innovation and manage a global supplier network. The ideal candidate should have at least 15 years of experience in strategic sourcing in complex manufacturing environments, strong leadership abilities, and deep technical knowledge in mechanical systems. This role is pivotal for establishing long-term sourcing strategies and enhancing supplier relationships for on-time delivery. Competitive compensation packages are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Career development opportunities

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years of experience in strategic sourcing or procurement in complex manufacturing.
• Proven track record in managing global supply chains for mechanical systems.
• Strong commercial acumen and supplier management experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global sourcing strategy for the Mechanics category.
• Drive supplier-led innovation and joint development roadmaps.
• Build and lead a high-performing global sourcing team.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation skills

Leadership

Technical expertise in mechanics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, engineering, or related field

Tools

SAP S/4HANA

Power BI

Job description

Step into a career with ASM, where cutting‑edge technology meets a collaborative culture. For over 55 years ASM has pioneered innovation in areas such as 5G, cloud computing, AI and autonomous driving. With more than 4,500 ASMers representing 70 nationalities, we make critical semiconductor devices while valuing diversity, inclusion and sustainability to have a positive impact on the world.

Director, Category Management – Mechanics

Position Summary

The Director, Category Management – Mechanics is a strategic leader accountable for owning and executing a comprehensive, forward‑looking sourcing and supplier strategy to build a resilient global supplier network and drive innovation and value creation across the Mechanics category. The leader will shape ASM’s long‑term sourcing roadmap, create leverage, negotiate contracts and ensure cost, quality, and supplier excellence. As part of ASM’s Global Sourcing leadership team, the Category leader will collaborate closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality and Business Units to translate business needs into strategic sourcing solutions enabling ASM to scale globally with resilience, agility, and technological leadership. ASM products use machining, sheet‑metal and plastic fabrication parts built‑to‑print per ASM design. These categories encompass close to 20% of ASM’s total direct spend and cover parts critical to delivering the technology to customers. The category leader will engage supply partners who can meet ASM’s next‑gen precision manufacturing requirements while understanding raw materials, outright process requirements and continually seeking opportunities to improve the supply base.

What You Will Be Working On

Architect a Future‑Ready Supply Base

• Develop and execute a 35‑year global category sourcing strategy, ensuring our supplier capabilities are 2‑3 years ahead of product introduction
• Achieve year‑over‑year total cost of ownership (TCO) reduction through deep technical value engineering, not just negotiation
• Establish a Zero‑Defect quality culture with key suppliers, driving toward Six Sigma levels and achieving a >95% OTD for complex, long‑lead items
• Continuously evaluate new suppliers that can vertically integrate and scale with ASM; uplevel the commercial relationships with key partners through Supplier Relationship Management programs that deliver long‑term value for ASM

Technical Leadership & Supplier Innovation

• Act as the primary technical authority for your category, leveraging deep expertise to evaluate emerging technologies and supplier capabilities
• Drive supplier‑led innovation, establishing joint development roadmaps that result in the adoption of at least two new technologies or processes per year
• Champion early supplier involvement in New Product Introduction (NPI), thereby significantly reducing time‑to‑market
• Engage engineering and suppliers on technical level discussions on design and opportunities to improve yield, quality and costs

Team Leadership & Development

• Build, coach and develop a high‑performing, global sourcing team
• Foster a culture of excellence and data‑driven decision‑making, leveraging tools like SAP S/4HANA, Power BI and other analytics tools
• Achieve a high team retention rate through active mentorship and development planning
• Influence and manage internal stakeholders such as manufacturing, quality, purchasing, planning, business units and finance to support cross‑functional initiatives related to continuity of supply, cost management, quality enhancement, lead time reduction and capacity management

Operational Excellence & Execution

• Own end‑to‑end supplier relationship management, implementing standardized scorecards and metrics, holding quarterly business reviews (QBRs) and driving continuous improvement
• Lead cross‑functional efficiency programs and improvements to reduce overhead, lead times, liabilities and costs
• Ensure supply chain resilience by developing and maintaining robust business continuity plans, including second sourcing, raw materials management and other relevant risks to cover short‑term and long‑range planning

What We Are Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, engineering, materials science or an equivalent degree
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive strategic sourcing, procurement or engineering experience in a high‑mix, low‑volume / high‑complexity manufacturing environment (e.g., semiconductor, aerospace, medical devices)
• Proven track record in managing complex global supply chains and categories such as mechanical systems, advanced materials, contract manufacturing or electrical categories
• Strong commercial acumen, negotiation skills and experience managing suppliers globally
• Demonstrated leadership in driving sourcing transformation and building high‑performing teams
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, technology‑driven industry with demanding supply chain challenges
• Experience using SAP/S4 Hana preferred
• Deep technical acumen in the Mechanics category: expertise in managing a global network of suppliers for complex machine components, sheet metal, frames, plastics and special processes; understanding of precision manufacturing, tolerances, design standards, raw materials properties, surface cleaning and treatment, and material science for ultra‑high vacuum and plasma environments

What Sets You Apart

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to clearly articulate strategies and action plans and deliver dynamic presentations to influence stakeholders at all levels
• Strategic visionary who anticipates technological shifts and builds supply chains to capitalize on them
• Influential leader who builds trust and exerts influence at the highest levels, both internally and with supplier executive teams
• Relentless problem‑solver who thrives on solving problems that have no existing solution
• Business acumen to translate technical challenges into financial and strategic implications for ASM
• Proactive, entrepreneurial mindset with a continuous‑improvement orientation
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, technology‑driven industry with demanding supply chain challenges

Apply Today To Be Part Of What’s Next

We make the tech that enables the chips in devices that improve lives around the world. We do this with an eye to the future, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible through cutting‑edge innovation, and driving the next wave of technological breakthroughs that shape how we live, work and connect. To learn more about ASM, visit asm.com and find us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

ASM is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, nationality, social or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.