Job Information
MKS Instruments Inc Global Category Director - Electronics in United States
A Day in Your Life at MKS:
As the Category Director – Electronics within our Global Supply Chain organization, you will serve as the enterprise-wide expert for your category. You will own the strategy, performance, and continuous improvement of a complex global supplier landscape—acting as the go‑to authority for all category‑related supply chain matters. In this high‑impact leadership role, you’ll report directly to the Senior Director of Global Supply Chain and help shape the future of our global sourcing capabilities.
As a strategic leader, you will guide and develop a team responsible for driving supplier performance, building resilient supply strategies, and ensuring operational excellence. Your work will directly influence business continuity, cost competitiveness, and innovation across the organization.
You will make an impact by:
Lead electronics category strategy development, performing market analysis, identifying emerging risks and opportunities, and shaping long‑term supply plans
Build and manage high‑performing supplier relationships, ensuring quality, delivery, compliance, and strategic alignment with business goals
Drive cross‑functional collaboration with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Finance, and regional supply chain teams to support product roadmaps and growth initiatives
Oversee supplier performance management, including scorecards, business reviews, corrective actions, and improvement initiatives
Champion risk mitigation, ensuring supply continuity through proactive planning, dual‑sourcing, and effective commercial negotiations
Promote operational excellence and continuous improvement, identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency, reduce cost, and strengthen supply chain resilience
Act as the primary point of contact and category subject‑matter expert, representing category needs across the organization
Perform additional reasonable duties as business needs evolve
What You Bring
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
12+ years of experience driving global supply chain or strategic sourcing initiatives within electronics categories (e.g., semiconductors, PCBA, electronic components, EMS)
8+ years managing global or regional teams
Demonstrated depth in electronics supplier ecosystems, including component manufacturers, distributors, and contract manufacturers
Expertise in electronics category strategy, including supplier segmentation, risk mitigation, lifecycle management (e.g., obsolescence), and long-term sourcing strategy
CPIM and/or APICS certification preferred
Proven leadership experience, with the ability to develop teams and influence cross‑functional partners
Expertise in supplier management, commercial negotiations, forecasting, and strategic sourcing
Physical Demands & Working Conditions
Perform activities such as sitting, standing, or typing for extended periods of time.
Occasionally moves/positions objects up to 15 pounds.
Ability to remain in a stationary position for 40% of the time.
Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand.
Must be able to exchange accurate information.
Ability to observe documents and details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Operates in a professional office and/or manufacturing environment.
Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery.
Noise level in the work environment is usually average.
We are interested in a qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we will not be sponsoring work visas for this position, at this time.
Salary Pay Range: $168,300-$280,500 per year. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law.
At MKS, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role.
Bonus: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS [or as applicable].
Benefits: MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement [and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.].
Relocation benefits are not available for this position.
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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.
MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“MKS”) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.
MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at: accommodationsatMKS@mksinst.com .
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