Category Manager Level 5

Aston Carter; Princeton (NJ); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental

Vision

Health

401K

PTO

Job summary

Aston Carter in Princeton, NJ is seeking a Category Manager Level 5 to own a defined category end-to-end, lead sourcing strategy and supplier negotiations, and partner with engineering and operations to deliver value. You will drive cost improvements while managing risks and supplier performance in a fast-growing AI-driven environment.

The role emphasizes build-to-print sourcing in semiconductor and capital equipment categories, with a clear path toward broader strategic leadership as the

Qualifications

• 3+ years owning a category or sub-category end-to-end with direct responsibility.
• 10+ years in sourcing/procurement roles with supplier oversight.
• Experience negotiating pricing, terms, and supplier agreements.

Responsibilities

• Own and execute the defined category sourcing strategy end-to-end.
• Manage full supplier lifecycle, onboarding and performance.
• Lead negotiations to meet cost and value targets.
• Drive cost savings and optimization across the category.
• Partner with engineering/operations to align sourcing with requirements.
• Monitor supplier performance via scorecards/KPIs.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks like capacity constraints.
• Analyze data/cost drivers to inform strategy.
• Execute sourcing initiatives from start to finish.
• Apply build-to-print sourcing in semiconductor and capital equipment.

Skills

Category ownership

End-to-end sourcing

Sourcing experience

Supplier management

Build-to-print sourcing

Semiconductor sourcing

Capital equipment sourcing

Negotiation skills

Data analysis

Risk management

KPIs/scorecards

Job description

Job Title: Category Manager Level 5Job Description

This hands-on Category Manager Level 5 role focuses on owning a specific category or sub-category end to end within a fast-growing, AI-driven environment. You will lead sourcing strategy, manage suppliers, drive negotiations, and deliver cost and performance improvements while partnering closely with engineering and operations teams. This position offers significant ownership today and a clear path to grow into a more strategic role over time.

Responsibilities

• Own and execute the sourcing strategy for a defined category or sub-category from end to end.

• Manage the full supplier lifecycle, including selection, onboarding, and ongoing performance management.

• Lead negotiations for pricing, commercial terms, and supplier agreements to achieve cost and value targets.

• Drive cost savings and cost optimization initiatives across the assigned category.

• Partner with engineering and operations teams to align sourcing decisions with technical and operational requirements.

• Monitor and manage supplier performance using scorecards, KPIs, and other performance metrics.

• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks such as capacity constraints and single-source dependencies.

• Analyze data, cost drivers, and market trends to support sourcing strategy and informed decision-making.

• Execute sourcing initiatives from start to finish, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with business objectives.

• Apply build-to-print sourcing expertise, particularly within semiconductor and capital equipment categories.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 3+ years of experience owning a category or sub-category, with direct end-to-end responsibility.

• At least 10+ years of experience in sourcing and procurement roles.

• Hands‑on supplier management experience, including performance oversight and relationship management.

• Proven build‑to‑print experience, with the ability to source and manage components based on detailed engineering specifications.

• Experience working with semiconductor‑related categories and capital equipment sourcing.

• Strong negotiation skills for pricing, terms, and supplier agreements.

• Ability to analyze data and cost drivers to guide sourcing strategy and decisions.

• Demonstrated capability to identify and mitigate supply chain risks, including capacity and single‑source issues.

• Experience using scorecards and KPIs to monitor and improve supplier performance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Track record of driving cost savings and cost optimization initiatives in complex categories.

• Experience partnering closely with engineering and operations teams to support technical and operational sourcing needs.

• Comfort working in a high‑growth environment with rapidly expanding demand tied to AI and advanced technologies.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills for cross‑functional work and supplier interactions.

• Strategic mindset with the desire and potential to grow into a more broadly strategic category leadership role over time.

Work Environment

This is a hybrid role that combines on‑site collaboration with remote work flexibility. You will operate in a fast‑paced, high‑growth environment with significant activity driven by AI‑related demand and capital equipment investments. The organization is expanding rapidly, with hundreds of open roles and substantial order volume, creating strong opportunities for professional growth and increased responsibility. The work involves close interaction with engineering and operations teams, as well as frequent engagement with suppliers in semiconductor and capital equipment categories.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Princeton, NJ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $150000.00 - $170000.00/yr.

• Dental Vision Health 401K PTO

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Princeton, NJ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 16, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Princeton,NJ.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.