Manager 5, Strategic Sourcing

Company Description

WD is building the infrastructure behind the AI-driven data economy.

As AI scales, so does data. Every interaction, every model, every system generates data that must be stored, managed, and made accessible over time. That’s where we come in.

We combine deep engineering expertise with global-scale manufacturing to deliver the storage systems that make AI possible, powering hyperscale data centers, cloud platforms, and enterprise infrastructure worldwide.

This isn’t theoretical work. It’s real systems, at real scale, people solving some of the hardest challenges in technology today.

We’re looking for people who want to build, solve, and operate at that level.

Join us and let’s shape the future of data.

Job Description

Position Overview

Lead strategic sourcing initiatives for critical capital equipment across Western Digital's global manufacturing operations, driving cost optimization, supply continuity, and technology innovation in alignment with WD's operational excellence and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing Leadership

• Develop and execute comprehensive sourcing strategies for capital equipment portfolios (wafer fabrication, HDD/SSD manufacturing, test equipment) supporting $XXM+ annual spend • Lead cross-functional teams in supplier selection, negotiation, and contract execution for high-value capital investments • Drive Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) optimization through strategic supplier partnerships and innovative commercial models • Establish multi-year sourcing roadmaps aligned with WD's technology roadmap and capacity expansion plans

Supplier Relationship & Risk Management

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with Tier-1 OEMs and equipment suppliers in semiconductor and storage industries • Implement robust supplier performance management systems tracking quality, delivery, technical support, and innovation • Develop supply continuity strategies and risk mitigation plans for critical single-source equipment • Lead supplier business reviews and drive continuous improvement initiatives

Commercial Excellence & Value Creation

• Negotiate complex multi-million-dollar capital equipment agreements, including pricing, payment terms, warranty, service, and IP considerations • Structure creative commercial arrangements (consignment, lease-to-own, performance-based contracts) to optimize cash flow • Drive standardization and commonality initiatives to leverage scale and reduce total cost • Identify and capture cost savings opportunities through value engineering, should-cost analysis, and competitive benchmarking

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Engineering, Operations, Finance, and Legal teams on capital planning, equipment specifications, and investment justifications • Support new product introduction (NPI) and technology transitions with timely equipment procurement • Collaborate with Global Operations on supplier qualification, installation, and ramp activities • Interface with Export Control and Trade Compliance on regulated equipment sourcing

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and mentor sourcing team members, fostering professional development and category expertise • Establish sourcing best practices, processes, and tools to drive efficiency and compliance • Champion digital procurement transformation and adoption of advanced analytics

Qualifications

Experience & Education

• 10+ years progressive procurement/sourcing experience, with 5+ years in capital equipment for semiconductor, HDD, or related high-tech manufacturing • bachelor’s degree in engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred • Proven track record negotiating $50M+ capital equipment deals with major OEMs

Technical & Industry Knowledge

• Deep understanding of semiconductor fab equipment, HDD/SSD manufacturing equipment, or advanced test systems • Knowledge of equipment technology trends, supplier landscapes, and competitive dynamics • Familiarity with capital budgeting, ROI analysis, and equipment depreciation models • Understanding of export controls (EAR, ITAR), IP protection, and technology transfer regulations

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinking with ability to translate business needs into sourcing strategies • Exceptional negotiation skills with demonstrated ability to create win-win outcomes • Strong analytical capabilities including cost modeling, should-cost analysis, and data-driven decision making • Excellent stakeholder management across functions and geographies • Change leadership and ability to drive transformation in complex organizations

Skills & Attributes

• Executive presence and communication skills for senior leadership engagement • Proficiency in procurement systems (SAP, Ariba, Coupa) and advanced Excel/analytics tools • Project management expertise managing multiple complex initiatives simultaneously • Global mindset with experience managing Asia-based supply chains • Results-oriented with bias for action and accountability

Success Metrics

• Capital equipment cost savings and avoidance targets (% YoY improvement) Supplier performance: On-time delivery, quality, and support responsiveness • Supply continuity: Zero line-down events due to equipment/parts availability • Contract compliance and risk mitigation effectiveness • Sourcing cycle time reduction and process efficiency gains • Stakeholder satisfaction scores from Engineering and Operations partners

Location & Travel

• Location: [PN, SWK, JO / Malaysia, SZ/China, GO / CA] • Travel: 20-30% (domestic and international to supplier sites and WD manufacturing facilities)

Additional Information

Western Digital thrives on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company, we believe the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees, our company, our customers, and the world around us. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect and contribution.

Western Digital is committed to offering opportunities to applicants with disabilities and ensuring all candidates can successfully navigate our careers website and our hiring process. Please contact us at  jobs.accommodations@wdc.com to advise us of your accommodation request. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

WD thrives on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company, we believe the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees, our company, our customers, and the world around us. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect and contribution.

WD is committed to offering opportunities to applicants with disabilities and ensuring all candidates can successfully navigate our careers website and our hiring process. Please contact us at jobs.accommodations@wdc.com to advise us of your accommodation request. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

Notice To Candidates: Please be aware that WD and its subsidiaries will never request payment as a condition for applying for a position or receiving an offer of employment. Should you encounter any such requests, please report it immediately to WD Ethics Helpline or email compliance@wdc.com.