Ferrule & Connector Category Sourcing Manager

Overview Your Job Molex's Optical Connectivity Group is seeking an experienced Ferrule & Connector Category Sourcing Manager to lead global sourcing strategy, supplier management, and longterm category ownership for ferrules, connectors, and related optical termination components. This role is essential to supporting Molex's expanding data center, hyperscale, and highspeed 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. 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 longterm contracts, and track achievement of agreed cost and service targets. Own supplier performance management: define KPIs (price, ontime 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 designforcost, manufacturability, and qualification requirements; participate in NPI gates and deliver sourcing input within NPI timelines. Perform supplychain 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 GR326, 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/leadtime 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 highspeed 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, endface 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. 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. 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. 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. 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