Strategic Sourcing Manager

At VAT, we change the world with vacuum solutions. As the world’s leading supplier of high-performance vacuum valves, we have been driving innovation for more than 60 years. With over 3,200 employees worldwide, we operate from our headquarters in Haag, Switzerland, with manufacturing sites in Switzerland, Malaysia and Romania, as well as sales and service hubs around the world. We are guided by our passions integrity, teamwork, customer centricity, and innovation – always working together as #oneVAT.

Location:

Haag, St. Gallen, CH

Employment Type:

Permanent

• Develop and execute global sourcing strategies for assigned direct materials categories (e.g., machining parts focusing on turning and milling, welding parts, etc.).
• Act as a business partner to key stakeholders in business (Business Units, Engineering) and operations (Product Line Supply Chain, Supplier Quality, Production, Materials Management).
• Sustain the Global Strategic Sourcing Operating Model and provide supply capability and capacity at best cost to support the company’s future business needs and protect brand value.
• Apply aligned sourcing processes, sustainable supplier assessments and development approaches to establish and manage a compliant supply base, enhancing performance in Quality, Delivery and Cost (QCD).
• Achieve measurable value >3% in recurring and P&L effective cost reductions per year across global third‑party spend in the assigned categories.
• Grow and further develop a qualified and performing Best Cost Country Supply Base in line with the company’s BCC objectives, preferably in Eastern Europe, and manage a sustainable spend allocation.

• Manage own material categories (capacity, knowledge management, performance).
• Contribute to global Direct Material & Supply Base Performance (QCD).
• Represent direct material categories within VAT organization.
• Achieve category‑specific goals of cost optimisation, supply base optimisation, geographic sourcing footprint and Best Cost Country sourcing.
• Provide forward‑looking guidance on trends, threats and opportunities in own categories.
• Support bottom‑up alignment of the Direct Materials Category Team with company objectives.
• Interface with BU / Engineering for Strategic Sourcing activities and the PDP (IP07) process.
• Act as a change agent with main stakeholders.
• Develop category sourcing strategies using defined methods and tools.
• Manage supplier relationships for the global supply base within the category perimeter, coordinating with teams in Switzerland, Malaysia and Romania.
• Apply all sourcing levers consistently.
• Contribute to main sourcing KPIs.
• Lead category‑specific or cross‑functional sourcing boards.
• Monitor and assess supply base risk across own categories.
• Participate in continuous improvement of direct material practices.

• 5+ years of strategic and operational sourcing experience with a solid knowledge of global category management.
• Demonstrated experience on category‑specific production techniques and processes.
• Understanding of category sourcing markets.
• Proficiency in office software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Experience sourcing in Eastern Europe and Asia, and in Best Cost Country and spend relocation activities.
• Experience in a global complex organisation.
• Experience in machine building, vacuum technology, and semiconductors.
• Cross‑functional / category team management (minimum functional).
• Clear, empathetic communication skills with suppliers, colleagues and internal stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills (risk‑based) with focus on essential facts.
• Ability to achieve results through others, multitask, prioritise and manage stress.
• Good communication in German and English; additional language is a plus.

We believe in meaningful careers, continuous learning, and equal opportunities for everyone to drive our innovation and success. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace. If you have concerns, our compliance channel is available on our website. All reports are handled with strict confidentiality and in accordance with our Code of Conduct.