Project Purchasing Manager
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
Project Procurement & Execution
- Lead and manage all procurement and sourcing activities for equipment assembly projects from the innovation to production.
- Ensure timely purchasing and material availability according to project and production schedules.
- Manage the full procurement cycle including RFQ, quotation analysis, supplier negotiation, and selection.
- Track and report on project-specific goals relating to budget, cost control, and on-time delivery.
- Expedite critical parts, proactively escalate supply risks, and develop contingency plans to mitigate production disruptions.
Project Performance Management
- Lead project cost reduction initiatives, including VA/VE (Value Analysis/Value Engineering) activities with selected suppliers.
- Analyze material, machining, and logistics costs to drive project profitability.
- Monitor and improve supplier performance in On-Time Delivery (OTD), quality, and responsiveness.
Supplier & Stakeholder Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure alignment with project requirements.
- Work closely with internal Engineering, Production, and Quality teams to clarify technical specifications and ensure accurate communication with suppliers.
- Serve as the primary procurement point of contact for the project management team.
Collaboration with Category Purchasing
- Represent the project purchasing function, providing feedback and updates based on collaboration with Category Purchasing Leads.
- Align all project-specific purchasing activities with global category strategies and corporate supply chain initiatives.
- Leverage category-negotiated frame agreements and supplier panels for project execution, escalating to Category Managers for strategic pricing and contractual disputes when necessary.
- Provide input to Category Managers on supplier performance and market intelligence gathered during project execution.
Team and Performance Management
- Directly lead, train and supervise the daily operation of the project purchasing team.
- Allocate project responsibilities and ensure workload balance
- Coach and mentor team members to strengthen negotiation, analytical, and project management skills.
Risk & Compliance Management
- Identify and mitigate supply chain risks and bottlenecks for project execution.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, governance standards and procurement procedures
- Monitor contractual obligations, supplier compliance, team integrity.
- Ensure accurate and complete documentation for audit readiness.
Qualifications and Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical, Supply Chain, or related disciplines.
- 10-12 years of procurement or strategic sourcing experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role in small to mid-sized teams in international manufacturing companies.
- Familiarity with the Asian semiconductor supply chain ecosystem is required.
- Ability to read and interpret drawings and BOMs.
- Strong communication, negotiation and project management skills
- Analytical mindset with strong data interpretation capabilities
- Strong people management, coaching and development capabilities.
- Proficiency MS office and SAP are preferred.
- Fluent in English; Bahasa Malaysia
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.