Lead II, Category Management

ASM; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

ASM is looking for a Lead II in Category Management based in Phoenix, Arizona, to develop and manage resilient supplier ecosystems within the Machining category. This pivotal role drives innovation and cost competitiveness, influences global sourcing strategies, and fosters long-term supplier partnerships.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Engineering or Supply Chain Management, alongside a minimum of 10 years’ experience in procurement or category management in semiconductor-related environments.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in Procurement or Category Management.
• Experience in semiconductor or high technology manufacturing environments preferred.
• Strong familiarity with machining processes and blueprint interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage supplier strategies for the Machining category.
• Shape negotiation strategies and manage supplier lifecycle.
• Establish supplier performance improvement roadmaps.

Skills

Procurement experience

Supplier partnerships

Communication skills

Risk management

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Engineering or Supply Chain Management

Job description

Step into a career with ASM, where cutting edge technology meets collaborative culture.

For over 55 years ASM has been ahead of what’s next, at the forefront of innovation and what’s technologically possible. With more than 4,500 ASMers representing 70 nationalities, our people and our advanced semiconductor devices are playing a crucial role in trends such as 5G, cloud computing, AI, and autonomous driving. We’re more than just a tech company. We value diversity, inclusion and sustainability as we strive to make a positive impact on the world. Our development programs help support your growth, shaping your future and pushing the boundaries of innovation to unleash potential.

Job's mission

As a Lead II, Category Management in ASM’s global sourcing team, you will develop and manage a resilient supplier ecosystem within the Machining category—an essential set of components powering ASM’s industry leading semiconductor solutions. This role plays a pivotal part in driving innovation, cost competitiveness, supplier performance, and supply continuity. Operating at the intersection of supply chain, engineering, and business units, you will influence global sourcing strategies and shape long‑term supplier partnerships that support ASM’s growth and technology leadership.

What you will be working on

Category & Supplier Strategy

• Lead the development and execution of global sourcing strategies for machining categories to achieve key business goals, including time‑to‑market acceleration, COGS reduction, lead‑time optimization, and supply continuity through ramps and transitions.
• Communicate commodity strategies across Business Units, Engineering, and NPI Operations to ensure sourcing decisions and product development align with strategic supplier selections.
• Maintain deep knowledge of industry and machining technology trends; schedule and host Technology Roadmap Meetings (TRMs) with Business Units.

Supplier Selection, Negotiation & Contracting

• Shape negotiation strategies to proactively drive cost reductions in a complex high‑mix, low‑volume manufacturing environment.
• Own total commodity lifecycle, including supplier identification, screening, pre‑selection, onboarding, and relationship management.
• Negotiate complex agreements that incorporate program requirements, NPI needs, and cross‑functional business objectives.

Supplier Performance & Governance

• Own total supplier performance, ensuring delivery against quality, cost, delivery, service, and ESG commitments.
• Establish and execute supplier performance improvement roadmaps to close gaps in delivery, quality, and operational reliability.
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations and drive corrective actions where needed.

Risk Management

• Routinely review supply risk profiles and lead mitigation strategies, including development of secondary/alternative sources for critical machined goods.
• Drive resilience planning and proactive measures for capacity, geopolitical risk, and supply continuity.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Engage effectively with internal stakeholders across functions, regions, and external partners to support program deliverables and business priorities.
• Act as the key liaison between suppliers, engineering, operations, and the business to ensure seamless execution.

What we are looking for

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in Procurement or Category Management with progressive responsibility.
• Experience in semiconductor or high technology manufacturing environments preferred.
• Strong familiarity with build‑to‑print manufacturing, machining processes, and blueprint interpretation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.

What sets you apart

• Proven ability to build strong supplier partnerships that balance innovation with risk mitigation.
• Thrives in a high‑mix, low‑volume environment with agility to manage shifting priorities.
• Skilled at navigating complex global supply ecosystems with cultural sensitivity and operational discipline.
• Demonstrates a continuous improvement mindset with data‑driven decision‑making capabilities.

Apply today to be part of what’s next.

We make the tech that enables the chips in devices which 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, find us at asm.com and 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.