Manager, Category Management

The Category Regional Manager, OEM is responsible for developing and executing strategic sourcing plans to reduce lead times, ensure supply continuity, enhance supplier quality, and optimize total cost of ownership. This role requires deep market insight, supplier performance management, and risk mitigation. The Category Manager serves as the primary contact for systemic supply chain issues, oversees supplier qualification, negotiates favorable contract terms, and drives continuous improvement across assigned categories to support operational and financial objectives.

UCT is looking for a talented Manager, Category Management to join us in Malaysia!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develops and implements category strategies globally and regionally.


• Drives formal supplier business reviews (SBR’s), focusing on quality, cost, performance, and strategic initiatives.


• Delivers and manages Supplier Performance Improvement Plans, continuously managing capacity availability versus long-range demand forecasts.


• Uses category strategies as the basis for supplier selection, cost reduction, margin improvement, and overall supply chain management.


• Negotiates and manages the maintenance of agreements with suppliers that provide the structure for all business relationships between UCT and the supply base, such as General Supply Agreements (GSA), Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA), Joint Development Agreements (JDA), Blanket Purchase Orders (BPO), Safety and Inventory Stocking Agreements, etc.


• Manages and fosters relationships with UCTs' supply base and drives resolution to conflicts.


• Engages with the Product Life Cycle process to ensure alignment with the category strategies and all UCT’s site materials teams.


• Directs new supplier introduction and/or disengagement requirements to/from the UCT supply base (assessments, financial viability, etc.).


• In collaboration with other regional category managers, maintains a list of strategic suppliers eligible to be designated for the sourcing of production material. 


• Drives resolution to systemic supply chain issues affecting quality, cost, delivery or lead-time, which may include engagement with sub-tiers in the supply chain.


• Develops and presents high-level cost reduction opportunities to all UCT sites for execution.


• Conducts special projects as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Extremely high level of knowledge of OEM categories and a thorough understanding of category management strategies for OEM products


• Proven track record of negotiating cost and lead time reduction with OEM suppliers, with the understanding that UCT generally does not control product demand, design, and many suppliers are directed through the end customer


• Knowledge of supply chain management, procurement, materials management, manufacturing processes, business fundamentals/finance


• Proven record of success in cost negotiation and contract implementation


• Advanced project/program management skills and abilities are essential, including NPI program management and transition to production


• Ability to create project plans, drive initiatives with cross-functional teams, and track performance to goals, identify gaps and recovery plans to address shortfalls


• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills


• Ability to learn new technologies and manufacturing processes (aptitude/proficiency)


• Ability to build and lead cross-functional teams  


• Strong matrix management abilities


• Relationship-building abilities


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentation skills, and strong negotiation skills.

Educational/Certification Requirement:

• BS/BSE level degree in business, engineering, materials science, logistics, or related technical discipline required.

Experience Requirement: 

Work Experience:

• 3-4 years directly related experience


• Previous work experience in category management for OEM supply base, supplier contracting, project management, materials management, logistics, manufacturing, quality, and account management


• Previous experience in a contract manufacturing environment is a plus


• Certification by NAPM (National Association of Purchasing Management) and/or APICS (American Production and Inventory Control Society) is a plus

Travel Requirement %:   30% or more possible

At Ultra Clean Technology, we do not just welcome diversity - we celebrate it! Ultra Clean Technology is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, and any other characteristic protected under laws and regulations.