we are scaling its hardware product portfolio and supply ecosystem at speed. The Vendor Manager is the end-to-end owner of the relationship between our company and its FG / component and sub-system vendors - covering ODM and future strategic suppliers. The person in this role sits at the intersection of business, supply chain, and engineering: onboard new vendors, negotiate commercial terms, align forecasts, track delivery, govern quality, and ensure vendor capabilities keep pace with our company product roadmap.
The Vendor Manager is the single point of accountability for everything that crosses the boundary between our company and a given vendor, spanning commercial governance, supply continuity, quality oversight, and NPI execution.
What You'll Do
1. Vendor Onboarding - Technical & Business
Lead the full onboarding process for new component and subsystem vendors
Define and execute onboarding frameworks: qualification, technical alignment, internal and external commercial setup, quality baseline, and NPI readiness
Work with Engineering & Quality to validate vendor technical capabilities against our company product specifications and qualification criteria
Align internally with SW and WH groups for product compatibility and product qualification
Coordinate supplier quality audits, PPAP / FAI processes, and production readiness reviews prior to first commercial shipment
2. Commercial & Business Management
Own the end-to-end commercial relationship with each managed vendor: pricing, capacity commitments, payment terms, and contractual governance
Negotiate NDA, supply agreements, pricing frameworks, and volume commitments in alignment with our company procurement policy
Drive Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) with vendor leadership; collaborate with Engineering and Quality on our company position and follow-up actions
Act as the primary escalation point for all commercial disputes, delivery deviations, and business continuity issues
3. Forecast, Supply & Delivery Alignment
Receive forecast / MPS from planning and drive delivery execution with Vendor against committed timelines
Manage vendor forecast windows: rolling 12-month forecast, firm orders, and consigned material commitments
Track vendor delivery performance against plan; proactively identify shortages, lead time shifts, or capacity constraints and escalate with mitigation options
Own vendor liability management: monitor consigned inventory levels, authorize write-off decisions, track aging stock.
Requirements: 6+ years of experience in vendor management, strategic sourcing, or supply chain in a hardware technology company; proven experience managing external vendors end-to-end: commercial, technical, quality, and supply dimensions
Background in networking, or high-speed electronic components, experience in Networking switch company is an advantage
Hands-on experience with NPI / product cycles at the vendor level: qualification, EVT/DVT/PVT support
Experience in contract negotiation: supply agreements, pricing frameworks, capacity commitments
Technical Knowledge
Understanding of hardware BOMs, component specifications, and qualification processes
Familiarity with quality management tools: 8D, CAPA, DPPM, yield analysis, and supplier audit methodology
Familiarity with ERP systems (SAP, Priority, or equivalent; NS -advantage)
Technical background in electronics / mechanical engineering, advantage
AI orientation, usage of AI tools
Skills & Competencies
Strong commercial acumen: able to negotiate, structure agreements, and manage vendor P&L impact
Engineering literacy: can read specs, understand technical trade-offs, and work as a credible counterpart to engineering teams
Cross-functional influencer: earns trust with Engineering, Supply Chain, Product, and Finance without formal authority over them.
This position is open to all candidates.