Strategic Sourcing Manager

About the role

VAT Group is seeking a Strategic Sourcing Manager to act as a business partner for key internal stakeholders and to sustain the Global Category Management Operating Model. You will be responsible for delivering supply capability and capacity at best cost while protecting the brand value of our high‑performance vacuum solutions.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the Elastomer, Rubber and Plastics material categories, ensuring capacity, knowledge management and performance.
• Contribute to global Direct Material & Supply Base performance (Quality, Cost, Delivery).
• Develop and execute category‑specific sourcing strategies, including cost optimisation and geographic sourcing footprint.
• Provide forward‑looking guidance on market trends, threats and opportunities for raw materials.
• Collaborate with Business Units, Engineering and Production Development Process (PDP) for strategic sourcing activities.
• Act as a change agent and maintain active supplier relationship management across global supply bases.

Required profile

• Higher education in Procurement or equivalent, preferably a Master’s degree.
• 4‑8 years of strategic sourcing experience with global category management of direct materials.
• Experience in electronic sourcing markets and working with EMS suppliers.
• Proven knowledge of category‑specific production techniques and processes.
• Background in a global, complex organization with cross‑functional and cross‑cultural change management.
• Strong contract negotiation skills, preferably in industrial manufacturing.

Required skills

• Power BI or similar data‑visualisation tools.