Global Category Manager - Electronics

Location: Cambridge, CB4
Type: Permanent
Hours: 8.30am - 4.30pm (Monday to Friday)
Salary: Circa 95,000 depending on experience
Job Reference: 35982

Our client, a multinational technology manufacturer, is seeking a Global Category Manager - Electronics to lead the strategic sourcing of electronic components, assemblies and outsourced electronic manufacturing services (EMS). This is a senior, globally focused role responsible for category strategy, supplier management, cost reduction and supply risk mitigation across international manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the global electronics category strategy, aligned with cross-functional and business objectives
- Monitor local and international supply markets, technology trends and cost drivers to inform sourcing decisions and risk management
- Analyse global and cross-divisional spend to identify cost-reduction, value-engineering and standardisation opportunities
- Build, manage and continuously optimise a competitive global supplier portfolio, including qualification, performance management and development
- Establish and maintain long-term strategic supplier relationships to drive cost competitiveness, quality, delivery and innovation
- Identify and mitigate category-specific supply risks, including obsolescence, EOL, long lead times and single-source exposure
- Lead global RFQs, contract negotiations and demand consolidation to leverage scale and secure optimal commercial terms
- Define and implement inventory and supply-chain resilience strategies, including VMI, buffer stock and consignment models
- Support make-or-buy decisions and outsourcing strategies for electronic assemblies and EMS partners
- Drive implementation of category strategy through regional buyers and sourcing teams, providing guidance and escalation support
- Monitor savings, supplier performance and supply continuity, ensuring quality and regulatory compliance
- Provide regular reporting and insights to senior sourcing leadership

Requirements
- Degree in a technical discipline, ideally combined with business or commercial training
- Proven experience in strategic sourcing or category management, with several years in the electronics industry
- Strong understanding of global supply markets, electronics manufacturing and supplier ecosystems
- Demonstrated expertise in contract management and complex commercial negotiations
- Strong analytical capability with experience in spend analysis, cost modelling and savings tracking
- Confident cross-functional leader with the gravitas to own the role, influence senior stakeholders and drive decision-making
- Tenacious, resilient and accountable, with the ability to challenge the status quo and drive behavioural change across the organisation
- Self-starter with a high level of ownership, initiative, and the ability to operate effectively with limited direction
- Experience working in international, multi-site environments with cultural awareness
- Good working knowledge of quality and supplier assurance methodologies (e.g. FMEA, PPAP, SPC)
- Fluent English communication skills%3B willingness to travel internationally on a regular basis (20-30%)

Please contact us as soon as possible for more details or apply below!