KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. No laptop, smartphone, wearable device, voice-controlled gadget, flexible screen, VR device or smart car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards and flat panel displays. The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with inspiration, research and development. KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world's leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow's electronic devices. Life here is exciting and our teams thrive on tackling really hard problems. There is never a dull moment with us.
Job Description/Preferred Qualifications
Key Responsibilities
I. China+ Program Leadership
- Lead execution of China+ strategy to reduce dependency on China and enhance supply chain resilience
- Identify at-risk parts and supply chains within regulatory scope
- Drive alternate sourcing strategy and supplier transitions outside China
- Define and track program milestones (qualification, localization, dual sourcing)
- Provide structured updates to senior leadership on progress, risks, and gaps
II. Tier-2 Supplier Management Lead
Tier-2 Supplier Identification & Mapping
- Build and maintain end-to-end visibility of Tier-2 supply chain
- Identify Tier-2 suppliers across key CMs and critical commodities
- Map supply chain dependencies at part and sub-component level
- Establish direct engagement model with Tier-2 suppliers, beyond Tier-1/CM layer
- Segment Tier-2 suppliers based on criticality, spend, and risk
b. Direct Tier-2 Supplier Management
- Establish direct relationships with key Tier-2 suppliers (where strategic/critical)
- Act as primary escalation point for Tier-2-related supply issues impacting production
- Drive resolution of:
- Capacity constraints
- Delivery issues
- Quality concerns
- Enable faster issue resolution by bypassing traditional Tier-1-only communication limitations
c. Commercial & Pricing Ownership (Tier-2)
- Lead pricing negotiations and commercial alignment with selected Tier-2 suppliers (in coordination with CMs as required)
- Establish:
- Pricing visibility where gaps exist
- Long-term cost agreements / frameworks
- Cost transparency for critical commodities
- Support cost optimization initiatives across Tier-2 supply base
d. Contract Manufacturer (CM) Governance
- Work closely with Tier-1 suppliers (CMs) to:
- Ensure transparency of sub-tier suppliers
- Align on Tier-2 strategy and transition plans
- Resolve conflicts between CM ownership vs. KLA direct engagement with Tier-2
- Define operating model for shared Tier-2 ownership between KLA and CMs
e. Tier-2 Risk Mitigation & Continuity Planning
- Identify and mitigate risks in Tier-2 supply chain, including:
- Single-source dependencies
- Geographic concentration risks
- Capacity bottlenecks
- Develop and execute business continuity plans (BCP) at Tier-2 level
- Drive qualification of alternate Tier-2 sources
f. Compliance & Regulatory Alignment
- Ensure Tier-2 supply chain aligns with export control and regulatory requirements
- Partner with Global Trade Compliance (GTC) to:
- Manage in-scope suppliers
- Support licensing and compliance requirements
- Ensure Tier-1 suppliers fulfill accountability for Tier-2 compliance
g. Cross-Functional & Executive Engagement
- Lead coordination across:
- Strategic Supplier Management (SSM)
- Engineering / NPI
- Operations & Planning
- Trade Compliance
- Establish governance cadence for China+ and Tier-2 topics
- Provide executive-level visibility into:
- Supply risks
- Escalations
- Cost and sourcing strategy
Key Deliverables
- Tier-2 supplier mapping and visibility dashboards
- Defined Tier-2 engagement and governance model
- Pricing frameworks / agreements for critical Tier-2 suppliers
- Alternate sourcing and BCP plans at Tier-2 level
- China+ program roadmap and execution tracker
Skills & Experience Required:
Technical / Functional
- 8-12+ years of experience in supply chain, strategic sourcing, supplier management, or operations within semiconductor equipment or high-tech manufacturing
- Proven experience in multi-tier supply chain management, including exposure to Tier-2 / sub-tier supplier networks
- Strong background in contract manufacturing (CM) environments and supplier ecosystems
- Demonstrated capability in:
- Supplier negotiation and commercial management
- Cost analysis and pricing strategy
- Supply chain risk management
Leadership & Program Management
- Proven experience leading complex, cross-functional programs (global scope)
- Ability to operate at both strategic (program level) and tactical (supplier engagement) levels
- Strong influencing skills across internal teams and external suppliers
Minimum Qualifications
Educational Background
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Industrial) or Supply Chain Management, Operations, or related technical field
- Master's degree (MBA or equivalent) preferred, especially with focus on Supply Chain, Operations, or Strategy
- Professional certifications such as CPSM, CSCP, or PMP are an advantage
- Exposure to semiconductor equipment or high-tech manufacturing will be great.
- Strong foundation in analytics, cost modeling, or operations management
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