Fiber Optic Cable Category Sourcing Manager

Your Job Molex optical connectivity group is seeking an experienced Category Sourcing Manager to lead the strategic sourcing and category management of fiber optic cable and related optical connectivity components. This role is critical to supporting Molex's rapidly expanding data center and high-speed networking business, ensuring that our supply base is competitive, reliable, and aligned with long‑term technology and capacity roadmaps. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of the fiber optics ecosystem, strong commercial negotiation skills, and hands‑on experience supporting data center infrastructure – including hyperscale, colocation, or enterprise environments. You will own the category strategy, supplier relationships, cost roadmap, and risk mitigation plans for a global portfolio of fiber optic cable products. 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. Responsibilities Develop and execute a global category strategy for fiber optic cable, cable assemblies, and related optical components, aligned to business growth, customer requirements, and technology roadmaps. Build and maintain multi‑year cost, quality, and supply continuity plans, including capacity outlooks and sourcing roadmaps for critical components and suppliers. Conduct ongoing market and competitive analysis (technology shifts, pricing drivers, supplier landscape) and translate insights into sourcing actions and recommendations. Identify, qualify, and manage a high‑performing global supplier base across North America, Asia, and Europe, including supplier segmentation and preferred supplier strategies. Lead RFQs and commercial negotiations (pricing, terms, volume agreements, lead time, flexibility) and execute long‑term agreements that improve total cost and supply assurance. Drive supplier performance management through KPIs and supplier business reviews, improving cost, on‑time delivery/lead time, quality, and innovation contributions. Partner with Engineering, NPI, Operations, and Product Management to support new product introductions and design‑to‑cost/design‑for‑supply initiatives. Engage with data center customers and internal stakeholders to understand technical requirements, qualification needs, and future demand/capacity expectations. Own cost modeling, benchmarking, and cost reduction initiatives for the category; track savings and report category performance on a regular cadence. Lead risk management for the fiber optics supply chain by monitoring geopolitical/logistics/material risks, completing risk assessments, and implementing mitigation plans (e.g., dual sourcing, inventory strategy, continuity planning). 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 in fiber optic cable, optical components, or high‑speed connectivity. Experience supporting data center, hyperscale, telecom, or networking infrastructure. Preferred Qualifications Experience with NPI/NPD sourcing in a technology or manufacturing environment. Knowledge of fiber optic cable standards and industry specifications, including: Telcordia GR409, Telcordia GR20, Telcordia GR326. Familiarity with fiber types and architectures (OS2, OM3/4/5, MPO/MTP, ribbon versus loose tube, etc.). Understanding of data center architectures, structured cabling systems, and hyperscale deployment models. Experience working with global suppliers, particularly in Asia (China, Taiwan, Vietnam) and North America. Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical requirements. Strong analytical skills with experience in cost modeling and market analysis. Benefits Our benefits plan includes medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, accidental death, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria are 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. Equal Employment Opportunity 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. Export Control Applicants must 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Molex