Global Category Strategy Lead - 3rd-Party Controllers

Sandisk; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Sandisk in Milpitas, CA is seeking a Senior Manager, Category Management for 3rd party controllers. You will own global category strategy, shape long-term sourcing decisions, and align with engineering, product, operations, and legal to drive resilient supply and competitive outcomes.

In this high-visibility role, you will lead executive discussions, define supplier criteria, negotiate complex contracts, and mitigate risks while guiding cross-functional teams toward time-to-market and scalable

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or Business.
• 12+ years in global category management or semiconductor supply chain.
• Deep expertise in semiconductor sourcing, controllers/ASICs/SoCs.
• Experience influencing senior stakeholders without direct authority.
• Strong executive communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to lead complex sourcing programs across time horizons.
• Proven track record negotiating with strategic suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the global 3rd party controller category strategy.
• Engage with senior leadership to align on sourcing direction.
• Define supplier criteria and lead cross-functional decisions.
• Collaborate with engineering, product, quality, and legal.
• Monitor market trends and supply risks to inform strategy.
• Lead complex commercial negotiations and long-term contracts.
• Establish risk management and continuity plans.
• Drive supplier performance reviews and governance.
• Influence NPI and product enablement through sourcing.
• Lead strategic initiatives across global stakeholders.

Skills

Executive engagement

Strategic sourcing

Supplier management

Cross-functional leadership

Cost modeling

Risk management

Negotiation

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Supply Chain/Business

MBA preferred

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Sandisk in Milpitas, CA is seeking a Senior Manager, Category Management for 3rd party controllers. You will own global category strategy, shape long-term sourcing decisions, and align with engineering, product, operations, and legal to drive resilient supply and competitive outcomes.

In this high-visibility role, you will lead executive discussions, define supplier criteria, negotiate complex contracts, and mitigate risks while guiding cross-functional teams toward time-to-market and scalable