BE GREAT TOGETHER WITH US.

Innovation, Efficiency and Ambition: this is what VAT has stood for over 50 years. 

With this passion, VAT has grown to become the leading international developer, manufacturer and supplier of high-performance high-end vacuum valves and vacuum sealing technology, employing over 2000 people worldwide.  The headquarters are located in Haag (Switzerland), the production centers in Switzerland, Malaysia, Romania and Taiwan.

We are looking for a Machining Category Specialist to join our Direct Material Category Management team to develop and implement global sourcing strategies of VAT’s machining supply base capabilities and readiness in support of the strong growth and expansion of the company.

Reporting to the Head of Category Management, you will work closely with cross-functional stakeholders across the company to achieve key business goals on quality, delivery and cost. You must have the ability to develop and communicate commodity strategies across the organization to ensure sourcing decisions and strategic supplier selections aligns with VAT’s technology roadmap and product development. Total commodity ownership, including supplier performance and relationship management.

Your responsibilities include, but not limited to:

• Executing global sourcing strategies for Machining (ie High Precision) and/or Treatment (ie Ultra Cleaning / Anodizing) category.
• 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 mind set, has a passion for exceeding company and customer expectations

Minimum Qualification

• Min Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering or related discipline.
• Min 8 years in-depth strategic and operational sourcing experience with a solid working knowledge of global category management
• 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.
• Good communication skills English (German & Chinese will be a plus)

Preferred Qualification

• Preferable experience in machining category & supplier management for semiconductor industry.
• Sourcing in Asia and experience in Best Cost Country and spend relocation activities

VAT is an equal opportunity employer. We see ourselves as a responsible and far-sighted employer that offers not only jobs, but also career and personal development opportunities through various training programs. We recognize the value of employee diversity and provide equal employment opportunity for all qualified application that contributes to innovation, improves customer orientation and employee satisfaction. One-step in this direction is to ensure that people are recognized and fairly compensated for their contributions to the company. In 2021, VAT received the Fair-ON-Pay+ certificate as an acknowledgement for our commitment in ensuring equal pay for equal work between men and women.