Strategic Commodity Manager

Summary:

VIAVI (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for telecommunications, cloud, enterprises, first responders, military, aerospace, and railway. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications. We are the people behind the products that help keep the world connected at home, school, work, at play, and everywhere in between.

VIAVI employees are passionate about supporting customer success and we welcome people who bring their best every day to the company – to question, to collaborate and to push for solutions that will delight our customers.

The Strategic Commodity Manager is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for direct materials supporting VIAVI's commercial, aerospace, defense, and government programs. This position manages key supplier relationships, leads sourcing and negotiation activities, identifies cost-reduction opportunities, mitigates supply chain risk, and helps ensure continuity of supply while meeting cost, quality, delivery, and compliance objectives. The role works closely with Engineering, Quality, Operations, Manufacturing, Planning, Program Management, Contracts, Finance, and other cross-functional teams.

We are looking for an experienced sourcing professional with strong supplier-management and negotiation skills who is comfortable working in a technical manufacturing environment. Experience in optics, aerospace, or government programs is beneficial but not required. VIAVI will provide training in our products, materials, supplier base, and applicable industry requirements.

• Develop and execute sourcing and commodity strategies supporting cost, quality, delivery, supplier performance, and continuity of supply.
• Lead RFQs, supplier evaluations, sourcing decisions, and negotiations.
• Identify and qualify new suppliers to improve competitiveness and supply resilience.
• Support long-term supplier agreements and strategic partnerships.

• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Monitor supplier performance related to cost, quality, delivery, capacity, and responsiveness.
• Partner with suppliers and internal teams to resolve performance issues and drive continuous improvement.

• Identify and mitigate supplier capacity, financial, geopolitical, sole‑source, and continuity‑of‑supply risks.
• Develop alternate‑source and business‑continuity strategies for critical materials and components.

• Lead cost‑reduction and cost‑avoidance initiatives.
• Support value‑analysis and value‑engineering opportunities.
• Analyze supplier pricing, market conditions, and total cost of ownership to support sourcing decisions.

• Source technical components and engineered materials while partnering with Engineering, Quality, and suppliers to understand specifications, manufacturing processes, quality requirements, and supplier capabilities.
• Experience sourcing optical, semiconductor, electronic, machined, or other engineered components is beneficial but not required.

• Support Engineering, Quality, Operations, and suppliers during new product development, prototype builds, supplier qualification, and production readiness.

• Support sourcing activities associated with aerospace, defense, and government programs.
• Learn and apply applicable supplier and sourcing requirements, including ITAR, EAR, FAR, DFARS, AS9100, and customer‑specific requirements.

• Analyze supplier…