Vendor Managment

Description Drive. Nets is a leader in cloud-native networking software and hardware, enabling the world's largest network operators to build scalable, high-performance infrastructure. Our Global SC & HW Operations team is the engine behind hardware delivery — from BOM to customer — spanning engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, and quality across a global partner ecosystem.

The Role We are looking for a Vendor Manager to own the end-to-end relationship with our component and sub-system vendors — starting with Optics suppliers and expanding to future strategic partners. This is not a buyer role and not a narrow technical position. You will be the single point of accountability between Drive.

Nets and each vendor: commercial governance, supply continuity, quality oversight, NPI execution, and RMA management — all in one role. You will work closely with Engineering & Quality, Global Supply Chain, and Planning, and report to the Director of Global Supply Chain.

What You'll Do

Vendor Onboarding

• Lead end-to-end onboarding of new vendors — technical qualification, internal and external commercial setup, quality baseline, and NPI readiness
• Coordinate qualification audits (PPAP/FAI) and production readiness reviews before first shipment Commercial Management
• Own pricing, capacity commitments, payment terms, and contracts for each managed vendor
• Drive quarterly business reviews (QBRs); act as the primary escalation point for commercial disputes and supply deviations
• Maintain alternative source qualifications and business continuity plans Forecast, Supply & Delivery
• Receive MPS / forecast from planning and drive delivery execution with vendors against committed timelines
• Track delivery performance; proactively surface shortages and capacity issues with mitigation options
• Manage vendor liability: consigned inventory, write-off decisions, aging stock Quality & Technical Governance
• Own vendor quality KPIs (FPY, DPPM, corrective action closure); coordinate resolution between vendor, Engineering, and Quality
• Track engineering changes (PCN) and manage vendor NPI participation across EVT, DVT, and PVT builds RMA & Field Returns
• Manage field returns to vendor: return authorization, failure analysis coordination, and replacement shipment tracking
• Ensure 8D root cause closure and feed learnings back into production

Requirements

• 10+ years in vendor management, strategic sourcing, or supply chain in a hardware technology company
• Proven track record managing vendors end-to-end — commercial, technical, quality, and supply — simultaneously
• Background in networking, optical, or high-speed electronic components; Optics / photonics experience is a strong advantage
• Hands-on with NPI cycles: qualification, EVT/DVT/PVT, PCN management
• Contract negotiation experience: supply agreements, pricing frameworks, capacity commitments
• Commercial acumen — able to negotiate and manage vendor P&L impact
• Engineering literacy — reads specs, engages credibly with engineering teams
• Data-driven — delivery data, quality metrics, and cost analysis drive decisions
• Cross-functional influencer — earns trust across Engineering, SC, Product, and Finance
• Structured communicator — clear in escalation forums and cross-functional reviews
• ERP familiarity (SAP, Priority, or equivalent)