Category Manager Innovation Project

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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.

To accelerate VAT’s growth we are driving the development of adjacent and new products. These products are highly innovative and often require suppliers with new capabilities and technologies.

As a global category manager project innovation you will act as the key interface between our innovation team and our purchasing organization.

Your tasks include a strategic part where you select and develop new suppliers delivering the required new parts. You will closely work with our engineering team to evaluate and drive the new suppliers. As part of the innovation team you will also purchase the required parts with a high focus on time to market. Dynamic, goal oriented & pragmatic personality with strong technical background.

Your role requires strong alignment with the global category management team to ensure that selected suppliers are following the global category strategies and are in line with the companies and operations BCC objectives.

YOUR CHALLENGES:

• Strategic and operational sourcing of materials for innovation projects beyond our core product portfolio
• Close cooperation with the innovation and sourcing team
• Selection and development of suppliers for new technologies
• Initiate new categories according to business requirements
• Source required parts for early prototypes with a strong focus on short delivery time
• Responsible for cost calculation and serial price estimations
• Guiding and development of suppliers in finding better solutions for our high value challenges
• Build and maintain good relationships with all business customers, colleagues, vendors/partners and consultants
• Act as a change agent in regard to main stakeholders.

YOUR COMPETENCES:

• 5+ years Project management in a supply chain related field with interdisciplinary teams experience
• Moderator, team player, strongly focused on targets and effective communication
• Technical background and/or expertise in engineering or science
• Experience as a Project Manager is beneficial
• Strong entrepreneurial spirit, high level of engagement and ownership, the ability for strategic and solution-oriented thinking and acting, as well as proactive and responsible teamwork complete your personal profile
• In-depth strategic and operational sourcing experience with a solid working knowledge
• Demonstrated work experience on category specific production techniques and processes
• Working experience within a global complex organization
• Experience in the field of machine building, vacuum technology and semiconductors
• Sensible and emphatic communication skills with suppliers, colleagues, internal stakeholders, etc.
• Strong analytical skills (risk based) and focus on the essential facts
• Able to get results through others, able to multi-task, sense of priority, able to handle stress levels

Fluency in English is required; proficiency in German is a plus

Interested? We look forward to your online application.

You can expect a dynamic and successful company where innovation, courage, fairness, openness and transparency are encouraged and your ideas are welcome. We offer flexible options for hybrid working models. Your development according to your strengths and aspirations in your career is of great importance to us.

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