Electronics Category Supply Lead

Location: Adaptable (Hybrid/Remote)Reports To: NAM Sr Supply Manager, Strategic Sourcing Position Summary The Electronics Category Supply Lead is responsible for developing and executing the global sourcing strategy for electronic assemblies, components, and contract manufacturing partners supporting Chemelex’s portfolio of industrial heating, control, sensing, and monitoring products.

This role serves as the subject matter expert for electronic supply chains, working closely with Engineering, Product Management, Operations, Quality, and regional sourcing teams to ensure continuity of supply, competitive cost structures, technology alignment, and supplier performance.

The ideal candidate brings 5–10 years of experience sourcing low-to-medium volume electronic products—including thermostats, controllers, PCBA assemblies, displays, sensors, and embedded electronics—and has successfully managed global contract manufacturers and electronic component suppliers across North America, Europe, and Asia.

This individual will proactively manage supply risk, component obsolescence, supplier capacity, and total cost while supporting new product development, engineering initiatives, and long-term product lifecycle management. Key Responsibilities

Category Strategy Develop and execute the global sourcing strategy for electronics, PCB assemblies, electronic components, and contract manufacturing.

Build multi-year category roadmaps aligned with business growth, product strategy, and technology evolution.

Identify and develop strategic supplier partnerships that provide competitive advantage in cost, quality, innovation, and supply continuity.

Drive supplier rationalization where appropriate while maintaining business continuity and geographic diversification.

Continuously monitor market trends, emerging technologies, and supply chain risks affecting the electronics industry.

Contract Manufacturer

Management

Own strategic relationships with global Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) partners, including responsibility for: Supplier performance management

Capacity planning

Commercial negotiations

Quality and delivery performance

Inventory strategies

Business continuity planning





Cost competitiveness Conduct regular executive business reviews and develop supplier improvement plans to ensure world-class performance. Component & Supply Chain Management Develop sourcing strategies for electronic components including: Microcontrollers

Analog and digital integrated circuits

Power electronics

Sensors

Displays

Relays

Connectors

Passive components

Power supplies

Communication modules

PCB fabrication

Custom cable assemblies Partner with suppliers to: Mitigate component shortages and allocations

Reduce lead times

Resolve end-of-life (EOL) risks

Qualify alternate components and suppliers

Improve overall supply chain resilience Product Lifecycle & Obsolescence Management

Serve as the strategic leader for electronic component lifecycle management across the product portfolio.

Responsibilities include: Monitoring component lifecycle status and identifying emerging obsolescence risks.

Developing proactive mitigation plans for end-of-life (EOL) components.

Coordinating last-time buys, inventory strategies, and alternate component qualification.

Partnering with Engineering and Product Management to prioritize redesign efforts when required.

Building long-term sourcing strategies that reduce dependence on sole-source and obsolete technologies.

Maintaining visibility into semiconductor market trends and supplier product roadmaps to minimize future business disruption.

Engineering

Collaboration & New Product Introduction (NPI) Partner closely with Engineering throughout the product development process to ensure supply chain considerations are incorporated early in design.

Responsibilities include: Supporting supplier selection during concept and development phases.

Driving Design for Supply Chain (DfSC) best practices.

Promoting preferred suppliers, approved manufacturers, and standardized components.

Providing cost models and should-cost analysis during product development.

Supporting Design for Manufacturability (DFM) initiatives with contract manufacturers.

Identifying supply risks before product release.





Accelerating supplier qualification and new product launches.

Influencing component selection to improve availability, reduce lifecycle risk, and optimize total cost of ownership.

Supplier Development

Develop strategic relationships with: Contract manufacturers

PCB fabricators

Electronic component manufacturers

Specialized electronics suppliers Lead supplier audits, performance reviews, corrective action plans, commercial negotiations, and continuous improvement initiatives. Cost LeadershipDrive sustainable cost improvements through: Value engineering

Component rationalization

Supplier negotiations

Alternate sourcing strategies

Manufacturing optimization

Global sourcing initiatives

Design collaboration with Engineering Develop should-cost models for electronic assemblies and components while balancing quality, reliability, and long-term supply continuity.

Risk Management

Identify and mitigate supply risks related to: Sole-source components

Semiconductor availability

Long lead-time materials

Geopolitical exposure

Tariffs and trade regulations

Supplier financial health

Capacity constraints

Business continuity

Component obsolescence Develop contingency plans and dual-source strategies to improve organizational resilience. Cross-Functional Leadership

Collaborate across: Engineering

Supply Chain

Operations

Quality

Product Management

Manufacturing

Finance Serve as the primary sourcing representative for electronics-related initiatives and provide strategic guidance on sourcing decisions that impact product design, cost, and supply continuity. Qualifications

Required Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Business, or a related discipline.

5–10 years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, supplier management, or supply chain within the electronics industry.

Demonstrated experience sourcing low-to-medium volume electronic products.

Experience managing global Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) providers.

Strong knowledge of electronic components, PCB assemblies, and electronics manufacturing processes.

Experience negotiating commercial agreements and supplier contracts.

Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.

Willingness to travel internationally (approximately 20–30%).

📌 Operations - Supply Project Leader III (Edmonton)
🏢 Chemelex
📍 Edmonton