Fiber Optic Cable Category Sourcing Manager

Category Sourcing Manager – Fiber Optic Cable

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.

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.

• 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).

• 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.

• 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.

Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength – focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, short‑term disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave, and adoption assistance.

Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region.

In order to comply with U.S. export control laws and regulations, this position requires applicants to either provide proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status or be eligible to receive an export authorization under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and/or the Export Administration Regulations.

This position is not eligible for VISA Sponsorship.

Compensation: $110,000 - $150,000 per year, plus variable pay in the form of a monetary bonus or other equivalent.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E‑Verify.