Director, Commodity Management – Optical Components and Systems at Jobgether – United States

This position is posted by Jobgether on behalf of a partner company. We are currently looking for a Director, Commodity Management – Optical Components and Systems in United States.

This leadership role sits at the core of optical supply chain strategy, driving the sourcing, performance, and resilience of critical optical components that power advanced communication systems. You will define and execute global commodity strategies for key technologies such as lasers, modulators, amplifiers, and transceivers, ensuring alignment with product roadmaps and business priorities. The role blends strategic sourcing, deep technical understanding, and strong supplier ecosystem engagement to ensure continuity of supply and long-term cost efficiency. You will collaborate closely with R&D, Product Management, Operations, and Quality teams to enable smooth product introductions and scalable production. Acting as both a strategist and a hands-on leader, you will influence supplier relationships, commercial structures, and risk mitigation approaches. This is a high-impact position in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment where decisions directly affect product delivery and global network performance.

• Develop and execute global sourcing and supplier strategies for optical components and sub-systems, ensuring alignment with product roadmaps and business objectives.
• Lead supplier performance management across cost, quality, delivery, and responsiveness using structured scorecards, business reviews, and corrective action plans.
• Drive complex commercial negotiations including pricing, capacity, lead times, NCNR terms, LTAs, MPAs, and supply assurance agreements.
• Partner with R&D, Product Management, and Operations to ensure supplier readiness and qualification for new product introductions and production scaling.
• Deliver measurable cost optimization through benchmarking, cost modeling, value engineering, and strategic cost-reduction initiatives.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks including single sourcing, capacity constraints, obsolescence, and geopolitical exposure.
• Lead shortage and allocation decisions during supply constraints, ensuring prioritization and executive-level communication.
• Oversee cross-functional execution of sourcing strategies and maintain governance through regular performance, risk, and savings reviews.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of commodity managers and analysts, ensuring strong execution and capability growth.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or related field; Master’s preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, commodity management, procurement, or supply chain, ideally within optical components or related high-tech industries.
• Strong technical understanding of optical systems and components such as amplifiers, lasers, WSS, transceivers, and passive/active optical technologies.
• Proven experience leading teams, including hiring, coaching, performance management, and organizational development.
• Strong negotiation skills with experience managing complex commercial agreements (LTAs, MPAs, NCNR, VMI/consignment).
• Demonstrated success in delivering cost savings, supplier performance improvements, and supply chain resilience strategies.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with engineering, operations, and product teams in support of NPIs and technology transitions.
• Strong analytical thinking and ability to translate data into actionable sourcing decisions.
• Excellent communication skills with experience delivering executive-level presentations.
• Comfort operating in a fast-paced, global, and ambiguity-rich environment.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary range: $152,900 – $244,300 (based on experience and location)
• Discretionary bonus eligibility and/or sales incentive structures where applicable
• Comprehensive health coverage including medical, dental, and vision plans
• 401(k) or DCPP retirement plan with company matching
• Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and company holidays
• Paid family leave and other statutory leave benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellbeing support resources
• Inclusive and diverse workplace culture focused on respect and belonging
• Flexible, growth-oriented work environment with leadership development opportunities.