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Ferrule & Connector Category Sourcing Manager
Job
Molex
Remote
Full-Time
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Job Description
Your Job Molex's Optical Connectivity Group is seeking an experienced Ferrule & Connector Category Sourcing Manager to lead global sourcing strategy, supplier management, and long-term category ownership for ferrules, connectors, and related optical termination components. This role is essential to supporting Molex's expanding data center, hyperscale, and high-speed networking portfolio-ensuring that our supply base is competitive, innovative, and aligned with future technology roadmaps.
Location:
Hybrid role based in Lisle IL, Hudson WI, or Eden Prairie MN. Remote considered for individuals with 10+ years of precision fiber optic experience. Our Team Molex brings together innovation and technology to deliver electronic solutions to customers worldwide. With a presence in more than 40 countries, Molex offers a full suite of solutions and services for many markets, including data communications, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, commercial vehicle and medical. What You Will Do- Develop and maintain global category strategy and roadmap (cost, quality, supply continuity, capacity) for ferrules, connectors, alignment sleeves, and termination materials; update quarterly and present to stakeholders.
- Monitor market, materials, and technology trends (e.g., zirconia ceramics, advanced polymers) and deliver quarterly market intelligence reports with recommended sourcing actions and technology risk/opportunity assessments.
- Source, qualify, and maintain an approved global supplier base across Asia, North America, and Europe; complete supplier qualification (audit, capability assessment, sample validation) for new suppliers within predefined timelines.
- Lead RFQs and commercial negotiations (pricing, volume agreements, payment & incoterms, lead times), award and manage long-term contracts, and track achievement of agreed cost and service targets.
- Own supplier performance management: define KPIs (price, on-time delivery, PPM/defect rate, lead time), conduct quarterly supplier business reviews, and implement corrective actions to meet targets.
- Partner with Engineering, NPI/NPD, Operations, and Product Management to support design-for-cost, manufacturability, and qualification requirements; participate in NPI gates and deliver sourcing input within NPI timelines.
- Perform supply-chain risk assessments (single source, material shortages, geopolitical/logistics risks) and implement mitigation plans (dual sourcing, safety stock, alternative materials); maintain and test continuity plans annually.
- Own cost modeling and benchmarking for the category (total cost of ownership), deliver cost reduction initiatives and supporting analyses (savings tracked monthly/quarterly), and support annual budget planning.
- Ensure quality, compliance, and reliability: verify supplier adherence to connector/ferrule standards (e.