Global Direct Materials Sourcing Manager

VAT Vakuumventile AG; Haag; On-site; CHF 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

VAT Group is seeking a Strategic Sourcing Manager in Switzerland to partner with Business Units and Operations. You will sustain the Global Category Management Operating Model and ensure best-cost supply for elastomer, rubber and plastics categories.

You will drive category strategies, negotiate key contracts, and manage a global supplier base across Switzerland, Malaysia, and Romania, aligning with VAT’s objectives and driving measurable QCD improvements.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in Procurement or related field.
• 4–8 years of in-depth strategic sourcing experience with global category management.
• Experience with EMS suppliers and direct materials is preferred.
• Experience in a global complex organization with cross-functional change management.
• Strong contract negotiation skills in manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with data analytics tools such as Power BI is advantageous.
• Fluent in English; additional languages are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage own material categories (capacity, knowledge, performance) focused on Elastomer, Rubber, and Plastics.
• Contribute to global Direct Material & Supply Base Performance (QCD).
• Represent direct material categories within the VAT organization.
• Achieve cost optimization, supply base optimization, and Best Cost Country Sourcing.
• Provide guidance on trends, threats, and opportunities in own categories.
• Align Direct Materials Category Team with company objectives.
• Coordinate with BU/Engineering for Strategic Sourcing and PDP processes.
• Act as change agent with main stakeholders and lead category strategy development.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Change management

Analytical skills

Project leadership

Cross-cultural awareness

English fluency

Education

Master's degree or equivalent

Tools

Power BI

Job description

VAT Group is seeking a Strategic Sourcing Manager in Switzerland to partner with Business Units and Operations. You will sustain the Global Category Management Operating Model and ensure best-cost supply for elastomer, rubber and plastics categories.

You will drive category strategies, negotiate key contracts, and manage a global supplier base across Switzerland, Malaysia, and Romania, aligning with VAT’s objectives and driving measurable QCD improvements.