Line Manager: Senior Manager Category Purchasing
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 & execute strategies for assigned global commodity groups, aligning with Engineering, Quality and Operations to achieve sustainable cost efficiency, supplier performance and long-term supply security; implement category strategies of lead buyers in Germany within your region.
· Conduct global market analyses to identify sourcing opportunities, supplier innovations and cost optimization potential, and translate findings into sourcing strategies.
· Drive cost reduction initiatives and contribute to value engineering activities in collaboration with technical and operational teams.
Strategic Sourcing
· Manage the full sourcing process including supplier identification, RFQs, evaluation, selection and contract award, ensuring alignment with technical and commercial requirements.
· Lead commercial and contractual negotiations with international suppliers, ensuring competitive total cost of ownership (TCO), high quality standards and reliable delivery performance.
· Support supplier development, localization and transfer initiatives, ensuring smooth implementation and long-term supplier performance.
Supplier Management
· Build, develop and optimize the supplier base to support current and future business needs, ensuring scalability, resilience and competitiveness.
· Drive supplier performance management by monitoring quality, delivery and cost KPIs, conducting regular performance reviews and initiating improvement measures.
· Support and participate in supplier audits and ensure compliance with quality, regulatory and company standards.
Risk & Compliance Management
· Proactively identify supply risks related to capacity, lead times or quality, and implement mitigation actions to ensure continuity of supply.
· Ensure all sourcing and procurement activities comply with company policies, ethical standards and legal requirements.
· Maintain accurate and up-to-date procurement data in SAP and support reporting and transparency across the organization.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
· Collaborate closely with cross-functional stakeholders (Engineering, Production, Quality, SCM) to align specifications, demand forecasts and sourcing strategies.
Qualifications and Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical, Supply Chain, or related disciplines.
- At least 5 years of professional experience, thereof 3 years of hands-on experience in strategic category management for mechanical categories in manufacturing companies.
- Familiarity with semiconductor supply chain is preferred.
- Ability to read and interpret basic engineering drawings.
- Familiar with contract law, incoterms, import/export regulations.
- Interact confidently with suppliers with good communication and negotiation skills
- Practical skills to handle multiple tasks/projects with time/priority planning.
- Good proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint and ERP system, 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.
