Fiber Optic Cable Category Sourcing Manager

About the role

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.

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).

Requirements

• 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.

Qualifications

• Experience with NPI/NPD sourcing in a technology or manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of fiber optic cable standards and industry specifications, including: Telcordia GR-409, Telcordia GR-20, Telcordia GR-326
• Familiarity with fiber types and architectures (OS2, OM3/4/5, MPO/MTP, ribbon vs. 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.

Skills

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Technical understanding of fiber optics and related components.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Flexible spending and health savings accounts.
• Life insurance and disability coverage.
• Retirement plans.
• Paid vacation/time off.
• Education assistance.
• Additional benefits may include infertility assistance, paid parental leave, and adoption assistance.

Pay

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

Schedule

Hybrid role based in Lisle IL, Hudson WI, or Eden Prairie MN. Remote considered for individuals with 10+ years of precision fiber optic experience.