Strategic Sourcing Manager - Elastomers

About the role

VAT, a Swiss supplier of high-performance vacuum valves headquartered in Haag, St. Gallen, is looking for a Strategic Sourcing Manager for elastomers. The role develops and executes global sourcing strategies for the assigned direct material categories, acts as a business partner to Business Units, Engineering and Operations, and sustains the Global Strategic Sourcing Operating Model so that the company can meet its future business needs while protecting brand value.

Key responsibilities

• Manage own material categories (capacity, knowledge management, performance) and contribute to the global Direct Material & Supply Base performance (Quality, Delivery, Cost).
• Represent the category within VAT and deliver cost optimization, supply base optimization, geographic sourcing footprint and Best Cost Country sourcing objectives.
• Provide forward-looking guidance on trends, threats and opportunities in the category (e.g. raw materials).
• Act as a change agent for key stakeholders and interface with BU / Engineering on strategic sourcing, including the PDP (IP07) process.
• Develop category sourcing strategies using defined methods and tools, and manage supplier relationships across the global supply base (Switzerland, Malaysia, Romania).
• Apply sourcing levers consistently, contribute to main sourcing KPIs, and lead category-specific and cross-functional sourcing boards.
• Monitor supply base risks, align the category team with company objectives, and improve direct material practices.

Required profile

• 3-4 years of in-depth strategic and operational sourcing experience with solid knowledge of global category management.
• Demonstrated experience on category-specific production techniques and processes, and knowledge of category sourcing markets.
• Sourcing experience in Eastern Europe and Asia, and in Best Cost Country and spend relocation activities.
• Experience in a global complex organization and in machine building, vacuum technology and semiconductors.
• Cross-functional category team management (minimum functional).
• Strong analytical skills, ability to get results through others, multitasking and stress handling.
• German and English; another language is a plus.

Required skills

• Office software and IT applications, especially Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Strategic sourcing and category management.