Senior Procurement Manager

We are looking for a Senior Procurement Manager to cover both direct materials as well as RnD Capex Sourcing activities based in Penang. Our client is a semiconductor equipment manufacturer.

Strategic Supplier Sourcing & Partnership Development

• Source, qualify, and develop suppliers and contract manufacturers across Singapore, Malaysia, and the wider region.

• Establish long-term, value-driven supplier partnerships that balance cost, quality, delivery, and flexibility.

• Lead supplier evaluations, audits, capability reviews, and ongoing performance management.

• Drive commercial negotiations covering pricing, contracts, and long-term supply frameworks aligned with business objectives.

R&D & Prototype Procurement

• Own the end-to-end sourcing and procurement of prototype parts, sub-assemblies, and systems, including:

  • Standard mechanical and electrical components

  • Custom-designed parts requiring specialized or advanced fabrication

• Work hand-in-hand with R&D and Product Development to translate engineering intent into executable sourcing strategies.

• Interpret engineering drawings, BOMs, and CAD data to validate materials, processes, tolerances, and quality expectations.

• Ensure speed, agility, and on-time delivery to support fast design iterations and aggressive development timelines.

Engineering Collaboration & Documentation Alignment

• Review and validate BOMs, technical drawings, specifications, and work instructions from a sourcing and manufacturability perspective.

• Collaborate with Engineering and Operations to improve documentation clarity, standardization, and readiness for production.

• Provide early feedback on sourcing risks, cost drivers, material choices, and manufacturability trade-offs.

New Product Introduction (NPI) & Manufacturing Ramp

• Partner with R&D, Manufacturing Engineering, and Operations to transition new designs into pilot and high-volume manufacturing.

• Champion Early Supplier Involvement (ESI) to optimize designs for cost, quality, lead time, and supply chain scalability.

• Support pilot builds, qualification runs, and supplier readiness during ramp-up phases.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, or related field).

• 5-8+ years of procurement or sourcing experience within semiconductor equipment, precision engineering, or complex capital equipment industries.

• Strong familiarity with regional suppliers and contract manufacturers, particularly in Singapore and Malaysia.

• Solid working knowledge of engineering documentation, including BOMs, technical drawings, GD&T, and work instructions.

Preferred Technical & Process Expertise

Experience sourcing and managing suppliers in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable:

• Mechatronic and electromechanical assemblies (motors, actuators, motion systems, sensors)

• High-precision machined components (CNC machining, grinding, turning, complex geometries)

• Sheet metal fabrication (laser cutting, forming, welding, surface finishing)

• Vacuum systems and components (chambers, flanges, seals, leak testing)

• Electronics and PCBA (component sourcing, EMS partners, testing strategies)

• Cables, harnesses, and interconnect solutions (including RF and high-flex designs)

• Pneumatic and fluid-handling systems (valves, regulators, manifolds, fittings)

• Optics and optomechanical assemblies (alignment-sensitive parts)

• Surface treatments and finishing processes (anodizing, plating, passivation, heat treatment)

• Cleanroom-compatible materials, coatings, and contamination-controlled processes

Additional Skills & Attributes

• Strong commercial acumen, negotiation capability, and supplier relationship management skills.

• Effective communicator in English and Mandarin, enabling engagement with regional stakeholders and suppliers.

• Proven ability to work cross-functionally with R&D, Operations, and Manufacturing Engineering.

• Willingness to travel regionally up to 25%.