Category Lead, Electronics

Driven by the passion to improve quality of people’s lives, WS Audiology continues to grow as market leader in the hearing aid industry. With our commitment to increase penetration in an underserved hearing care market, we want to accelerate our business transformation in order to reach more people, more effectively. This Category Lead develops the overall strategy for the purchasing of a product category and researches new product options to drive sales and achieve targets. He/she provides category insights and proposals by analyzing product lifecycle and monitoring relevant market conditions. This person will manage negotiation and cost saving projects for rechargeable batteries, cable. adapter, outsourcing and electronics. Annual spend of around EUR 40 Mio. **What you will do** ***: - Be the bridge between Sourcing, R&D and Engineering and drive visibility and alignment to optimize time to market, target costs, new platforms and technologies, supplier selection and risk mitigation from NPI to launch - Optimal selection of vendors and technologies in line with "time to market" expectations, category sourcing strategies and cost targets. This global role reports directly to the Head of Sourcing Power Supply and Accessories. - Engage effectively a complex mix of senior stakeholders: R&D, Advanced Engineering, Manufacturing and other Sourcing leaders globally - Lead the discussion/negotiation with multiple international large suppliers - Identify alternative partners/vendors to optimize cost and or reduce risk - Lead risk mitigation activities, matrix and report - Maintain dashboard of key DTC projects to report progress, savings and review pipeline - Address Commercial alignment to organizational goal (ie payment term, shipping term, liability). **What you bring**: - Experience_ - Technical and cost driver knowledge in direct materials and components, if possible, in electronics - Program and process development to integrate cost savings strategy into product development context - Over 5 years’ experience in a materials-related role - Since many suppliers are based in North Asia, the ability to speak mandarin is required for this role - Personal competencies_ - Excellent communication skills both written and verbal - ability to clearly demonstrate and explain technical opportunities - Ability to work and manage external vendors to deliver results within designated timelines - Ability to handle senior internal and external stakeholders - Drive, determination and high standards. Resilience, high energy and a ‘can-do’ attitude - Strategic mind-set, results orientated, accountable, takes responsibility and leads by example, raising standards - A people-oriented person who is always looking for solutions and bringing quality improvements **Who we are**: At WS Audiology, we provide innovative hearing aids and hearing health services. Together with our 12,000 colleagues in 130 countries, we invite you to help unlock human potential by bringing back hearing for millions of people around the world. With us, you will become part of a truly global company where we care for one another, welcome diversity and celebrate our successes. Sounds wonderful? We can't wait to hear from you. - WS Audiology is an equal-opportunity employer and committed to creating an inclusive employee experience for all. Regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, ancestry, disability, military or veteran status we firmly believe that our work is at its best when everyone feels free to be their most authentic self._