Sr. Procurement Manager, Direct Procurement

Description Synaptics is leading the charge in AI at the Edge, bringing AI closer to end users and transforming how we engage with intelligent connected devices, whether at home, at work, or on the move. As the go-to partner for the world’s most forward-thinking product innovators, Synaptics powers the future with its cutting-edge Synaptics Astra™ AI-Native embedded compute, Veros™ wireless connectivity, and multimodal sensing solutions. We’re making the digital experience smarter, faster, more intuitive, secure, and seamless. From touch, display, and biometrics to AI-driven wireless connectivity, video, vision, audio, speech, and security processing, Synaptics is the force behind the next generation of technology enhancing how we live, work, and play. Overview Synaptics is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Sr. Procurement Manager, Direct Procurement to join our team. In this role, you will lead sourcing, negotiation, and lifecycle management of critical engineering technologies, including third-party IP, internal and external IP portfolio management, and engineering software tools supporting PC and laptop development environments. This position reports to the Sr. Director, CAD. The typical base pay range for this position is USD $131,000 - $206,800 per year. Individual pay is determined by many factors including work location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. This position is also eligible for a discretionary annual performance bonus, equity, and other benefits. Note that compensation listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include bonus, equity, or benefits. Responsibilities & Competencies Job Duties Lead sourcing, evaluation, and acquisition of third-party semiconductor and system IP used in product development Negotiate licensing and renewal agreements, royalties, usage rights, and commercial terms Manage the lifecycle of externally licensed IP, including renewals, compliance, and cost optimization Maintain visibility into and coordination of the internal IP portfolio, including tracking usage, dependencies, and alignment with product development needs Partner with engineering and legal teams to ensure technical alignment, proper usage, and contractual compliance across both internal and external IP Own procurement and vendor management for engineering software used across PC and laptop environments, including: Engineering productivity tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink and similar platforms) Modeling and simulation platforms Algorithm development tools Data analysis and visualization software Serve as the primary commercial interface for strategic technology and IP vendors Drive cost savings while ensuring uninterrupted access to critical technologies with a focus on pricing, licensing models and multi-year agreements Partner closely with engineering, IT, finance, and legal teams to align sourcing strategies with product and technology roadmaps Support budgeting and forecasting for software and IP investments Establish and maintain best practices for technology procurement, IP management, and license governance Ensure compliance with internal procurement policies and audit requirements Maintain working knowledge of EDA tools used in semiconductor design environments, with these tools representing a lower priority relative to PC-based engineering software and IP licensing Competencies Ability to align engineering capacity, priorities, and schedules to business goals Strong understanding of engineering workflows and tools, particularly in PC/laptop-based development environments Proactive self-starter: able to anticipate changes in product roadmaps or capacity and adjust plans quickly Well organized with strong attention to detail; ensures plans are realistic, measurable, and effectively tracked Positive attitude and work ethic; unafraid to ask questions and explore new ideas Excellent analytical skills; resourceful in finding solutions to complex challenges Excellent cross-functional collaboration skills with engineering, legal, and finance teams Good verbal, and written communication skills with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a cross functional team Qualifications (Requirements) Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in Electrical Engineering, or related field or equivalent Professional certification (e.g., CPM, CPSM) is a plus 12+ years of experience in direct procurement, strategic sourcing, or vendor management within a technology or semiconductor environment Proven experience with third-party IP licensing and/or IP portfolio management Demonstrated experience in leading negotiations in software licensing agreements, technology contracts, or IP agreements and manage high-value supplier relationships Experience in semiconductor or high-tech product development environments Familiarity with third-party semiconductor IP ecosystems Exposure to EDA tools and design workflows Minimal travel up to 10% required Belief in Diversity Synaptics is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to workforce diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, or genetic information.