Project Execution Specialist

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.

The Procurement Project Execution Specialist is responsible for the end-to-end execution of key procurement initiatives such as Best Cost Country (BCC) transfers, second-source implementation, supplier consolidation, and in‑house/external manufacturing transitions. The role focuses on disciplined project delivery, risk mitigation, and effective cross-functional coordination.
 The person will coordinate global project teams across Category Management, Supplier Development & Quality (SDQ), Global Footprint, and Business Units (BUs), establishing structured project plans, governance, and reporting. Responsibilities include feasibility and risk assessments, total cost of ownership (TCO) evaluations with business case, change management, and securing necessary BU and customer approvals. The role reports directly to the Head of Procurement Project Execution.
The role is fully dedicated (100%) to Global/Regional responsibilities, driving alignment and execution across the international scope.
 

Key responsibilities 

• Project management and governance
• Developing structured project management plans, using D365 project tools
• Establish strong governance and reporting cadence across all regions
• Facilitate global execution meetings and provide updates on progress, risks, and outcomes
• Ensure that all projects follow a structured roadmap with clear milestones and deliverables
• Prioritize projects based on complexity, criticality, and business impact – e.g., leveraging part segmentation logic
  Execution
• Ensure execution of in-house sourcing, BCC transfers with external suppliers, and second source projects
• Conduct supplier scouting, initial screening, and early‑phase feasibility assessments to identify suitable suppliers for project execution, in close coordination with Global Category Management
• Lead and coordinate the Request for Quotation (RFQ) process – ensuring complete technical and commercial alignment, timely submission, and robust evaluation of competitive bids – in collaboration with Global Category Management
• Assess, evaluate, and ensure the successful execution of supplier ramp‑up programs, including verification of operational readiness, capacity scaling, and manufacturing capability, across all categories – with a particular focus on critical categories such as machining and surface treatment
• Enable a seamless transition from in‑house production to external manufacturing execution, ensuring all technical, operational, and commercial requirements are met to enable execution
• Drive project execution to ensure robust supply capability, adequate capacity, and competitive cost levels that support the company’s long‑term business needs and protect brand value
• Develop business cases and assess total cost of ownership (TCO) to support decision‑making
• Ensure timely BU involvement and approval

Cross-functional alignment and change management:

• Work closely and coordinate with Category Management, SDQ, Supplier Project Managers, Business Process Owners, and BU teams to ensure alignment across functions
• Ensure supplier regulatory compliance and contribute to improvements in Capacity, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (QCDC)
• Act as a key stakeholder in procurement activities, including make‑buy evaluations, VMI/Consignment solutions, commercial agreements, supplier investment programs, and cost‑optimization initiatives

COMPETENCIES:
 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in Project Management, Procurement, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field
• 10+ years in manufacturing environment with experience in product transfers and supplier transitions
• Strong project management capability (PMP or similar certification is a plus)
• Experienced in supplier development, able to develop strategic partnerships with internal and external stakeholders
• Experience in complex global organizations; semiconductor manufacturing experience is preferred
• Ability to work effectively in high‑pressure environments, balancing operational and strategic priorities
• Highly structured, proactive, and execution-oriented mindset
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to present findings clearly
• Comfortable working across technical, financial, and operational topics
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills; able to influence in a matrix organization, and engage with senior management and external partners
• Good command in English (German will be a plus)

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.