Electronics Category Supply Lead

Location: Flexible (Hybrid/Remote)
Reports To: NAM Sr Supply Manager, Strategic Sourcing

Position Summary

The Electronics Category Supply Lead is responsible for developing and executing the global sourcing strategy for electronic assemblies, components, and contract manufacturing partners supporting Chemelex's portfolio of industrial heating, control, sensing, and monitoring products.

This role serves as the subject matter expert for electronic supply chains, working closely with Engineering, Product Management, Operations, Quality, and regional sourcing teams to ensure continuity of supply, competitive cost structures, technology alignment, and supplier performance.

The ideal candidate brings 5-10 years of experience sourcing low-to-medium volume electronic products-including thermostats, controllers, PCBA assemblies, displays, sensors, and embedded electronics-and has successfully managed global contract manufacturers and electronic component suppliers across North America, Europe, and Asia.

This individual will proactively manage supply risk, component obsolescence, supplier capacity, and total cost while supporting new product development, engineering initiatives, and long-term product lifecycle management.

Key Responsibilities

Category Strategy

• Develop and execute the global sourcing strategy for electronics, PCB assemblies, electronic components, and contract manufacturing.
• Build multi-year category roadmaps aligned with business growth, product strategy, and technology evolution.
• Identify and develop strategic supplier partnerships that provide competitive advantage in cost, quality, innovation, and supply continuity.
• Drive supplier rationalization where appropriate while maintaining business continuity and geographic diversification.
• Continuously monitor market trends, emerging technologies, and supply chain risks affecting the electronics industry.

Contract Manufacturer Management

Own strategic relationships with global Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) partners, including responsibility for:

• Supplier performance management
• Capacity planning
• Commercial negotiations
• Quality and delivery performance
• Inventory strategies
• Business continuity planning
• Cost competitiveness

Conduct regular executive business reviews and develop supplier improvement plans to ensure world-class performance.

Component & Supply Chain Management

Develop sourcing strategies for electronic components including:

• Microcontrollers
• Analog and digital integrated circuits
• Power electronics
• Sensors
• Displays
• Relays
• Connectors
• Passive components
• Power supplies
• Communication modules
• PCB fabrication
• Custom cable assemblies

Partner with suppliers to:

• Mitigate component shortages and allocations
• Reduce lead times
• Resolve end-of-life (EOL) risks
• Qualify alternate components and suppliers
• Improve overall supply chain resilience

Product Lifecycle & Obsolescence Management

Serve as the strategic leader for electronic component lifecycle management across the product portfolio.

Responsibilities include:

• Monitoring component lifecycle status and identifying emerging obsolescence risks.
• Developing proactive mitigation plans for end-of-life (EOL) components.
• Coordinating last-time buys, inventory strategies, and alternate component qualification.
• Partnering with Engineering and Product Management to prioritize redesign efforts when required.
• Building long-term sourcing strategies that reduce dependence on sole-source and obsolete technologies.
• Maintaining visibility into semiconductor market trends and supplier product roadmaps to minimize future business disruption.

Engineering Collaboration & New Product Introduction (NPI)

Partner closely with Engineering throughout the product development process to ensure supply chain considerations are incorporated early in design.

Responsibilities include:

• Supporting supplier selection during concept and development phases.
• Driving Design for Supply Chain (DfSC) best practices.
• Promoting preferred suppliers, approved manufacturers, and standardized components.
• Providing cost models and should-cost analysis during product development.
• Supporting Design for Manufacturability (DFM) initiatives with contract manufacturers.
• Identifying supply risks before product release.
• Accelerating supplier qualification and new product launches.
• Influencing component selection to improve availability, reduce lifecycle risk, and optimize total cost of ownership.

Supplier Development

Develop strategic relationships with:

• Contract manufacturers
• PCB fabricators
• Electronic component manufacturers
• Specialized electronics suppliers

Lead supplier audits, performance reviews, corrective action plans, commercial negotiations, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Cost Leadership
Drive sustainable cost improvements through:

• Value engineering
• Component rationalization
• Supplier negotiations
• Alternate sourcing strategies
• Manufacturing optimization
• Global sourcing initiatives
• Design collaboration with Engineering

Develop should-cost models for electronic assemblies and components while balancing quality, reliability, and long-term supply continuity.

Risk Management

Identify and mitigate supply risks related to:

• Sole-source components
• Semiconductor availability
• Long lead-time materials
• Geopolitical exposure
• Tariffs and trade regulations
• Supplier financial health
• Capacity constraints
• Business continuity
• Component obsolescence

Develop contingency plans and dual-source strategies to improve organizational resilience.

Cross-Functional Leadership

Collaborate across:

• Engineering
• Supply Chain
• Operations
• Quality
• Product Management
• Manufacturing
• Finance

Serve as the primary sourcing representative for electronics-related initiatives and provide strategic guidance on sourcing decisions that impact product design, cost, and supply continuity.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Business, or a related discipline.
• 5-10 years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, supplier management, or supply chain within the electronics industry.
• Demonstrated experience sourcing low-to-medium volume electronic products.
• Experience managing global Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) providers.
• Strong knowledge of electronic components, PCB assemblies, and electronics manufacturing processes.
• Experience negotiating commercial agreements and supplier contracts.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to travel internationally (approximately 20-30%).