Global Strategic Sourcing Manager - Packaging, IT & Prof. Services

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.

Purpose of the role

The Strategic Sourcing Manager is responsible for the hands-on delivery of sourcing activities across VAT’s global Packaging category and selected Professional Services, IT and other indirect categories. The main focus is on supplier-market analysis, tendering, negotiation, contracting and implementation. A smaller part of the role covers Packaging category strategy and sourcing planning. Working closely with global stakeholders, the position delivers competitive terms, cost improvements, reliable supply and strong supplier performance.

Responsibilities

• Execute sourcing projects across Packaging, Professional Services, IT and other assigned categories.
• Analyze spend, demand, supplier markets, cost drivers and supply risks.
• Identify, assess and develop qualified local, regional and global suppliers.
• Manage RFIs, RFQs and RFPs from requirement definition through supplier selection.
• Evaluate bids and prepare clear, fact-based sourcing recommendations.
• Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, contracts and service levels.
• Coordinate contracting, supplier onboarding and implementation.
• Monitor savings, supplier performance, KPIs and contractual compliance.
• Maintain the Packaging sourcing roadmap and support supplier consolidation and risk mitigation.
• Partner with stakeholders across Operations, IT, HR, Finance, Legal and regional Procurement.

Requirements

• Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering, IT or a related field.
• At least five years of procurement, sourcing or category-management experience in an international environment.
• Proven Packaging procurement experience and relevant supplier-market knowledge.
• Hands-on experience with tendering, negotiation, contracting and implementation.
• Experience with Professional Services, IT or other indirect categories is advantageous.
• Strong commercial, analytical and supplier-management skills.
• Structured, pragmatic and execution-focused working style.
• Ability to manage multiple sourcing projects and collaborate across functions and regions.
• Fluency in German and English.
• Experience with ERP or eSourcing platforms is advantageous.

WHAT VAT OFFERS

• Visible business impact: Lead global sourcing initiatives with a direct impact on cost, supplier performance, supply resilience and VAT’s competitiveness.
• Ownership and autonomy: Manage sourcing projects from market analysis and tendering through negotiation, contracting and implementation, with the freedom to challenge existing approaches and drive improvements.
• International exposure: Collaborate with stakeholders across functions, regions and business units in a growing global technology company.
• Opportunity to shape Procurement: Help improve supplier structures, sourcing methods and procurement processes through practical ideas and implementation.

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.