Head of Category Management – Semiconductor Equipment
- Respected leading European industrial company
- Greenfield roles, global scope for Asia sourcing
Location: Penang, Malaysia | Global Scope | Leadership Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen with a market-leading European high-tech equipment manufacturer operating at the forefront of the global semiconductor industry. As part of significant investment into its Asia sourcing capability and long-term regional growth strategy, the organisation is establishing a stronger presence in Penang, positioning Malaysia as a critical global hub over the next five years.
We are seeking an experienced Head of Category Management to join the procurement leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Procurement Officer. This role will play a pivotal part in architecting and driving category strategy across a complex portfolio supporting advanced semiconductor equipment manufacturing.
The Opportunity
This is a senior leadership position responsible for designing and executing category management strategies across a diverse mix of direct and indirect spend, supporting a high-mix, low-volume, high-value manufacturing environment. You will shape global sourcing strategies from Asia into multiple international manufacturing plants, working closely with engineering, operations, and executive leadership teams.
Operating within a dynamic and rapidly growing industry, you will help build scalable procurement capability while driving resilience, innovation, and strategic supplier partnerships across critical supply chains.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead the design, governance, and execution of global category management strategies.
• Act as the architect for strategic sourcing across categories including:
o Mechanical and electrical commodities
o Subsystems and advanced materials
o Contract manufacturing and complex components
o Services and indirect procurement where relevant
• Partner with senior stakeholders across procurement, engineering, and operations to align category strategy with business growth plans.
• Drive supplier strategy across Asia to support global manufacturing networks.
• Develop long-term sourcing roadmaps focused on value creation, supply continuity, and innovation.
• Build and mentor a high-performing category management capability as part of the regional leadership team.
Ideal Background
We are looking for a strategic procurement leader who combines deep technical category knowledge with strong commercial leadership capability.
• Proven experience leading category management within a high-tech equipment, semiconductor, electronics, or advanced manufacturing environment.
• Strong exposure to at least one of the following domains:
o Mechanical or electrical commodities
o Subsystems or precision components
o Contract manufacturing or advanced materials
• Experience operating in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environments with critical supply chains.
• Demonstrated ability to shape long-term sourcing strategy at a regional or global level.
• Comfortable working within international matrix organisations and engaging global stakeholders.
• Based in Malaysia or open to a Penang-based leadership role with significant global exposure.
Why This Role?
• Join a market-leading OEM with cutting-edge technology at the heart of the semiconductor capital cycle.
• Play a key leadership role in building Malaysia as a strategic global sourcing hub.
• High visibility position reporting into executive leadership with strong influence over global procurement strategy.
• Opportunity to shape the future of category management within a rapidly expanding international business.
If you are a strategic procurement leader seeking a global platform within one of the world’s most dynamic industries, we would be pleased to hear from you.
This is a confidential search being managed on behalf of our client.
Ben McDonald (Singapore)
Partner, Global Hi-Tech Practice
Connexus Global