Job Description

Are you naturally curious? So are we at MKS. Our collective curiosity drives us to be an innovation leader in many industries. Our products drive technology advancements across a wide range of applications such as 5G, augmented/virtual reality, autonomous vehicles, clean drinking water and space exploration. We are a team of collaborators who value fresh thinking and believe in mutual respect, constructive candor, diversity and inclusion. As a valued and trusted partner to our customers, we are continually pushing the boundaries of possibility. We believe in creating technology that transforms our world and are looking for like-minded individuals to join our team. If this is appealing to you, we want to meet you.

We are looking for an exceptional Category Manager who is a subject matter expert in machining and has a strong desire to learn and grow with an innovative company.  You will effectively understand market trends that impact the category.  Parameters that may be examined will include the strategy development process, RFx sourcing, all phases of marketplace analysis, supplier selection, supplier relationship management, consumption management, supplier risk management, negotiation, and contracting.  Additionally, you will identify and develop new suppliers and improve existing supplier performance in support of MKS global category sourcing strategies. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a collaborative international environment navigating multiple technologies, systems, processes, organizations, sites, cultures and practices to develop and or support a robust category strategy.

How you will achieve this:

• Partner with MKS engineers, SQEs and regional category managers to create and implement a comprehensive category strategy for fabrication with defined plans for cost savings, risk assessment and mitigation, and service level agreements
• Solve complex problems that are important to the success of the organization and draw on experience to successfully negotiate lowest total cost of ownership/best price, OTD, lead times, customer satisfaction, and quality
• Collaborate directly with MKS Design Engineering, machining and mechanical product suppliers, in the active development of specific supply strategy for the key technologies and associated mechanical components
• Create a total cost of ownership models, which includes the entire supply chain from sub-supplier, material, logistics, and other variables
• Take a leadership role championing departmental or cross-functional engineering and sourcing initiatives to improve reliability, cost, and lead time

What will you bring to the team, along with your adaptability is:

• A Bachelor of Science degree preferably in Mechanical Engineering and/or Supply Chain, or equivalent experience
• Working knowledge of machining methods/techniques, materials, and mechanical components including geometric dimensioning and tolerancing methodology
• 4+ years of Category Management experience working in a diverse supply chain organization
• Knowledge of negotiations, RFx sourcing processes, contract development and ability to develop/draft complete pro forma contract terms and conditions
• Ability to develop a comprehensive category strategy that takes into consideration company strategy, market trends, best practices, risks, and supplier capabilities and capacity
• Flexibility to travel globally up to 30% of the time

MKS Instruments, Inc. is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity employer. We solicit and hire applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected category. Our policy is to employ the most qualified applicants. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with company policies and federal and state guidelines.

Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be “U.S. persons.” “U.S. persons” are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.