Senior Manager, Strategic Sourcing
Western Digital
- Location
- Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia
- Employment
- Full Time
- Work model
- On-Site
- Level
- Senior
- Posted
- 1h ago
About this role
Senior Manager, Strategic Sourcing Full-time Job Type (exemption status): Exempt position - Please see related compensation & benefits details below Business Function: Strategic Sourcing Work Location: Bayan Lepas PN2--LOC_WDT_MY0704 Location (Secondary): KL COE Office--LOC_WDT_KL COE Company Description WD is building the infrastructure behind the AI-driven data economy. As AI scales, so does data. Every interaction, every model, every system generates data that must be stored, managed, and made accessible over time. That’s where we come in. We combine deep engineering expertise with global-scale manufacturing to deliver the storage systems that make AI possible, powering hyperscale data centers, cloud platforms, and enterprise infrastructure worldwide. This isn’t theoretical work. It’s real systems, at real scale, people solving some of the hardest challenges in technology today. We’re looking for people who want to build, solve, and operate at that level. Join us and let’s shape the future of data.
Job Description
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 Qualifications Required : • 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