Global Supplier Manager

Job Description

This position in the Global Procurement Office is responsible for managing strategic suppliers to align with the internal business and technical needs across multiple business units.  The chosen candidate will closely collaborate with all the Advantest business units, R&D, procurement, and supply chain organizations worldwide on the strategies for technical and commercial elements of supply chain management of specific suppliers.  The role is to influence suppliers to grow and maintain interest in doing business, as well as improve and streamline the procurement process for manufacturing by assuring supplier capabilities meet Advantest’s engineering and business needs and goals.

 The Global Supplier Manager responsibilities:

• Accountable to develop, implement, and lead a supplier relationship management strategy for strategic suppliers and responsible for ongoing relationship management.
• Work as cross functional interface with internal stakeholders of multiple business units to communicate and develop the strategic supplier plan in accordance with the long-range business plan and needs, and to help drive a global commodity strategy.

·         Ability to manage a supplier by using a consultative approach by thoroughly understanding supplier’s product portfolio and organizational dynamics, then working with supplier to define and propose the most compelling solution to align with Advantest requirements.

·         Create such value with their expertise and guidance that the candidate becomes an integral part of supplier’s business process and is able to maintain strong business relationships to have influence on the supplier’s decision processes.

• Support internal cross-functional teams to collaborate and serve as an expert by developing and maintaining strategic alignment between business units and Suppliers.
• Document and provide assessment of supplier’s assurance of supply, component risk portfolio, and business continuity plans, and help develop risk management and mitigation plans if required.
• Work with procurement and R&D teams to prepare and help lead solicitations (RFQs, RFPs, RFIs) for each supplier by providing support and guidance.
• Collaborate with business units and procurement to create, negotiate, and maintain relevant contracts, purchase specifications, and mutual expectation documents to minimize gaps in supplier capability requirements.
• Negotiate pricing with suppliers based on projected volume sales to ensure that the company is getting the best price possible.
• Work with global procurement teams to monitor supplier performance to ensure that they are delivering quality products on time and within budget.
• Specific responsibilities may vary depending upon changing needs within the global supply chain.

The ideal candidate should exhibit the following behavioral traits:

• Firm grasp of stakeholder management, problem-solving, and results orientation.
• Work independently in a highly matrixed global structure and have excellent listening, written, and verbal communication.
• Strong time management skills and ability to coordinate across multiple time zones and balance multiple priorities.
• Ability to think strategically, but also is extremely comfortable with granularity (think globally, but can act regionally)
• Good interpersonal skills and is confident in dealing with and building relationships internally and with suppliers
• Strong communication skills and ability to encourage suppliers and stakeholders to meet required solutions and deadlines
• Capable to work independently and in a team environment.
• Personal initiative upon receiving management guidance and direction.

Qualifications

You must possess the below minimum qualifications to be initially considered for this position. Preferred qualifications are in addition to the minimum requirements and are considered a plus factor in identifying top candidates. 

Minimum Qualifications:

·         Master’s degree in business or Bachelor's in Engineering (preferably in EE)

·         10+ years of experience in the semiconductor field in strategic sourcing and commodity management, or in sales account management

·         Demonstrated experience with supplier and/or customer relationship management including executive level

• Experience working across global organizations and geographies

Preferred Qualifications:

·         Experience and knowledge about semiconductor fab processes and manufacturing including packaging materials and technologies