Fiber Optic Cable Category Sourcing Manager

Your Job

Molex optical connectivity group is seeking an experienced Category Sourcing Manager to lead the strategic sourcing and category management of fiber optic cable and related optical connectivity components. This role is critical to supporting Molex's rapidly expanding data center and high‑speed networking business, ensuring that our supply base is competitive, reliable, and aligned with long‑term technology and capacity roadmaps.

The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of the fiber optics ecosystem, strong commercial negotiation skills, and hands‑on experience supporting data center infrastructure-including hyperscale, colocation, or enterprise environments. You will own the category strategy, supplier relationships, cost roadmap, and risk mitigation plans for a global portfolio of fiber optic cable products.

Location:

Hybrid role based in Lisle IL, Hudson WI, or Eden Prairie MN. Remote considered for individuals with 10+ years of precision fiber optic experience.

Our Team

Molex brings together innovation and technology to deliver electronic solutions to customers worldwide. With a presence in more than 40 countries, Molex offers a full suite of solutions and services for many markets, including data communications, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, commercial vehicle and medical.

What You Will Do

* Develop and execute a global category strategy for fiber optic cable, cable assemblies, and related optical components, aligned to business growth, customer requirements, and technology roadmaps.

* Build and maintain multi-year cost, quality, and supply continuity plans, including capacity outlooks and sourcing roadmaps for critical components and suppliers.

* Conduct ongoing market and competitive analysis (technology shifts, pricing drivers, supplier landscape) and translate insights into sourcing actions and recommendations.

* Identify, qualify, and manage a high-performing global supplier base across North America, Asia, and Europe, including supplier segmentation and preferred supplier strategies.

* Lead RFQs and commercial negotiations (pricing, terms, volume agreements, lead time, flexibility) and execute long-term agreements that improve total cost and supply assurance.

* Drive supplier performance management through KPIs and supplier business reviews, improving cost, on-time delivery/lead time, quality, and innovation contributions.

* Partner with Engineering, NPI, Operations, and Product Management to support new product introductions and design-to-cost/design-for-supply initiatives.

* Engage with data center customers and internal stakeholders to understand technical requirements, qualification needs, and future demand/capacity expectations.

* Own cost modeling, benchmarking, and cost reduction initiatives for the category; track savings and report category performance on a regular cadence.

* Lead risk management for the fiber optics supply chain by monitoring geopolitical/logistics/material risks, completing risk assessments, and implementing mitigation plans (e.g., dual sourcing, inventory strategy, continuity planning).

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)

* Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or Economics

* 5+ years of experience in sourcing, category management, or supply chain roles.

* Experience in fiber optic cable, optical components, or high‑speed connectivity.

* Experience supporting data center, hyperscale, telecom, or networking infrastructure.

What Will Put You Ahead

* Experience with NPI/NPD sourcing in a technology or manufacturing environment.

* Knowledge of fiber optic cable standards and industry specifications, including:
Telcordia GR‑409, Telcordia GR‑20, Telcordia GR‑326

* Familiarity with fiber types and architectures (OS2, OM3/4/5, MPO/MTP, ribbon vs. loose tube, etc.).

* Understanding of data center architectures, structured cabling systems, and hyperscale deployment models.

* Experience working with global suppliers, particularly in Asia (China, Taiwan, Vietnam) and North America.

* Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical requirements.

* Strong analytical skills with experience in cost modeling and market analysis.

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