Category Manager - Semiconductors
Role Overview
The Senior Procurement & Strategic Sourcing Manager is responsible for leading sourcing strategy, supplier partnerships, contract negotiations, and cost optimization initiatives across designated spend categories. The position operates in a high‑performance supply chain environment supporting complex technology and manufacturing operations.
Core Responsibilities
Strategic Sourcing & Commercial Negotiation
- Develop and execute sourcing strategies aligned to business requirements.
- Lead RFx events, evaluate vendor proposals, and negotiate competitive terms.
- Manage the full contract lifecycle, including drafting, execution, renewals, and terminations.
Supplier Relationship Management
- Establish and maintain productive relationships with key suppliers.
- Conduct performance reviews, monitor KPIs, and drive continuous improvement.
- Address supplier issues to ensure quality, delivery, and service expectations are met.
Cost Optimization & Operational Efficiency
- Identify cost‑reduction opportunities using market analysis, benchmarking, and value engineering.
- Implement process improvements and procurement best practices.
- Track, report, and communicate key sourcing metrics and financial outcomes.
Stakeholder Collaboration
- Partner with cross‑functional teams across technical, operational, and leadership levels.
- Gather requirements, align strategies, and support decision-making.
- Deliver clear, concise presentations to stakeholders at all organizational levels.
Financial & Contract Analysis
- Manage budgets and forecast expenditure for assigned categories.
- Conduct financial modeling and analysis to support sourcing recommendations.
- Ensure adherence to legal, regulatory, and internal compliance requirements.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree with 5+ years of procurement or related business experience
OR 7+ years of equivalent experience. - Strong background in strategic sourcing, category management, and commercial negotiations.
- Proficiency with procurement tools, sourcing platforms, and contract management systems.
- Demonstrated success in cost savings and supplier performance improvement.
- Strong analytical, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities under tight deadlines.
- Professional certifications such as CPSM, MCIPS, CPM, or PMP are preferred.
- Must have permanent authorization to work in the U.S. (no sponsorship available).
Travel & Location Requirements
- 10-25% travel as needed.
- Residency in the Greater Chicago Area with onsite presence required three days per week.
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your resume and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organizations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
Yes. Even if this role isn’t a perfect match, applying allows us to understand your expertise and ambitions, ensuring you're on our radar for the right opportunity when it arises.
We also work in several ways, firstly we advertise our roles available on our site, however, often due to confidentiality we may not post all. We also work with clients who are more focused on skills and understanding what is required to future-proof their business.
That's why we recommend registering your CV so you can be considered for roles that have yet to be created.
Yes, we help with CV and interview preparation. From customised support on how to optimise your resume to interview preparation and compensation negotiations, we advocate for you throughout your next career move.