Supply 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 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 Supply Specialist is responsible for establishing resilient, scalable, and cost-effective supply chains for new products. Working closely with Engineering, Project Management, Category Management, Operations, Quality, and suppliers, the role ensures successful product launches and a smooth transition into serial production.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement supply chain concepts for new products, ensuring supply security, flexibility, and efficient material flow.
• Participate in design reviews and drive Design for Supply Chain activities during product development.
• Identify supply chain risks and implement mitigation strategies to support project timelines and business continuity.
• Analyze product costs and support COGS optimization through sourcing strategies and supplier negotiations.
• Act as the Supply Chain representative within cross-functional NPI project teams.
• Coordinate internal stakeholders and suppliers to ensure alignment on deadlines, requirements, and deliverables.
• Support supplier selection, onboarding, and readiness for prototype, pilot, and ramp-up phases.
• Manage material availability, inventory, and procurement activities throughout the NPI lifecycle.
• Maintain accurate supply chain master data and ensure effective execution of NPI planning and control processes.
• Lead the handover of NPI projects into serial production and proactively escalate supply chain bottlenecks and risks.

Qualifications

• Degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in Supply Chain, Procurement, NPI Planning, or a similar manufacturing environment.
• Very good German and good English language skills.
• Strong analytical skills and solid understanding of manufacturing processes and cost structures.
• Expertise in mechanical and electromechanical products.
• Advanced ERP knowledge, preferably Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O, and strong Excel skills.
• Experience with PLM systems is an advantage.
• Good understanding of supply chain design, planning concepts, risk management, and the NPI lifecycle.
• Proven project management and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Independent, proactive, and organized working style with strong communication and negotiation skills.

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.