Manager - Supplier Agility & Inventory Strategy

Job Overview

The main target of the Global Procurement Lead – Supplier Agility and Inventory Strategy is to build and execute programs that will improve Supplier agility and responsiveness and also formulate and execute a Materials Inventory optimization strategy. This role will ultimately help enhance the customer experience by building service excellence and deliver an optimized working capital for the TE business.

KEY RESPONSBILITIES

Reporting to the Procurement Transformation Leader in the DDN Procurement Team, the Global Procurement Manager – Supplier Agility and Inventory Strategy will be leading the development of and execution of strategies to drive service excellence with best-in-class supplier lead times and optimal working capital via MOQs / inventories reduction.

The role requires the ability to effectively collaborate and partner with DDN Business Unit Procurement, Supply Chain, Engineering and Operations teams to drive an aligned supplier agility and responsiveness strategy.
•    Lead global initiatives to improve supplier agility, focusing on reducing lead times and enhancing responsiveness to business needs.
•    Partner with suppliers and internal stakeholders to analyze and improve supplier operational lead times within supplier facilities, addressing bottlenecks and strengthening throughput.
•    Design and implement inventory strategies that balance cost, risk, and service levels, with a strong emphasis on MOQ optimization and supply flexibility.
•    Drive adoption of Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI), consignment, and other collaborative inventory models, ensuring alignment between supplier and company objectives.
•    Build strong collaboration frameworks with suppliers to enable joint planning, visibility, and agility initiatives.
•    Leverage data analytics and scenario modelling to identify priorities, optimize inventory levers, and guide execution of agility and supply initiatives.
•    Develop and monitor supplier performance KPIs related to agility, lead time, inventory, and collaborative models.
•    Work closely with procurement, supply chain, manufacturing, and planning teams to align supplier strategies with business priorities and resilience needs.
•    Act as a global subject matter expert, sharing best practices, coaching teams, and building supplier agility and inventory capabilities across regions and categories.

DESIRED SKILLS:

Knowledge of global electronics sourcing
    Strong negotiation skills
    Previous hands-on experience with working on initiatives linked to upstream supply chain agility – responsiveness – efficiency – inventory – supplier collaboration – VMI / consignment / collaborative inventory solutions
    Analytical mindset with advanced capability to translate data into actionable strategies and prioritize initiatives effectively
    Skilled in supplier engagement and relationship management, with ability to work deeply within supplier operations to drive improvement.
    Experience leading global or cross-regional projects and influencing diverse stakeholders.
    Excellent communication and change management skills with the ability to communicate to people at all levels of the organisation in both commercial and technical roles
    Ability to influence others
    Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
    Strong project management skills and ability to multi-task 
    Ability to work in a matrix environment with multi-cultural teams
    Ability to demonstrate strong customer focus and continuous improvement attitude
    Ability to form successful working relationships quickly at all levels
    Ability to prioritize and manage complexity in a fast-paced environment
    Ability to meet demanding deadlines and task prioritization.
    Continuous improvement mindset
    Fluent in English both written and spoken
    Other languages are a plus
    Time zone flexibility and ability to travel internationally

What your background should look like

Generally requires Bachelors degree in appropriate field with a minimum of 8 years of experience; Masters degree or higher or local equivalent may be preferred at this level

Competencies