Category Leader – Direct Material & IT

About Tower Semiconductor

Looking for a career path in the high-tech industry? Become part of a team focused on delivering the most exciting semiconductor technology in the world! If you enjoy working with others in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and are looking for an opportunity to grow your career in this exciting industry, then Tower Semiconductor is the place to be!

Tower Semiconductor, the leading foundry of high-value analog semiconductor solutions, provides technology, development, and process platforms for analog integrated circuits to more than 300 customers worldwide across growing markets such as communications, mobile, infrastructure, consumer, industrial, automotive, medical, and aerospace and defense, among others.

Join Tower and become part of a dynamic organization with exceptionally talented and dedicated team members who work collaboratively to provide best-in-class technological solutions to our clients.

Job Description:

The Category Leader – For Direct Material & IT is an individual contributor role supporting the Category Director in developing and executing sourcing strategies for direct materials (e.g., Silicon wafers) and IT products and services across Tower’s global operations. This role blends analytics, cross‑functional collaboration, supplier engagement, planning, placing orders, and negotiation support to drive cost, quality, and performance improvements.

Key Responsibilities:

Support the Category Director in implementing the 7‑step strategic sourcing process for Direct Material and IT categories:

1. Identify sourcing needs: Analyze Tower global demand, consumption patterns, and historical spend for direct materials (Silicon wafers)
2. Supply market analysis: Evaluate market trends, risks, technology shifts, cost drivers, and supplier capabilities.
3. Develop sourcing strategy: Use data analytics and cross‑functional input to define sourcing approaches, RFP/RFQ processes, and supplier performance metrics.
4. Supplier analysis: Conduct market research and supplier evaluations to identify qualified suppliers. Establish competitive opening positions and target outcomes for negotiations.
5. Negotiate with suppliers: Support planning and execution of negotiations, including strategy development, trade‑off analysis, and scenario planning.
6. Execute and integrate: Ensure smooth implementation by coordinating with internal stakeholders, IT teams, engineering, operations, and suppliers. Maintain transparent communication throughout execution of planning and issue POs.
7. Benchmark and track results: Monitor supplier performance, validate cost savings, and drive continuous improvement in cost, quality, and supply reliability.

Additional responsibilities:

• Monitor the market and Tower trends and supply risks; recommend proactive actions.
• Coordinate with the Tower local sites and follow up on cross‑site initiatives.
• Drive cost reduction, process optimization, and supplier performance improvements.
• Lead key activities such as supplier scorecards, RFQs, contract renewals, and new agreement creation.

This job is for you if you:

• Want to influence corporate performance through strategic sourcing of critical Direct Material and IT categories.
• Enjoy working with multidisciplinary teams in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Technical background or familiarity with semiconductor manufacturing or IT systems – Advantage
• 2–4 years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supplier management – Advantage
• Strong verbal and written communication skills (English).
• Negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.