Gentherm Incorporated

Category Manager, Electronics

Gentherm Incorporated • $108K — $130K *
Novi, MI 48375In-Person
Consumer Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or related field required.
  • 10+ years of experience in Purchasing within the industrial and electronics sectors.
  • Expertise in electronics procurement and supply chain optimization.
  • Exceptional negotiation skills to influence stakeholders effectively.
  • Proven project management capabilities in cross-functional settings.
  • Strong analytical skills for strategic decision-making.
  • Fluent in English, both spoken and written, with negotiation proficiency.

Responsibilities

  • Lead procurement for electronics semiconductor materials, ensuring timely involvement of SQD.
  • Manage supplier selection and development to enhance supply chain resilience.
  • Oversee master data maintenance for operational efficiency.
  • Coordinate program-related orders like samples and tooling as needed.
  • Develop strategies to optimize cost, quality, and delivery metrics.
  • Review supplier roadmaps, integrating new technology into designs.
  • Ensure uninterrupted supply by confirming material availability and addressing disruptions.
  • Monitor supplier capacity to prevent bottlenecks and support production.

Benefits

  • Opportunities for leadership development and mentorship within the semiconductor procurement team.
  • Dynamic work environment focused on continuous improvement and innovation.
  • Exposure to a multinational setting with collaborative global teamwork.
  • Potential for domestic and international travel related to supplier engagement and project needs.
  • A company culture that fosters learning and development for personal and professional growth.
Full Job Description
Category Manager, Electronics

Impact and Opportunity

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.

Essential Functions and 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.


Minimum Qualifications

  • 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.


Preferred Qualifications

  • 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;
  • Very strong English skills in speech and writing, able to negotiate in English
  • Experience working in a multinational environment and collaborating with global teams.
  • Ability to present confidently and effectively to senior leadership teams.


NICE TO KNOW

Travel: Domestic and international travel may be required

Leadership Responsibilities: Lead team member in matrix environment.

Competencies:

Deliver Results
  • Understand the mission and output of your team; set SMART objectives and deliver.

Drive Change
  • Focus on agility and commitment to continuous improvement; Understand and act on internal and external drivers of change

Build Capability
  • Foster a culture of learning and development; Support individual growth through continuous feedback to achieve personal and professional goals

Cultivate Innovation
  • Openly embrace, create, implement and support new and innovative ideas, processes and technology that deliver business results.


PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT (US):

All positions in our office require interaction with people and technology while either standing or sitting. In order to best serve our customers, internal and external, all associates must be able to communicate face-to-face and on the phone with or without reasonable accommodation.

About Gentherm Incorporated

Gentherm Incorporated is a global developer and marketer of thermal management technologies for a broad range of heating and cooling and temperature control applications. The company was founded in 1991 and is headquartered in Northville, Michigan. Gentherm's products are sold to automotive manufacturers and suppliers, and to office furniture manufacturers and distributors. The company's automotive products include heated and cooled seat systems, heated steering wheels, battery thermal management systems, and other electronic devices. Gentherm's office furniture products include thermal comfort solutions such as heated and cooled chairs and other seating products.
Learn more about Gentherm Incorporated
Size
10,474 employees
Market Cap
$2.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
$59.6 million
Founded
1991
5 Year Trend
+2.7%
Revenue
$913.1 million
NASDAQ

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