Senior Category Manager (Spector)

About Veeco
You probably don’t realize it, but what we do at Veeco touches the lives of every person, every day. It’s a bold statement, but it’s true. From the smartphones in our pockets that access the world’s collective knowledge, to the cloud-based services where all that information lives, to high-speed wireless communication and computing power needed to drive artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, gaming and so much more, our technology is all around us. 
 

We design, develop, manufacture, and service highly complex, cutting-edge machines used by our customers to create the essential devices that drive the digital age, connect the world, and improve the human experience. Along with the world’s leading technology companies, many of which are household names, we help solve their most difficult material science challenges, enabling technologies for a more connected, sustainable, and convenient world.
 

We’re looking for material difference-makers to join our growing team. Interested? Learn more at www.veeco.com/careers.

Overview

Veeco is experiencing a period of rapid growth fueled by expanding demand across advanced semiconductor, AI, and high-performance computing markets. As our business scales globally, the strength, resilience, and strategic focus of our supply chain have never been more critical.

We are seeking a Senior Category Manager to lead strategy for a global category. This is a high-impact leadership role where you will shape how Veeco sources, partners, and scales its supply base to support continued innovation and growth.

In this role, you will go beyond traditional sourcing—acting as a strategic leader and trusted partner across Engineering, Operations, and Supply Chain. You will translate complex technical and business requirements into forward-looking category strategies, build high-performing global supplier networks, and influence key decisions that directly impact Veeco’s ability to deliver to customers worldwide.

This is an opportunity to take true ownership of a category, drive measurable business outcomes, and play a pivotal role in enabling Veeco’s next phase of growth.

Preference will be given to candidates based near Somerset, NJ, or those willing to relocate by the start date. Remote work within the U.S. may be considered for exceptional candidates. 

Responsibilities

Strategic Category Leadership

• Own and evolve end-to-end sourcing strategy for a global category aligned to your experience.
• Develop and execute multi-year category roadmaps that support business growth, innovation, and scalability.
• Drive total cost of ownership improvements while ensuring supply continuity and operational excellence.

Market Intelligence & Competitive Positioning

• Build deep expertise in global supply markets, including cost structures, capacity trends, emerging technologies, and supplier landscapes.
• Use market insights to proactively position Veeco for competitive advantage and long-term supply resilience.

Cross-Functional Influence

• Partner closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Finance, and Supply Chain leaders to align sourcing strategies with product and technology roadmaps.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to optimize cost, reduce lead times, and enhance supplier performance.

Supplier Strategy & Relationship Management

• Develop and manage a high-performing global supply base, including supplier selection, onboarding, and development.
• Build strategic partnerships with key suppliers to drive innovation, performance, and long-term value.
• Lead supplier business reviews, performance management, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Commercial & Negotiation Leadership

• Lead complex negotiations and structure agreements that balance cost competitiveness with long-term supply resilience.
• Establish commercial frameworks that protect Veeco’s position while enabling strong supplier partnerships.

Risk Management & Supply Continuity

• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, including single-source exposure, capacity constraints, and geopolitical factors.
• Develop contingency strategies and alternative sourcing approaches to ensure an uninterrupted supply.

Leadership & Communication

• Present strategies and recommendations to senior leadership
• Advance category best practices and sourcing capability
• Ownership & Accountability – Own strategy, decisions, and results.
• Strategic Thinking – Anticipate needs and market shifts.
• Influence Without Authority – Align stakeholders and build trust.
• Decision-Making in Ambiguity – Make sound decisions in complex environments.
• Supplier Leadership – Build strong, high-performing supplier partnerships.
• Change Leadership – Drive continuous improvement in sourcing.
• Executive Communication – Communicate risks and recommendations clearly.
• Talent & Knowledge Leadership – Mentor others and build capability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field is required; an MBA is strongly preferred.
• At least 12 years of progressively responsible experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management
• At least 5 years of proven experience owning and managing complex global categories in a manufacturing or technology-driven environment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Deep expertise in category management, strategic sourcing, supplier development, and commercial negotiations
• Strong ability to translate technical requirements into effective sourcing strategies and supplier decisions
• Proven track record of delivering cost savings, performance improvements, and risk mitigation outcomes
• Strong analytical capabilities, including cost modeling, market analysis, and financial evaluation
• Experience building and managing global supplier networks in complex, fast-paced environments
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage cross-functional teams and senior leadership
• Proficiency in data analysis and presentation tools (Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Experience supporting engineered products, capital equipment, or complex manufacturing environments is preferred.

Salary and Benefits
The expected salary range for this position is $122,926—$155,707, plus a bonus opportunity. We will consider your location, experience, and other job-related factors when determining your pay.

Other benefits include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Holiday, Vacation, and Sick Time
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Commuter Benefits
• Life and Accident Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Identity Theft Remediation
• Emergency Travel Assistance

Veeco is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected characteristics. Veeco is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.