Category Manager - Supplier Ramp & Sourcing

Location:

Batu Kawan, MY

Employment Type: Permanent

BE GREAT TOGETHER WITH US.

Innovation, Efficiency and Ambition:

This is what VAT has stood for over 50 years.

With this passion, VAT has grown to become the leading international developer, manufacturer, and supplier of high-performance high-end vacuum valves and vacuum sealing technology, employing over 2000 people worldwide. The headquarters are located in Haag (Switzerland), with production centers in Switzerland, Malaysia, Romania, and Taiwan.

We are seeking a Category Project Manager to join our Direct Material Category Management team to drive supplier ramp-up and sourcing activities.

Reporting to the Head of Category Management, this role involves developing and implementing project management plans, assessing and executing ramp programs, and managing procurement activities and supplier partnerships to ensure supply capability and capacity at optimal costs. The person will collaborate closely with internal stakeholders and global/regional category managers to ensure regulatory compliance, enhance capacity, and report project status in a timely manner.

Your Responsibilities Include, But Not Limited To: Develop project management plans and monitor project progress with suppliers/partners. Assess, evaluate, and ensure successful execution of external ramp programs, including supplier operations, capacity, and stability, covering categories such as machining and treatment. Lead capacity expansion and technology enabling initiatives with selected suppliers, including major categories like machining and treatment. Manage procurement activities such as supplier relationships, make-or-buy decisions, VMI/Consolidation solutions, commercial agreements, supplier investment programs, and cost optimization opportunities. Facilitate seamless transition of projects from in-house to external manufacturing, including dual-sourcing strategies. Drive machining and treatment suppliers to ensure supply capability and capacity at the best cost, supporting future business needs and brand protection. Collaborate with Category Managers, Supplier Quality Engineers, and internal stakeholders to ensure effective communication and engagement. Coordinate with global and regional category managers and project management teams to align development approaches, ensure regulatory compliance, and enhance capacity, quality, delivery, and cost (QCD). Create policies and procedures for risk management and mitigation with suppliers, and report project status to management and stakeholders in a timely manner. Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelors degree or equivalent experience in Project Management, Procurement, Supply Chain, or Engineering. 10+ years in manufacturing with strong knowledge of category management and/or supply chain management. Experience in product or tool transfer, assembly line, and facility setup. Proven ability in supplier development and strategic partnership building. Experience working within a global complex organization. Ability to handle high-stress environments, balancing operational and strategic priorities. Hands-on attitude with strong leadership, influence, and communication skills. Analytical skills with a focus on risk-based decision making and goal-oriented thinking. Financial acumen to evaluate total costs with suppliers. Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills. Flexibility, resourcefulness, and proactivity to produce results under tight deadlines. Proficiency in English; German and Chinese are a plus. Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in high-precision machining industries, MNCs, or semiconductor sectors. Sourcing experience in Asia and globally. Experience managing supplier ramp-up processes. VAT is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and personal development. We offer career growth opportunities and recognize employee contributions through fair compensation. In 2021, VAT received the Fair-ON-Pay+ certificate for our commitment to equal pay for equal work. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Information :

• Company : VAT Group
• Position : Category Manager - Supplier Ramp & Sourcing
• Location : Kampung Batu Kawan, Penang
• Country : MY