Littelfuse (NASDAQ: LFUS) is a diversified industrial technology manufacturing company shaping solutions for the safe and efficient transfer of electrical energy. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, USA, we serve customers across industrial, transportation, and electronics markets worldwide. With approximately 16,000 employees we design and manufacture innovative technologies that support electrification, energy efficiency, and advanced automation. Our global reach is matched by a culture that empowers innovation and long-term growth. Guided by our principles We Care, We Succeed With Our Customers, and We Own the Outcome, we work collaboratively, think boldly, and deliver solutions that move industries forward.
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced and results-oriented Regional Direct Materials Procurement Manager with profound experience and proficiency in procurement process excellence. This role is fully responsible for end-to-end regional procurement management of direct materials, including lead frame, bonding wire, molding compound, solder paste, baseplate, DCB substrates, and module housings.
The incumbent will own regional category sourcing strategy, supplier development & risk management, cost-down projects, and mass production material stability assurance. This position closely supports semiconductor NPI validation, trial production, mass production ramp-up and regional capacity expansion, ensuring high-quality, cost-effective, and stable regional direct material supply chain operation.
1. Direct Material Category Sourcing & Regional Strategic Layout
Take full ownership of procurement lifecycle for direct materials: lead frame, bonding wire, molding compound, solder paste, baseplate, DCB substrates and module housings. Cover NPI sample sourcing, engineering verification, small-batch trial production and large-volume mass production supply arrangement for regional manufacturing sites. Develop and execute regional localized sourcing strategies for packaging direct materials, actively develop qualified regional suppliers, optimize regional supply chain layout, reduce overseas supply dependency, shorten material lead time and lower cross-region logistics costs. Independently lead RFQ/RFP, technical qualification review, commercial negotiation, master agreement signing, annual volume allocation and unified regional pricing management for all core direct material suppliers. Conduct in-depth cost structure breakdown and regular market benchmarking to sustain procurement cost competitiveness. Collaborate with R&D, process engineering and quality teams to drive alternate material evaluation, supplier technical upgrading and material specification optimization for lead frame, DCB substrates and molding compound, balance production quality stability and procurement cost benefits.
2. Regional Supplier Management & Systematic Risk Control
Conduct strict supplier pre-qualification and factory audit for regional direct material vendors, assess supplier’s production capacity, quality system, financial status, delivery capability and compliance with RoHS, conflict minerals and semiconductor industry specifications. Implement regular QCDS (Quality, Cost, Delivery, Service) quarterly performance appraisal for all core material suppliers, track underperforming suppliers, push corrective & preventive actions, and drive continuous supplier capability improvement. Build exclusive risk management framework for direct materials, monitor key risks including single-source dependency, copper/silver/raw resin price fluctuation, supplier capacity constraint, cross-region logistics delay and batch quality failure risk. Develop dual-source and multi-source backup supply strategy for critical materials (DCB substrates, lead frame, molding compound), formulate emergency contingency supply plans to avoid mass production shutdown and line stop risks caused by material shortage or quality abnormality. Rapidly respond to incoming quality issues, delivery delay and technical mismatches of direct materials, coordinate cross-functional teams to resolve on-site supply exceptions and stabilize production output.
3. Cost Management & Procurement Performance Delivery
Undertake annual regional direct material cost-saving targets for lead frame, bonding wire, molding compound, solder paste, baseplate, DCB and housings. Deliver sustainable cost reduction through supplier consolidation, localized substitution, volume bundling negotiation and process optimization. Continuously track upstream raw material market trends (copper, silver, ceramic, resin), conduct regular cost forecasting and market analysis, provide accurate data support for company budget planning and annual cost strategy. Strictly control regional direct material procurement budget and spend, monitor cost variation, avoid abnormal cost increment, and ensure annual procurement performance targets are fully achieved.
4. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Production Support
Align closely with production planning, manufacturing, process engineering, quality and NPI teams to guarantee full material coverage for new product verification, trial run and mass production ramp-up. Provide fast response to urgent production material demands and regional supply emergencies, ensure zero major material shortage impact on module production. Support regional factory capacity expansion and new product iteration, match supplier capacity layout of core packaging materials to meet long-term business growth demands.
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Bachelor degree or above in Supply Chain Management, Materials Engineering, Electronic Engineering or related majors; MBA, CPSM or CSCP certification is highly preferred.
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Minimum 5 years of semiconductor industry procurement experience, solid hands-on experience in direct material procurement, familiar with lead frame, bonding wire, molding compound, solder paste, baseplate, DCB and housing procurement business; regional procurement management experience is mandatory.
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Possess profound experience and proficient capabilities in procurement process excellence, with proven track record in P2P process optimization, SOP standardization and procurement efficiency improvement for direct materials.
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In-depth understanding of semiconductor manufacturing process, core material technical specifications, quality standards and regional supplier market landscape.
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Strong comprehensive capabilities including cost analysis, commercial negotiation, supplier audit, risk assessment and project management.
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Proficient in SAP/ERP procurement system and Office tools, capable of data analysis, KPI tracking and standardized report output.
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Excellent cross-functional communication, problem-solving and emergency response capabilities, able to work under high-pressure mass production environment.
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Familiar with regional supply chain rules, cross-site material allocation and import/export logistics clearance process.
Preferred Qualifications
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Own mature and stable regional supplier resources for lead frame, DCB substrates, molding compound, bonding wire and module housings.
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Successful experience in localized supplier development, alternate material qualification and direct material cost-down projects.
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Rich experience in supply risk contingency handling for high-volume module mass production.
At Littelfuse, we support employee growth and development. Guided by our culture principles, our teams work together to deliver value for customers and make a positive impact in the communities where we operate. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to grow and contribute. We offer competitive compensation and benefits, performance-based incentives, flexible work arrangements, and development opportunities.
