Global Category Director - Purchasing

Key Responsibilities:

Category Strategy & Sourcing

• Develop and lead a global category strategy for within Automotive Electronics.
• Conduct global market analysis, identify sourcing opportunities, and manage supplier consolidation to drive total cost of ownership (TCO) improvements.
• Align category plans with product development timelines, engineering requirements, and business goals.

Supplier & Relationship Management

• Identify, evaluate, and manage a high-performing global supplier base across electronics categories.
• Lead negotiations and contract management to secure favorable terms on cost, delivery, and quality.
• Partner with suppliers to drive innovation, ensure capacity, and manage risks (e.g., obsolescence, geopolitical disruptions).

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Quality, Program Management, and Regional Sourcing teams to support NPI (New Product Introduction) and vehicle launch timelines.
• Act as the global point of contact for electronics sourcing, ensuring alignment between regional needs and corporate strategy.

Risk & Compliance

• Monitor global supply chain risks, including material shortages, tariffs, and geopolitical shifts.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations (e.g., IATF 16949, RoHS, REACH).
• Drive ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) goals within the supplier base.

Team Leadership

• Lead and mentor a global team of category managers and buyers, fostering a culture of high performance and collaboration.
• Champion continuous improvement, procurement excellence, and talent development across regions.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or related field (MBA or Master's preferred).
• 10 years of direct procurement/category management experience in the automotive industry, with a strong focus on electronics sourcing.
• Deep understanding of electronics technologies, manufacturing processes, and automotive program lifecycles.
• Global experience managing multi-regional supply chains and leading international teams.
• Strong track record of cost savings, supplier development, and risk mitigation.
• Proficient in ERP/procurement systems (e.g., SAP, Ariba) and strong data analysis skills.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and cross-cultural collaboration skills.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking & Execution
• Technical Acumen in Electronics
• Supplier Relationship Management
• Cost Engineering & TCO Optimization
• Cross-functional Leadership
• Risk & Compliance Awareness
• Automotive Industry Knowledge