Category Manager, Electronics

Gentherm • Novi, MI

11h • Onsite

About The Position

At Gentherm, we believe the next big breakthrough begins with you. As a global leader in thermal management and pneumatic comfort technologies, we develop advanced systems that deliver meaningful solutions to enhance health, wellness, comfort, and efficiency in everyday life. Our products and innovations are created for you, by you. Be part of our team where a human-centric mindset drives everything we do—from the technologies we build to the careers we support. With decades of expertise, we have pioneered advanced solutions that have become a standard expectation for consumers around the world. The same thoughtful approach we take in developing our technologies guides how we support your career: purposeful, impactful, and tailored to you. Because when you thrive, innovation thrives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required in Business, Engineering, or a related field, with a combination of technical and business/economic expertise preferred (e.g., Industrial Engineering).
• 10+ years’ experience in Purchasing with industrial and electronics industry background, preferably with automotive experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in electronics procurement processes, supplier management, and supply chain optimization.
• Very strong English skills in speech and writing, able to negotiate in English.

Nice To Haves

• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and assertiveness skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and drive favorable outcomes.
• Proven project management experience, with the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and deliver results on time and within budget.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to translate technical requirements into economical considerations and strategic decisions.
• Experience working in a multinational environment and collaborating with global teams.
• Ability to present confidently and effectively to senior leadership teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the procurement process for various electronics semiconductor materials, ensuring early involvement of Supplier Quality Development (SQD) in new supplier and/or material evaluations, and driving timely PPAP approvals.
• Manage supplier selection and development, including identifying and qualifying second sources for components from an approved supplier list to ensure supply chain resilience.
• Supervise the correct, complete, and timely maintenance of master data and workflows in all relevant systems to ensure operational efficiency and data integrity.
• Coordinate the ordering of program-related needs if required, such as samples and toolings, in alignment with project timelines and requirements.
• Develop and execute category strategies to optimize cost, quality, and delivery performance.
• Routinely review supplier product roadmap updates and ensure cross functional teams are designing and implementing the latest supplier technology into core architecture designs.
• Confirm material availability and lead times for components, proactively addressing potential disruptions to ensure uninterrupted supply.
• Monitor and manage supplier capacities to prevent supply bottlenecks and support production schedules.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives and drive VAVE idea generation in collaboration with Business Unit stakeholders to achieve pre-SOP saving targets and improve overall profitability.
• Oversee product Change Requests and End of Life ramp-down activities at the component level, ensuring smooth transitions and minimal operational impact.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and development opportunities to the semiconductor procurement team, fostering a high-performance culture.

Benefits

• Partner with Category Directors to drive purchasing activities and support strategic sourcing initiatives across a diverse portfolio of semiconductor components.
• Develop and execute category strategies that balance cost, quality, supply continuity, and innovation while supporting broader business objectives.
• This role offers the opportunity to influence supplier strategy, strengthen the supply base, and deliver measurable value across a critical component portfolio.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager