Strategic Sourcing Manager

Location:
Haag, St. Gallen, CHEmployment Type: PermanentAbout VAT GroupAt VAT, we change the world with vacuum solutions. As the world’s leading supplier of high-performance vacuum valves, we have been driving innovation for more than 60 years. With over 3,200 employees worldwide, we operate from our headquarters in Haag, Switzerland, with manufacturing sites in Switzerland, Malaysia and Romania, as well as sales and service hubs around the world. We are guided by our passions integrity, teamwork, customer centricity, and innovation – always working together as #oneVAT.
Joining us means becoming part of a passionate, international team where your voice is heard, your ideas matter, and your career growth is supported.
Strategic Sourcing Manager
- Raw Material Surface TreatmentPurpose Of The RoleDeveloping and executing global sourcing strategies for the assigned direct materials categories: Raw Material Surface TreatmentActing as a business partner to key stakeholders in business (Business Units, Engineering, etc.) and Operations (Product Line Supply Chain, Supplier Quality, Production, Materials Management, etc.)The global category manager shall sustain the Global Strategic Sourcing Operating Model and provide the supply capability and capacity at best cost to support the company’s future business needs and protection of brand valueApplication of aligned sourcing processes, sustainable supplier assessments and development approach, a performing and regulatory compliant supply base footprint shall be established and actively managed, contributing to the enhancement of the supply base performance on Quality, Delivery and Cost (QCD)Realization of a measurable value 3% in recurring and PL effective cost reductions per year across the global 3rd party spend in the assigned spend categories accompanied by a leveraged and benchmarked supply base managementGrow and further develop a qualified and performing Best Cost Country Supply Base in line with the companies and operations BCC objectives preferably in Eastern Europe and manage a sustainable spend allocationResponsibilitiesManagement of own material categories (capacity, knowledge management, performance)Accountable for contributing to the global Direct Material Supply Base Performance (QCD)Representing own direct material categories within the VAT organizationAccountable for the category specific achievement of the objectives of cost optimization, supply base optimization, geographic sourcing footprint and Best Cost Country SourcingProviding forward-looking guidance on trends, threats and opportunities in own categories (eg. raw materials etc.)Active contribution to the bottom up alignment of the Direct Materials Category Team with the defined / set company objectivesInterface to BU / Engineering for Strategic Sourcing activities along with the PDP (IP07) processAct as a change agent in regards to main stakeholdersPerform the development of category sourcing strategies applying and complying with defined methods and toolsActive supplier relationship management of the global supply base within its own category perimeter in alignment with the category teams in Switzerland, Malaysia and RomaniaEnsure consistent application of all Sourcing LeversContribution to main Sourcing KPIsAssembles and actively leads category specific / cross-functional sourcing boardActively monitors and performs a supply base risk assessment across its own categoriesParticipates in and contributes to continuous improvement of direct material practicesQualifications5+ years in-depth strategic and operational sourcing experience with a solid working knowledge of global category managementDemonstrated work experience on category specific production techniques and processesKnowledge about category sourcing marketsOffice Software / IT application (esp. Excel, Word, Power Point etc.)Sourcing in Eastern Europe, Asia and experience in Best Cost Country and spend relocation activitiesWorking experience within a global complex organizationExperience in the field of machine building, vacuum technology and semiconductorsCross-function / category team management (min. functional)Sensible and emphatic communication skills with suppliers, colleagues, internal stakeholders, etc.
Strong analytical skills (risk based) and focus on the essential factsAble to get results through others, able to multi-task, sense of priority, able to handle stress levelsGood communication skills in German and English (any other language will be a plus)Our commitment to inclusion, fairness and equal opportunitiesWe believe in meaningful careers, continuous learning, and equal opportunities for everyone to drive our innovation and success. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace. If you have concerns, our compliance channel is available at our website. All reports are handled with strict confidentiality and in accordance with our Code of Conduct.