Sourcing Manager

Strategic Commodity Manager – Aerospace & Government Programs

VIAVI (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for telecommunications, cloud, enterprises, first responders, military, aerospace, and railway. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications. We are the people behind the products that help keep the world connected at home, school, work, at play, and everywhere in between. VIAVI employees are passionate about supporting customer success and we welcome people who bring their best every day to the company – to question, to collaborate and to push for solutions that will delight our customers.

The Strategic Commodity Manager – Aerospace & Government Programs is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for direct materials supporting aerospace, defense, government, and commercial programs. This position manages strategic supplier relationships, negotiates long-term agreements, mitigates supply chain risk, and ensures continuity of supply while meeting cost, quality, delivery, and compliance objectives.

The role works closely with Engineering, Quality, Operations, Program Management, Manufacturing, Contracts, and Finance to support new product introductions, production requirements, and government contract obligations.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Strategic Sourcing & Commodity Management: Develop and execute commodity strategies that align with business objectives while optimizing cost, quality, delivery, supplier performance, and continuity of supply. Drive supplier engagement to support technology roadmaps and material innovation
• Supplier Relationship Management: Establish and manage strategic supplier partnerships through supplier selection, qualification, contract negotiations, performance management, drive supplier corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Government & Aerospace Compliance: Support sourcing activities for aerospace, defense, and government programs while ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and customer requirements, including ITAR, EAR, FAR, DFARS, and AS9100.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Engineering, Quality, Operations, Manufacturing, Program Management, Planning, and Contracts to support production, new product introductions (NPI), engineering changes, and business objectives.
• Supply Chain Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate supply chain risks related to supplier capacity, financial stability, geopolitical events, sole-source exposure, and business continuity through proactive sourcing strategies.
• Cost Reduction & Value Engineering: Lead cost reduction, cost avoidance, and Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VA/VE) initiatives while maintaining product quality, regulatory compliance, and supply continuity.
• Technical Sourcing: Source precision optical components and advanced materials while collaborating with Engineering and suppliers on optical fabrication methods, metrology, and optical test & measurement processes to support product quality and manufacturability.
• New Product Introduction (NPI): Partner with Engineering, Quality, and key suppliers to support new product development, supplier qualification, prototype builds, production readiness, and successful product launches.
• Data Analytics & Business Reporting: Analyze supplier performance, spend, market trends, and commodity risks to support data-driven sourcing decisions. Prepare and present supplier performance, cost savings, and strategic sourcing recommendations to senior leadership.
• Project Management: Manage multiple sourcing initiatives and strategic projects simultaneously while effectively balancing changing business priorities, customer requirements, and production demands.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of sourcing, procurement, or commodity management experience.
• 3+ years supporting aerospace, defense, government, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating strategic supplier agreements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and executive presentation abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPSM, CPIM, CSCP, or CPM certification.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems.
• Knowledge of semiconductor, optics, precision machining, electronics, or engineered materials.

Technical Skills

Advanced proficiency with:

• Microsoft Excel
  • Pivot Tables
  • Power Query
  • XLOOKUP
  • INDEX/MATCH
  • Dashboard development
• ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, Epicor, etc.)

Pre-Requisites / Skills / Experience Requirements:

If you have what it takes to push boundaries and seize opportunities, apply to join our team today.

VIAVI Solutions is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer – minorities/females/veterans/persons with disabilities.

ITAR: This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. Persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. Person as a U.S. Citizen or National, U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, Refugee, or Temporary Resident granted amnesty.

Job Posting Pay Range: 72,800 to 135,200. Exceptional qualifications, experience and location may impact salary. VIAVI offers a competitive benefits package that includes paid time off, health, life and disability insurance, 401(k), and a bonus program.