Supplier Business Manager
About the role
Company Overview
KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. No laptop, smartphone, wearable device, voice-controlled gadget, flexible screen, VR device or smart car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards and flat panel displays. The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with inspiration, research and development. KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world’s leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow’s electronic devices. Life here is exciting and our teams thrive on tackling really hard problems. There is never a dull moment with us.
Job Description/Preferred Qualifications
Key Responsibilities
I. China+ Program Leadership
Lead execution of China+ strategy to reduce dependency on China and enhance supply chain resilience
Identify at-risk parts and supply chains within regulatory scope
Drive alternate sourcing strategy and supplier transitions outside China
Define and track program milestones (qualification, localization, dual sourcing)
Provide structured updates to senior leadership on progress, risks, and gaps
II. Tier-2 Supplier Management Lead
Tier-2 Supplier Identification & Mapping
Build and maintain end-to-end visibility of Tier-2 supply chain
Identify Tier-2 suppliers across key CMs and critical commodities
Map supply chain dependencies at part and sub-component level
Establish direct engagement model with Tier-2 suppliers, beyond Tier-1/CM layer
Segment Tier-2 suppliers based on criticality, spend, and risk
b. Direct Tier-2 Supplier Management
Establish direct relationships with key Tier-2 suppliers (where strategic/critical)
Act as primary escalation point for Tier-2-related supply issues impacting production
Drive resolution of:
Capacity constraints
Delivery issues
Quality concerns
Enable faster issue resolution by bypassing traditional Tier-1-only communication limitations
c. Commercial & Pricing Ownership (Tier-2)
Lead pricing negotiations and commercial alignment with selected Tier-2 suppliers (in coordination with CMs as required)
Establish:
Pricing visibility where gaps exist
Long-term cost agreements / frameworks
Cost transparency for critical commodities
Support cost optimization initiatives across Tier-2 supply base
d. Contract Manufacturer (CM) Governance
Work closely with Tier-1 suppliers (CMs) to:
Ensure transparency of sub-tier suppliers
Align on Tier-2 strategy and transition plans
Resolve conflicts between CM ownership vs. KLA direct engagement with Tier-2
Define operating model for shared Tier-2 ownership between KLA and CMs
e. Tier-2 Risk Mitigation & Continuity Planning
Identify and mitigate risks in Tier-2 supply chain, including:
Single-source dependencies
Geographic concentration risks
Capacity bottlenecks
Develop and execute business continuity plans (BCP) at Tier-2 level
Drive qualification of alternate Tier-2 sources
f. Compliance & Regulatory Alignment
Ensure Tier-2 supply chain aligns with export control and regulatory requirements
Partner with Global Trade Compliance (GTC) to:
Manage in-scope suppliers
Support licensing and compliance requirements
Ensure Tier-1 suppliers fulfill accountability for Tier-2 compliance
g. Cross-Functional & Executive Engagement
Lead coordination across:
Strategic Supplier Management (SSM)
Engineering / NPI
Operations & Planning
Trade Compliance
Establish governance cadence for China+ and Tier-2 topics
Provide executive-level visibility into:
Supply risks
Escalations
Cost and sourcing strategy
Key Deliverables
Tier-2 supplier mapping and visibility dashboards
Defined Tier-2 engagement and governance model
Pricing frameworks / agreements for critical Tier-2 suppliers
Alternate sourcing and BCP plans at Tier-2 level
China+ program roadmap and execution tracker
Skills & Experience Required:
Technical / Functional
8–12+ years of experience in supply chain, strategic sourcing, supplier management, or operations within semiconductor equipment or high-tech manufacturing
Proven experience in multi-tier supply chain management, including exposure to Tier-2 / sub-tier supplier networks
Strong background in contract manufacturing (CM) environments and supplier ecosystems
Demonstrated capability in:
Supplier negotiation and commercial management
Cost analysis and pricing strategy
Supply chain risk management
Leadership & Program Management
Proven experience leading complex, cross-functional programs (global scope)
Ability to operate at both strategic (program level) and tactical (supplier engagement) levels
Strong influencing skills across internal teams and external suppliers
Minimum Qualifications
Educational Background
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Industrial) or Supply Chain Management, Operations, or related technical field
Master’s degree (MBA or equivalent) preferred, especially with focus on Supply Chain, Operations, or Strategy
Professional certifications such as CPSM, CSCP, or PMP are an advantage
Exposure to semiconductor equipment or high-tech manufacturing will be great.
Strong foundation in analytics, cost modeling, or operations management
We offer a competitive, family friendly total rewards package. We design our programs to reflect our commitment to an inclusive environment, while ensuring we provide benefits that meet the diverse needs of our employees.
Be aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees. KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment. Further, KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA. Please ensure that you have searched KLA’s Careers website for legitimate job postings. KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers. If you are concerned that a communication, an interview, an offer of employment, or that an employee is not legitimate, please send an email to talent.acquisition@kla.com to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.
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