Category Manager - Supplier Ramp & Sourcing

Category Manager - Supplier Ramp & Sourcing

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We are seeking a strategic and people-driven leader to join our Category Management team as Category Manager (Supplier Ramp & Sourcing).

This role plays a critical part in shaping our long-term supply capability and competitiveness, driving supplier ramp-up, sourcing strategy, and supplier readiness to meet future business growth.

Reporting to the Head of Category Management, you will lead cross-functional and supplier teams to ensure manufacturing capacity, supplier capability, and operational excellence across our global supply base.

You will also champion key initiatives such as VMI / VCS programs, supplier lead-time improvement, supplier forecast accuracy, and the Voice of Supplier program, all aimed at building a world‑class, collaborative, and agile supply network.

This role is ideal for a highly motivated individual who thrives on strategic execution, leadership responsibility, and supplier partnership management — and who aspires to grow into a future leadership role in category or supply chain management.

Your responsibilities include, but not limited to :

Lead and execute supplier ramp‑up and sourcing projects from planning to implementation.

Assess, evaluate, and execute capacity expansion programs and technology enablement with key suppliers.

Drive Ramp Readiness by ensuring suppliers meet all technical, quality, and capacity milestones before production cut‑in.

Oversee seamless project transitions for Make–Buy and dual sourcing strategies, ensuring smooth ramp execution and business continuity.

Strategic Sourcing & Capacity Planning

Identify 2–5‑year supply chain capacity gaps and collaborate with Global / Regional Category Managers to develop long‑term sourcing strategies.

Conduct capability assessments and establish sourcing plans that align with business objectives and factory output.

Develop and maintain supplier agreements that optimize cost, quality, and delivery performance.

Define and lead the Supplier Business Review (SBR) framework for structured performance and engagement management.

Champion the Voice of Supplier (VoS) program to strengthen partnerships, collect actionable feedback, and co‑create improvement initiatives.

Drive supplier lead‑time improvement programs to increase flexibility and responsiveness to customer needs.

Oversee Supplier Forecast alignment to ensure visibility, accuracy, and synchronization between demand and supply.

Implement and manage Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) and Vendor Consignment Stock (VCS) programs to improve supply stability and working capital efficiency.

Develop comprehensive project management plans with clear timelines, deliverables, and risk mitigation actions.

Monitor and control project progress, providing regular status updates to management and stakeholders.

Create and enforce policies for supplier risk management, capacity agreements, and investment programs.

Collaborate with Supplier Quality, Industrial Engineering, Product Management, and Operations teams to ensure alignment and on‑time project delivery.

Lead and inspire a cross‑functional team of internal stakeholders and supplier partners to achieve project milestones.

Promote proactive communication, accountability, and problem‑solving across all project teams.

Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and supplier excellence.

Leadership & Influence : Ability to lead teams, inspire collaboration, and build high‑performance culture.

Strategic Execution : Translate business strategy into actionable ramp and sourcing plans.

Communication Excellence : Strong coordination skills with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

Analytical & Problem‑Solving : Data‑driven approach to resolving challenges and improving processes.

Technical Acumen : Understanding of manufacturing, machining, and capacity planning to assess supplier capability.

Supplier Partnership Mindset : Build trust‑based relationships and drive mutual growth.

Organizational Agility : Manage multiple complex projects with discipline and efficiency.

Key Performance Areas

Supplier capacity readiness and ramp success rate.

Supplier lead‑time and on‑time delivery performance.

Effectiveness of VMI / VCS and Supplier Forecast alignment.

Quality and consistency of Supplier Business Reviews.

Strength of supplier partnerships through Voice of Supplier feedback.

Achievement of project milestones within budget and schedule.

Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Supply Chain, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.

Minimum 10 years of experience in manufacturing, sourcing, or category management within global organizations.

Proven track record in supplier ramp‑up, capacity management, and supplier development.

Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills with the ability to influence across all levels.

Solid financial and analytical skills to assess cost, investment, and total value.

Hands‑on, proactive, and results‑oriented, able to manage multiple priorities under tight timelines.

Fluent in English; additional proficiency in German or Chinese is an advantage.

Preferred Qualification :

Experience in high‑precision machining, component manufacturing, or technology‑based supply chain.

Demonstrated success managing VMI / VCS programs, Supplier Forecast, and Lead‑Time Improvement initiatives.

Experience implementing Supplier Business Review and Voice of Supplier frameworks.

Exposure to Asia and global sourcing environments with multicultural team management.

Experience in product / tool transfer, assembly line setup, or facility expansion projects.

VAT, founded in Switzerland in 1964, is a high‑tech company which designs and manufactures vacuum valves for a wide range of industrial and research applications.

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