Commodity Manager - Custom Components, Fabrications & Indirect Materials

INFICON is seeking a strategic and technically grounded Commodity Manager for Custom Components, Fabrications & Indirect Materials to lead global sourcing strategy, supplier development, and category management for precision‑manufactured components and indirect procurement categories. This role supports the performance and reliability of INFICON’s high‑precision instruments by ensuring supply continuity, cost competitiveness, and world‑class supplier performance.

The ideal candidate combines deep understanding of precision manufacturing processes with strong commercial acumen and the ability to partner closely with Engineering, Quality, and Operations across a global organization.

Develop and execute the global sourcing strategy for custom machined parts, sheet metal, plastics, castings, specialty materials, standard hardware, and indirect/MRO categories.

Maintain strong knowledge of precision manufacturing processes and cost drivers to support supplier selection, should‑cost modeling, and negotiation strategy.

Lead cost‑reduction initiatives through competitive sourcing, supplier development, standardization, and collaboration with Engineering.

Manage indirect and MRO categories through preferred supplier programs, catalog simplification, and spend consolidation.

Identify, assess, and qualify suppliers in collaboration with Engineering, Quality, and Operations.

Oversee supplier performance through structured reviews, capability assessments, and improvement plans.

Establish dual‑sourcing strategies and manage risk for critical custom‑fabricated components.

Support supplier audits, first article qualifications, and corrective action activities.

Negotiate supply agreements, pricing structures, tooling provisions, and long‑term commercial terms.

Manage supplier contracts, renewals, and competitive sourcing events to ensure cost and quality alignment.

Oversee INFICON‑owned tooling at supplier sites, including maintenance expectations and portability requirements.

Serve as the procurement expert in new product introduction (NPI) programs—providing manufacturability, cost, and sourcing guidance during design.

Collaborate with Engineering and Quality on drawing changes, ECO impact assessments, re‑qualification needs, and supplier capability alignment.

Interpret engineering drawings and specifications to support supplier communication and quotation accuracy.

Maintain accurate SAP MM master data, sourcing records, supplier information, and purchasing conditions.

Use SAP analytics to support category strategy, supplier performance tracking, and business reviews.

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field.

Master’s degree (MBA or Supply Chain) preferred.

6–10 years of commodity management or strategic sourcing experience in custom‑fabricated components or related precision manufacturing categories.

Experience qualifying suppliers, managing tooling, and supporting formal first‑article or manufacturing qualification processes.

Preferred industry experience in semiconductor equipment, precision instrumentation, vacuum technology, medical devices, aerospace/defense, or industrial automation.

Strong understanding of precision manufacturing processes and ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and material specifications.

Familiarity with supplier quality systems (ISO 9001, AS9100, ISO 13485) and qualification protocols.

Ability to develop should‑cost models and evaluate manufacturing cost drivers.

Proficiency with SAP MM and sourcing workflows; strong analytical skills using Excel or BI tools.

Certifications such as CPSM, CPM, CQE, CSCP, CPIM, or Lean Six Sigma.

Strong communication, negotiation, and supplier‑relationship management skills.

Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment and drive continuous improvement.

The expected salary range for this position is between $95,000 and $115,000 per year. In addition, INFICON employees are eligible for a profit‑sharing bonus with a target of 10%, as well as 401K match up to 8% (vesting schedule). The actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law.

INFICON is committed to ensuring that our online application process provides an equal opportunity to all job seekers that apply without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship, gender, age, protected veteran status, disability status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.