Category Manager - Electronics

This position is overseeing the procurement activities related to electronic components (mainly drivers and sensors) from European and non-European suppliers. Customers are the internal EMEA - Erlangen and St-Etienne - manufacturing sites as well as the internal project teams and sub-suppliers of Finished Goods (luminaires). The Category Manager will be based in Guangzhou and reports to the GM of Guangzhou office and is functionally lead by the Sourcing & Supply Chain Manager EMEA.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, define/adapt a category strategy for the Category “Electronics” based on thorough market and supplier analysis, in cooperation with the cross-functions (e.g. Product Line Management, Quality Management, R&D).

• Communicate and implement aligned category and pooling strategy to ensure cost-efficient supply of components to all internal and external partners.

• Perform Supplier Management: lead supplier selection & onboarding process, ensure documentation and communication of supplier development/qualification process status, conduct regular supplier evaluation to obtain and develop best

suppliers for the supply chain.

• Independently draft, negotiate and manage complex contracts (in alignment with Legal) and select best negotiation concept to maximize savings.

• Identify new trends and technologies in the market to exploit potential opportunities for the benefit of the company.

• Identify procurement risks and market forces to avoid potential damage and supply shortages.

• Contribute to data maintenance (Master Data) to improve transparency of Spend data based on correct categorization of assigned components.


Person specification and background

• Knowledge of sourcing electronic components (drivers, sensors, batteries, etc) is a must, lighting industry background is plus.

• Minimum 5 years of experience in strategic procurement/category management, incl. supplier management, preparation and negotiation of international complex purchasing agreements.

• Excellent English language skills (written and oral).

• Strong track of supplier and market analysis.

• Creative, resourceful, and able to think and work independently.

• Strong Interpersonal & Stakeholder management skills.

• Comfortable in using BI and Microsoft Office Tools e.g. Birst, Excel, ERP/MRP systems to manage data.

• Proven problem solving and analytical skills, high standard of numeracy.


Education

• Degree or diploma in electrical engineering preferred.

• Extensive and proven experience in Procurement.

• Strong business acumen.

• Proven track record of Category Management, collaborating and working with

international suppliers and internal stakeholders.

• Computer literate, proven track record with common MRP systems execution, reporting and methodology.

• Understanding of engineering, research and development and manufacturing processes.