Lead I, Category Management

Job's mission

As a Lead I, Category Management for Gas Delivery, you will play a key role in developing and strengthening ASM’s global supplier network for one of the most critical areas of our semiconductor equipment portfolio. Working closely with engineering, product development, and operations teams, you will drive supplier performance, technology alignment, cost competitiveness, and supply continuity. Your expertise will help build a resilient and future-ready supply chain that enables innovation and supports ASM’s growth ambitions around the world.

What you will be working on

• Develop and execute global sourcing strategies for Gas Delivery systems, modules, and components to support business objectives including cost competitiveness, time-to-market, lead time reduction, supplier continuity, and technology roadmap alignment.
• Lead commodity management activities across the Gas Delivery portfolio, including supplier selection, qualification, development, and performance management.
• Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships that drive innovation, quality, capacity, and long-term business value.
• Develop and execute negotiation strategies that deliver sustainable cost improvements while maintaining supplier competitiveness and operational excellence.
• Negotiate complex commercial agreements covering pricing, technology collaboration, product requirements, capacity commitments, quality standards, and long-term supply arrangements.
• Partner with Engineering, Product Development, Manufacturing, Quality, Logistics, and regional sourcing teams to align sourcing decisions with business priorities and future technology needs.
• Monitor supplier performance through key metrics and drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, delivery, cost, innovation, and ESG objectives.
• Analyze supplier markets, capabilities, and industry trends to support strategic sourcing decisions and identify new opportunities.
• Facilitate technology roadmap discussions between suppliers and ASM stakeholders to ensure future product and technology requirements are supported.
• Proactively assess supply chain risks and implement mitigation strategies, including dual sourcing, supplier development, capacity planning, and business continuity initiatives.

What we are looking for

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or commodity management with progressively increasing responsibility.
• 5+ years of experience within the semiconductor industry or a comparable high-technology manufacturing environment.
• Strong ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and engineering documentation.
• Proven experience managing supplier relationships, commercial negotiations, and supplier performance programs.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to influence decisions across functions and levels.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Professional working proficiency in Japanese is preferred to facilitate communication with Japan-based suppliers and business partners.

What sets you apart

• Experience sourcing Gas Delivery systems, gas panels, gas lines, valves, regulators, or related components.
• Strong understanding of semiconductor manufacturing equipment and associated supply chains.
• Experience working in a global, matrixed organization and influencing stakeholders across regions and functions.
• Ability to build trusted supplier partnerships that balance innovation, performance, and risk mitigation.
• Thrives in dynamic, high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environments.
• Uses data-driven insights to identify opportunities and drive continuous improvement.
• Demonstrates agility, resilience, and a collaborative approach to solving complex business challenges.