Job Description

About VAT Group

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.

Joining us means becoming part of a passionate, international team where your voice is heard, your ideas matter, and your career growth is supported.

Role and Responsibilities

• Support Category Manager and/or the Head of Category Management, to execute global sourcing strategies for various categories include but not limited to machining, mechanical & electronics, rubber/plastic, standard parts etc.
• Acting as a business partner to key stakeholders in business team (Business Units, Engineering, etc.) and Operations team (Supplier Quality, Production, Materials Management etc).
• Sustaining the Global Category Management Operating Model and provide the supply capability and capacity at best cost to support the company’s future business needs and protection of brand value.
• Management of own categories and functional category team (capacity, knowledge management, performance)
• Application of aligned sourcing processes, sustainable supplier assessments and development approach, a performing and regulatory compliant supply base footprint shall be established and actively managed, contributing to the enhancement of the supply base performance on Quality, Delivery and Cost (QCD).
• Realization of a measurable value >3% in recurring and P&L effective cost reductions per year across the global 3rd party spend in the assigned spend categories accompanied by a leveraged and benchmarked supply base management.
• Grow and further develop a qualified and performing Best Cost Country Supply Base in line with the companies and operations BCC objectives Asia and manage a sustainable spend allocation.
• Accountable for the category specific achievement of the objectives of cost optimization, supply base optimization, geographic sourcing footprint and Best Cost Country Sourcing
• Providing forward-looking guidance on trends, threats and opportunities in own category & Actively monitors and performs a supply base risk assessment.
• Active contribution to the bottom up alignment of the Direct Materials Category Team with the defined / set company objectives
• Embracing change, possessing a continuous improvement mindset, has a passion for exceeding company and customer expectations

Qualifications and Key skills

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in Sourcing / Procurement / Mechanical Engineering.
• Min 2 years in-depth strategic and operational sourcing experience with a solid working knowledge of global category management
• Preferable hands-on experience in supplier management on various categories. Main focus on Machining Supplier, but not limited to Raw Materials, Surface Treatment (Clear/Hard Anodizing/Coating, Cleaning Level, Heat Treatment etc), M&E/P&E/E&E Assembly. Includes supplier training on VAT-specific processes and standards
• Experience in the field of vacuum technology semi-conductors would be an added advantage
• Sourcing in Asia and experience in Best Cost Country and spend relocation activities
• Strong analytical skills (risk based) and focus on the essential facts, with the ability to present results clearly and compellingly.
• Working experience within a global complex organization
• Sensible and emphatic communication skills with suppliers, colleagues, internal stakeholders, etc.
• Self-motivator who works effectively in team or independent work environments;
• Able to get results through others, able to multi-task, sense of priority, able to handle stress levels.
• Required language English. German would be an advantage.

Our commitment to inclusion, fairness and equal opportunities

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 at our website. All reports are handled with strict confidentiality and in accordance with our Code of Conduct.