Category Manager, Electronics

GENTHERM GmbH; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Gentherm Incorporated is seeking a Category Manager, Electronics to lead procurement for semiconductor components. You will collaborate with Category Directors to shape sourcing strategies, balance cost and supply continuity, and drive improvements across the supplier base.

The role involves guiding supplier selection, ensuring PPAP readiness, and coordinating cross-functional teams to deliver on strategic objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years’ experience in Purchasing with electronics/industrial background.
• Experience in electronics procurement processes and supplier management.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement for electronics semiconductor materials and drive PPAP approvals.
• Manage supplier selection, development and second-source qualification.
• Maintain master data and workflows across systems for operational efficiency.
• Develop and execute category strategies to optimize cost, quality and delivery.
• Monitor supplier capacity and lead times to prevent disruptions.

Skills

Procurement

Supplier management

Data integrity

Project leadership

Cost optimization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business/Engineering

Job description

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At Gentherm, we believe the next big breakthrough begins with you. As a global leader in thermal management and pneumatic comfort technologies, we develop advanced systems that deliver meaningful solutions to enhance health, wellness, comfort, and efficiency in everyday life. Our products and innovations are created for you, by you.

Be part of our team where a human-centric mindset drives everything we do—from the technologies we build to the careers we support. With decades of expertise, we have pioneered advanced solutions that have become a standard expectation for consumers around the world.

The same thoughtful approach we take in developing our technologies guides how we support your career: purposeful, impactful, and tailored to you. Because when you thrive, innovation thrives.

Category Manager, Electronics

Impact and Opportunity

Partner with Category Directors to drive purchasing activities and support strategic sourcing initiatives across a diverse portfolio of semiconductor components. Develop and execute category strategies that balance cost, quality, supply continuity, and innovation while supporting broader business objectives. This role offers the opportunity to influence supplier strategy, strengthen the supply base, and deliver measurable value across a critical component portfolio.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the procurement process for various electronics semiconductor materials, ensuring early involvement of Supplier Quality Development (SQD) in new supplier and/or material evaluations, and driving timely PPAP approvals;
• Manage supplier selection and development, including identifying and qualifying second sources for components from an approved supplier list to ensure supply chain resilience;
• Supervise the correct, complete, and timely maintenance of master data and workflows in all relevant systems to ensure operational efficiency and data integrity;
• Coordinate the ordering of program-related needs if required, such as samples and toolings, in alignment with project timelines and requirements;
• Develop and execute category strategies to optimize cost, quality, and delivery performance;
• Routinely review supplier product roadmap updates and ensure cross functional teams are designing and implementing the latest supplier technology into core architecture designs
• Confirm material availability and lead times for components, proactively addressing potential disruptions to ensure uninterrupted supply;
• Monitor and manage supplier capacities to prevent supply bottlenecks and support production schedules;
• Drive cost reduction initiatives and drive VAVE idea generation in collaboration with Business Unit stakeholders to achieve pre-SOP saving targets and improve overall profitability;
• Oversee product Change Requests and End of Life ramp-down activities at the component level, ensuring smooth transitions and minimal operational impact;
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and development opportunities to the semiconductor procurement team, fostering a high-performance culture.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in Business, Engineering, or a related field, with a combination of technical and business/economic expertise preferred (e.g., Industrial Engineering).
• 10+ years’ experience in Purchasing with industrial and electronics industry background, preferably with automotive experience;
• Demonstrated expertise in electronics procurement processes, supplier management, and supply chain optimization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and assertiveness skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and drive favorable outcomes;
• Proven project management experience, with the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and deliver results on time and within budget;
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to translate technical requirements into economical considerations and strategic decisions;
• Very strong English skills in speech and writing, able to negotiate in English
• Experience working in a multinational environment and collaborating with global teams.
• Ability to present confidently and effectively to senior leadership teams.

NICE TO KNOW

Travel: Domestic and international travel may be required

Leadership Responsibilities: Lead team member in matrix environment.

Deliver Results

• Understand the mission and output of your team; set SMART objectives and deliver.

Drive Change

• Focus on agility and commitment to continuous improvement; Understand and act on internal and external drivers of change

Build Capability

• Foster a culture of learning and development; Support individual growth through continuous feedback to achieve personal and professional goals
• Openly embrace, create, implement and support new and innovative ideas, processes and technology that deliver business results.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT (US):

All positions in our office require interaction with people and technology while either standing or sitting. In order to best serve our customers, internal and external, all associates must be able to communicate face-to-face and on the phone with or without reasonable accommodation. Gentherm is committed to compliance with its obligations under all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. In keeping with this commitment, it attempts to reasonably accommodate applicants and employees in accordance with the requirements of the disability discrimination laws. It also invites individuals with disabilities to participate in a good faith, interactive process to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made without imposing an undue hardship.

Gentherm is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building an inclusive culture through Our Network of Engagement (ONE) where we value our differences and work together to positively impact the lives of our employees, customers, and communities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.

Company: Gentherm Incorporated

Country/Region: US

Published: Sep 21, 2026

Nearest Major Market: Detroit
Job Segment: Supply Chain Manager, Electronics Engineer, Category Manager, Merchandising, Operations, Engineering, Retail, Marketing