Western Digital Hiring! Full Time Manager 5, Strategic Sourcing in Pulau Pinang - Ricebowl

Position Overview

Lead strategic sourcing initiatives for critical capital equipment across Western Digital's global manufacturing operations, driving cost optimization, supply continuity, and technology innovation in alignment with WD's operational excellence and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing Leadership

• Develop and execute comprehensive sourcing strategies for capital equipment portfolios (wafer fabrication, HDD/SSD manufacturing, test equipment) supporting $XXM+ annual spend • Lead cross-functional teams in supplier selection, negotiation, and contract execution for high-value capital investments • Drive Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) optimization through strategic supplier partnerships and innovative commercial models • Establish multi-year sourcing roadmaps aligned with WD's technology roadmap and capacity expansion plans

Supplier Relationship & Risk Management

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with Tier-1 OEMs and equipment suppliers in semiconductor and storage industries • Implement robust supplier performance management systems tracking quality, delivery, technical support, and innovation • Develop supply continuity strategies and risk mitigation plans for critical single-source equipment • Lead supplier business reviews and drive continuous improvement initiatives

Commercial Excellence & Value Creation

• Negotiate complex multi-million-dollar capital equipment agreements, including pricing, payment terms, warranty, service, and IP considerations • Structure creative commercial arrangements (consignment, lease-to-own, performance-based contracts) to optimize cash flow • Drive standardization and commonality initiatives to leverage scale and reduce total cost • Identify and capture cost savings opportunities through value engineering, should-cost analysis, and competitive benchmarking

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Engineering, Operations, Finance, and Legal teams on capital planning, equipment specifications, and investment justifications • Support new product introduction (NPI) and technology transitions with timely equipment procurement • Collaborate with Global Operations on supplier qualification, installation, and ramp activities • Interface with Export Control and Trade Compliance on regulated equipment sourcing

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and mentor sourcing team members, fostering professional development and category expertise • Establish sourcing best practices, processes, and tools to drive efficiency and compliance • Champion digital procurement transformation and adoption of advanced analytics

Experience & Education

• 10+ years progressive procurement/sourcing experience, with 5+ years in capital equipment for semiconductor, HDD, or related high-tech manufacturing • bachelor’s degree in engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred • Proven track record negotiating $50M+ capital equipment deals with major OEMs

Technical & Industry Knowledge

• Deep understanding of semiconductor fab equipment, HDD/SSD manufacturing equipment, or advanced test systems • Knowledge of equipment technology trends, supplier landscapes, and competitive dynamics • Familiarity with capital budgeting, ROI analysis, and equipment depreciation models • Understanding of export controls (EAR, ITAR), IP protection, and technology transfer regulations

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinking with ability to translate business needs into sourcing strategies • Exceptional negotiation skills with demonstrated ability to create win-win outcomes • Strong analytical capabilities including cost modeling, should-cost analysis, and data-driven decision making • Excellent stakeholder management across functions and geographies • Change leadership and ability to drive transformation in complex organizations

Skills & Attributes

• Executive presence and communication skills for senior leadership engagement • Proficiency in procurement systems (SAP, Ariba, Coupa) and advanced Excel/analytics tools • Project management expertise managing multiple complex initiatives simultaneously • Global mindset with experience managing Asia-based supply chains • Results-oriented with bias for action and accountability

Success Metrics

• Capital equipment cost savings and avoidance targets (% YoY improvement) Supplier performance: On-time delivery, quality, and support responsiveness • Supply continuity: Zero line-down events due to equipment/parts availability • Contract compliance and risk mitigation effectiveness • Sourcing cycle time reduction and process efficiency gains • Stakeholder satisfaction scores from Engineering and Operations partners

Location & Travel

• Location: [PN, SWK, JO / Malaysia, SZ/China, GO / CA] • Travel: 20-30% (domestic and international to supplier sites and WD manufacturing facilities)