Expert - Electronics Category Management
About Us
Axelera AI is not your regular deep-tech startup. We are creating the next-generation AI platform to support anyone who wants to help advancing humanity and improve the world around us.
In just three years, we have raised a total of $120 million and have built a world-class team of 180+ employees (including 55+ PhDs with more than 40,000 citations), both remotely from 11 different countries and with offices in Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, the UK, headquartered at the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven, Netherlands.
We have also launched our Metis™ AI Platform, which achieves a 3-5x increase in efficiency and performance, and have visibility into a strong business pipeline exceeding $100 million.
Our unwavering commitment to innovation has firmly established us as a global industry pioneer.
Are you up for the challenge?
Position Overview
As Electronics Category Manager at Axelera AI, you will lead the strategic procurement and supplier management for electronic components and assemblies. Reporting to the Director of Procurement and Supply Chain, you'll drive cost optimization, supplier partnerships, and new product introduction (NPI) processes while ensuring quality, delivery, and competitive pricing across our electronics supply base. This role requires deep market knowledge, strategic thinking, and strong cross-functional collaboration skills.
Key responsibilities:
Strategic Category Management: Lead end-to-end procurement strategy for electronics components, managing relationships with Contract Manufacturers (CM), Original Design Manufacturers (ODM), and Electronics Manufacturers (EM) to optimize total cost of ownership and supply security.
Market Intelligence and Cost Management: Continuously monitor and analyze market pricing trends for electronic components, providing insights and recommendations to drive competitive advantage and cost reduction initiatives.
New Product Introduction (NPI) Support: Partner closely with R&D and IS teams throughout the product development lifecycle, managing component selection, supplier qualification, and ramp-up processes to ensure successful product launches and scalable manufacturing.
Cost Optimization and Value Engineering: Drive comprehensive cost optimization across component procurement, PCB assembly processes, and logistics operations through strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, and process improvements.
Strategic Supplier Partnerships: Negotiate and execute long-term agreements with preferred suppliers, establishing predictable and sustainable commercial models that support business growth and risk mitigation.
Supplier Performance Management: Conduct quarterly business reviews (QBRs) with key suppliers, monitoring performance against quality, delivery, and cost KPIs while driving continuous improvement initiatives.
Quality and Delivery Assurance: Ensure all procurement activities meet stringent quality standards while delivering components and assemblies on time and at competitive prices.
Qualifications:
Minimum 7-10 years of experience in electronics category management, strategic procurement, or supplier management within the semiconductor/high-tech industry
Proven track record in managing Contract Manufacturers, ODMs, and Electronics Manufacturers
Deep understanding of electronic component markets, pricing dynamics, and supply chain complexities
Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) processes and cross-functional collaboration with R&D teams
Strong background in cost optimization, value engineering, and supplier negotiation
Demonstrated ability to develop and execute long-term supplier strategies and commercial agreements
Experience conducting supplier performance reviews and driving continuous improvement
Excellent analytical skills with proficiency in market analysis and cost modeling
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or Business; advanced degree preferred
Experience with ERP systems and procurement software platforms
Location
We offer a flexible, hybrid arrangement, with options to work from one of our Axelera AI offices (Amsterdam or Eindhoven in the Netherlands, Florence or Milan in Italy) or work fully remotely from any European country (incl. the UK) you are already based in.`
What we offer
This is your chance to shape and be part of a dynamic, fast-growing, international organization. We offer an attractive compensation package, including a pension plan, extensive employee insurances and the option to get company shares.
An open culture that supports creativity and continual innovation is awaiting you. Collaborative ownership and freedom with responsibility is characteristic for the way we act and work as a team.
At Axelera AI, we wholeheartedly embrace equal opportunity and hold diversity in the highest regard. Our steadfast commitment is to cultivate a warm and inclusive environment that empowers and celebrates every member of our team. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds to join us in shaping the future of AI.
About the job
Apply for this position
Expert - Electronics Category Management
About Us
Axelera AI is not your regular deep-tech startup. We are creating the next-generation AI platform to support anyone who wants to help advancing humanity and improve the world around us.
In just three years, we have raised a total of $120 million and have built a world-class team of 180+ employees (including 55+ PhDs with more than 40,000 citations), both remotely from 11 different countries and with offices in Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, the UK, headquartered at the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven, Netherlands.
We have also launched our Metis™ AI Platform, which achieves a 3-5x increase in efficiency and performance, and have visibility into a strong business pipeline exceeding $100 million.
Our unwavering commitment to innovation has firmly established us as a global industry pioneer.
Are you up for the challenge?
Position Overview
As Electronics Category Manager at Axelera AI, you will lead the strategic procurement and supplier management for electronic components and assemblies. Reporting to the Director of Procurement and Supply Chain, you'll drive cost optimization, supplier partnerships, and new product introduction (NPI) processes while ensuring quality, delivery, and competitive pricing across our electronics supply base. This role requires deep market knowledge, strategic thinking, and strong cross-functional collaboration skills.
Key responsibilities:
Strategic Category Management: Lead end-to-end procurement strategy for electronics components, managing relationships with Contract Manufacturers (CM), Original Design Manufacturers (ODM), and Electronics Manufacturers (EM) to optimize total cost of ownership and supply security.
Market Intelligence and Cost Management: Continuously monitor and analyze market pricing trends for electronic components, providing insights and recommendations to drive competitive advantage and cost reduction initiatives.
New Product Introduction (NPI) Support: Partner closely with R&D and IS teams throughout the product development lifecycle, managing component selection, supplier qualification, and ramp-up processes to ensure successful product launches and scalable manufacturing.
Cost Optimization and Value Engineering: Drive comprehensive cost optimization across component procurement, PCB assembly processes, and logistics operations through strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, and process improvements.
Strategic Supplier Partnerships: Negotiate and execute long-term agreements with preferred suppliers, establishing predictable and sustainable commercial models that support business growth and risk mitigation.
Supplier Performance Management: Conduct quarterly business reviews (QBRs) with key suppliers, monitoring performance against quality, delivery, and cost KPIs while driving continuous improvement initiatives.
Quality and Delivery Assurance: Ensure all procurement activities meet stringent quality standards while delivering components and assemblies on time and at competitive prices.
Qualifications:
Minimum 7-10 years of experience in electronics category management, strategic procurement, or supplier management within the semiconductor/high-tech industry
Proven track record in managing Contract Manufacturers, ODMs, and Electronics Manufacturers
Deep understanding of electronic component markets, pricing dynamics, and supply chain complexities
Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) processes and cross-functional collaboration with R&D teams
Strong background in cost optimization, value engineering, and supplier negotiation
Demonstrated ability to develop and execute long-term supplier strategies and commercial agreements
Experience conducting supplier performance reviews and driving continuous improvement
Excellent analytical skills with proficiency in market analysis and cost modeling
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or Business; advanced degree preferred
Experience with ERP systems and procurement software platforms
Location
We offer a flexible, hybrid arrangement, with options to work from one of our Axelera AI offices (Amsterdam or Eindhoven in the Netherlands, Florence or Milan in Italy) or work fully remotely from any European country (incl. the UK) you are already based in.`
What we offer
This is your chance to shape and be part of a dynamic, fast-growing, international organization. We offer an attractive compensation package, including a pension plan, extensive employee insurances and the option to get company shares.
An open culture that supports creativity and continual innovation is awaiting you. Collaborative ownership and freedom with responsibility is characteristic for the way we act and work as a team.
At Axelera AI, we wholeheartedly embrace equal opportunity and hold diversity in the highest regard. Our steadfast commitment is to cultivate a warm and inclusive environment that empowers and celebrates every member of our team. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds to join us in shaping the future of AI.