Global Category Lead - 3rd-Party Controllers

Sandisk; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Sandisk in Milpitas, CA seeks a Senior Manager, Category Management - 3rd Party Controller (U.S. Based) to own the global category strategy for 3rd party controllers.

You will shape long-term sourcing direction, supplier selection, and risk-mitigated supply aligned to roadmaps and business goals. The role interfaces with engineering, business units, operations, finance, quality and legal to influence critical decisions on controller roadmap, supplier portfolio, and sourcing models.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA preferred.
• 12+ years in global category management or semiconductor sourcing.
• Deep expertise in semiconductor sourcing, especially controllers/ASICs/SoCs.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders without direct authority.
• Strong executive communication and presentation skills.
• Excellent analytical capability in cost modeling and risk assessment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the global 3rd party controller category strategy, including long-range sourcing vision and supplier portfolio design.
• Lead strategic discussions with senior leadership to align on controller sourcing direction and investments.
• Define supplier selection criteria and lead cross-functional decisions based on technology, roadmap, capacity and cost.
• Partner with engineering, product, quality, operations, finance and legal to align on strategy and governance.
• Monitor technology trends, supplier roadmaps, and geopolitical risks to inform decisions.
• Lead complex commercial negotiations and long-term agreements to optimize value and supply assurance.

Skills

Executive communication

Analytical skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Supply Chain/Business

MBA preferred

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Sandisk in Milpitas, CA seeks a Senior Manager, Category Management - 3rd Party Controller (U.S. Based) to own the global category strategy for 3rd party controllers.

You will shape long-term sourcing direction, supplier selection, and risk-mitigated supply aligned to roadmaps and business goals. The role interfaces with engineering, business units, operations, finance, quality and legal to influence critical decisions on controller roadmap, supplier portfolio, and sourcing models.