Line Manager: Senior Director Purchasing Asia
About AIXTRON
AIXTRON is a technology and innovation-driven market leader in deposition equipment (MOCVD) for third-generation semiconductor materials such as GaN, SiC and GaAs—critical enablers for energy efficiency, data communications and AI infrastructure. Headquartered in Herzogenrath, Germany, we hold the #1 market position in each of the markets we serve and build some of the industry’s most sophisticated high-tech systems. What sets us apart is how we combine deep technology focus, customer orientation and speed of innovation with strong team spirit, agility and a collaborative company culture. Learn more at www.aixtron.com.
AIXTRON’s new manufacturing & engineering hub in Malaysia
We are building a new greenfield manufacturing and engineering hub in Batu Kawan, Penang. The site will provide a state-of-the-art cleanroom environment for assembly & test of our high-end systems and will contribute to engineering the next generation of products. Operations are planned to start in 2027 with rapid ramp-up. Beyond technology, the new location is designed as a modern workplace with state-of-the art office and amenities — built to foster collaboration and a strong focus on people’s wellbeing.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for purpose-driven builders: hands-on professionals with entrepreneurial spirit who enjoy setting up structures, improving processes and taking ownership in a fast-moving environment. As pioneers of our Malaysia site, you will help to shape not only your function, but also how we work together locally — while being connected to a global team of around 1,000 employees from ~60 nationalities across Asia, Europe and the US. We offer competitive benefits, outstanding technical expertise, development opportunities and training.
Responsibilities
Category Strategy & Planning
- Develop, lead and govern the category management function for Asia, ensuring alignment with global purchasing strategies and standards.
- Define and execute selected global category strategies under the lead buyer concept together with your team
- Conduct market & supplier analysis with respect to cost drivers, risks, innovations, delivery.
- Identify savings opportunities and value improvement initiatives
Strategic Sourcing
- Lead supplier selection processes from RFQs/RFPs and contract award.
- Conduct commercial and contractual negotiations
- Manage framework agreements with regional/international suppliers
- Continuously drive total cost of ownership (TCO) optimization
Supplier Management
- Establish and maintain strategic supplier network and relationships
- Monitor supplier performance with respect to cost, quality, and delivery.
- Lead business reviews to identify improvement potential and to conduct Continuous Improvement Projects (CIP).
- Support supplier audits and qualification processes
Team and Performance Management
- Directly lead, train and supervise the daily operation of the category purchasing team.
- Allocate category responsibilities and ensure workload balance
- Coach and mentor team members to strengthen negotiation, analytical, and strategic skills
Risk & Compliance Management
- Identify and mitigate supply chain risks and bottlenecks.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, governance standards and sourcing procedures
- Monitor contractual obligations, supplier compliance, team integrity.
- Ensure accurate and complete documentation for audit readiness.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Finance, and other stakeholders.
- Align sourcing decisions with project, operational and business requirements
- Support new product introductions (NPI) and change management processes
Qualifications and Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical, Supply Chain, or related disciplines.
- 10-15 years of procurement or strategic sourcing experience, with at least 5 years in leadership positions in small to mid-sized teams in international manufacturing companies.
- Familiarity with the Asian semiconductor supply chain ecosystem is required.
- Strong communication, negotiation and contract management skills
- Analytical mindset with strong data interpretation capabilities
- Strong people management, coaching and development capabilities.
- Proficiency in SAP is preferred.
- Fluent in English; Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin proficiency is a plus.
Working Conditions & Environment
· Role based at AIXTRON Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
· Majority of the work is at Batu Kawan site
- Visits to supplier locations will be requested as needed.
· Occasional travel, to Headquarters in Germany or other regional sites.
