Home Careers Search jobs Category Manager Apply Now In a nutshell Location Tokyo, Japan Team Sourcing and Supply Chain Management Work experience See job description Educational background Physics Materials Science Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering Other technical backgrounds Travel 25% Workplace type Hybrid Fulltime/parttime Full time Share this job New Job ID: J-00350401 Job Description: Regional Category Strategy Manager MLP – Asia Introduction to ASML Sourcing & Procurement ASML’s supply chain is unique in the industry. As a system integrator in a complex ecosystem, ASML depends on suppliers for the majority of cost of goods sold. This model enables flexibility and growth, while requiring suppliers to meet ASML’s standards for quality, logistics, technology, cost and sustainability. Sourcing & Procurement builds the supplier capabilities needed to deliver ASML’s customer commitments, while managing short-term challenges and developing strategic, mutually beneficial supplier relationships. It is category-focused, with strong account management accountability for the total business relationship and material availability, supported by Centers of Excellence for escalations and cross-functional cluster support. The position As Regional Category Strategy Manager Asia, you will shape the Asian long-term supplier strategy for critical products in Machined Ceramics and Glass, optical components and assemblies, light sources, silicon-based devices, metrology and photonics. A key responsibility will consist of scouting and developing the Asia supply chain for the afore mentioned technologies, with a special eye to securing ASML cost and quality goals; this includes enabling and nurturing relationships at multiple levels in the organization, at ASML and its suppliers You will work at the intersection of technology, business strategy and supplier ecosystem development, influencing decisions central to ASML’s ability to scale, innovate and serve customers. The role co-defines, aligns and drives category strategies and supplier selections, ensuring stakeholder alignment and effective execution at supplier and account level. You will collaborate with the Industrial Strategy Department on key make-buy decisions. Given their strategic importance, category strategies require alignment and approval from ASML the leadership of Business Lines and of Development & Engineering (D&E), as well as the relevant Board of Management representatives. Key deliverables and responsibilities Lead Asia supplier landscape development, including supplier scouting, pre-screening, site visits, benchmarking, competency mapping, and supplier shortlisting. Build a structured Asia supplier-development funnel linked to category strategy, technology roadmaps, benchmarking supplier readiness in terms of Quality, Logistics, Technology, Cost, Sustainability (QLTCS) performance, Intellectual Property protection readiness, and fit with ASML strategy and way of working. Identify supplier capability gaps and define development actions to enable manufacturing of high complexity components, assemblies, modules, in support of present and future technology requirements. Translate regional supplier intelligence into strategic recommendations for supplier selection, supplier development, capability investment, risk mitigation, and executive decision-making. Co-develop and maintain global category strategies, including long-term vision, supplier landscape, technology roadmaps, commercial models, risk-reward considerations and business alignment. Drive approved category strategies at supplier and account level, monitor deployment gaps and resolve or escalate issues. Prepare supplier selection proposals, stakeholder alignment and decision-making forums. Ensure Sourcing & Procurement is engaged early in design, requirement definition and specification development for new product introductions. Represent the category in cross-functional forums, working closely with D&E and Research & Technology and securing executive support where required. Support Industrial Strategy in make-buy assessments. Advance internal and supplier technology roadmaps by defining targets, supporting decision points and aligning priorities across functions. Purpose of the category strategies Secure long-term supply chain capabilities for ASML’s business goals. Build resilience and business continuity in critical supply chains. Enable ASML technology roadmaps while protecting intellectual property. Support ASML and customer cost and quality roadmaps. Contribute to ASML ESG ambitions and manage business cycles. Candidate profile: education, experience and background Experience working with suppliers in Asia is beneficial and can help accelerate the effectiveness within the role Master’s or PhD degree, preferably in a technical, business, supply chain or strategy-related field. Typically 10–15 years of experience in advanced technology, such as semiconductor, defense, telecom or a sim