Ferrule & Connector Category Sourcing Manager

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.g., Telcordia GR-326, IEC 61755, IEC 61754), manage supplier corrective actions, and maintain acceptable defect/return rates per agreed thresholds.
• Drive operational excellence across sourcing processes: manage RFQ workflows, supplier onboarding, inventory/lead-time reduction initiatives, and continuous improvement projects; report category performance metrics monthly.

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or Economics.
• 5+ years of experience in sourcing, category management, or supply chain roles.
• Experience with optical connectors, ferrules, ceramics, or high-speed connectivity components.
• Experience supporting data center, hyperscale, telecom, or networking infrastructure.

What Will Put You Ahead

• Experience with NPI/NPD sourcing in a technology or manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of connector and ferrule standards, including: Telcordia GR-326, IEC 61755, IEC 61754.
• Familiarity with connector types and architectures (LC, SC, MPO/MTP, SN, MDC, CS, etc.).
• Understanding of polishing processes, end-face geometry, and insertion/return loss performance drivers.
• Experience working with global suppliers, particularly in China, Taiwan, Japan, and North America.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, connector specifications, and technical requirements.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in cost modeling and market analysis.

This position is not eligible for VISA Sponsorship.

In order to comply with U.S. export control laws and regulations, this position requires applicants to either provide proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status or be eligible to receive an export authorization (a license) under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and/or the Export Administration Regulations.

For this role, we anticipate paying $110,000 - $150,000 per year. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form.

At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.

Hiring Philosophy

All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here .

Who We Are

As a Koch company, Molex is a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect components, driving innovation in electronics and supporting industries from automotive to health care and consumer to data communications. The thousands of innovators who work for Molex have made us a global electronics leader. Our experienced people, groundbreaking products and leading-edge technologies help us deliver a wider array of solutions to more markets than ever before.


At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.

Our Benefits

Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.


Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.

Equal Opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here , aquí , or tu ).

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