We are looking for a Vendor Manager to own the end-to-end relationship with our component and sub-system vendors - starting with Optics suppliers and expanding to future strategic partners.
This is not a buyer role and not a narrow technical position. You will be the single point of accountability between and each vendor: commercial governance, supply continuity, quality oversight, NPI execution, and RMA management - all in one role.
You will work closely with Engineering & Quality, Global Supply Chain, and Planning, and report to the Director of Global Supply Chain.
What You'll Do:
Vendor Onboarding
Lead end-to-end onboarding of new vendors - technical qualification, internal and external commercial setup, quality baseline, and NPI readiness
Coordinate qualification audits (PPAP/FAI) and production readiness reviews before first shipment
Commercial Management
Own pricing, capacity commitments, payment terms, and contracts for each managed vendor
Drive quarterly business reviews (QBRs); act as the primary escalation point for commercial disputes and supply deviations
Maintain alternative source qualifications and business continuity plans
Forecast, Supply & Delivery
Receive MPS / forecast from planning and drive delivery execution with vendors against committed timelines
Track delivery performance; proactively surface shortages and capacity issues with mitigation options
Manage vendor liability: consigned inventory, write-off decisions, aging stock
Quality & Technical Governance
Own vendor quality KPIs (FPY, DPPM, corrective action closure); coordinate resolution between vendor, Engineering, and Quality
Track engineering changes (PCN) and manage vendor NPI participation across EVT, DVT, and PVT builds
RMA & Field Returns
Manage field returns to vendor: return authorization, failure analysis coordination, and replacement shipment tracking
Ensure 8D root cause closure and feed learnings back into production