Role Overview for VP, Sourcing & Vetting, Direct Materials with an Electronics Co. – San Jose, CA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering force in the consumer and industrial electronics sector, located in the heart of Silicon Valley. Our client is renowned for its innovation, cutting-edge technology, and commitment to quality. They are currently seeking a visionary and strategic executive to join their leadership team as the Vice President of Sourcing & Vetting for Direct Materials. This is a paramount role responsible for shaping the future of the company’s supply chain, ensuring the seamless flow of high-quality components that are the lifeblood of their products.
Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the VP of Sourcing & Vetting will be the principal architect of the global direct materials sourcing strategy. This individual will lead a talented international team of sourcing professionals, driving excellence in supplier selection, negotiation, cost management, and supply chain resilience. The ideal candidate is a seasoned leader with deep expertise in the electronics component marketplace, a master negotiator, and a strategic thinker who can navigate the complexities of a global supply chain. You will be responsible for billions of dollars in annual spend across critical categories such as semiconductors, passive components, displays, batteries, and custom-engineered parts. Your leadership will directly impact the company’s profitability, product innovation, and market competitiveness. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant mark on a fast-growing, industry-leading organization.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Sourcing & Vetting, Direct Materials with an Electronics Co. – San Jose, CA
The VP of Sourcing & Vetting will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, including but not limited to:
Strategic Leadership & Global Sourcing
- Develop, implement, and continuously refine the global sourcing strategy for all direct materials, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives, product roadmaps, and financial targets.
- Lead market intelligence efforts to identify emerging trends, potential risks, and new opportunities within the global electronics supply base.
- Establish and champion long-term commodity strategies that secure supply, optimize cost, and drive technological advantages for the company.
- Drive the integration of sustainability and ethical sourcing principles (e.g., conflict minerals, labor practices) into all procurement activities.
- Collaborate with the executive team to provide critical input for strategic planning, budgeting, and long-range forecasting.
Supplier Management & Vetting
- Oversee a rigorous supplier vetting, qualification, and onboarding process to ensure all partners meet stringent quality, technical, and business requirements.
- Cultivate and manage strategic relationships with key C-level executives at critical suppliers, fostering partnerships that drive innovation and mutual growth.
- Implement a robust supplier performance management framework, including scorecards, key performance indicators (KPIs), and regular business reviews (QBRs) to drive continuous improvement.
- Develop and execute a supplier diversity program that aligns with corporate social responsibility goals.
Cost Management & Negotiation
- Lead high-stakes negotiations for multi-year, multi-million dollar contracts and supply agreements, ensuring favorable terms for pricing, quality, delivery, and liability.
- Champion total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis and should-cost modeling to identify and execute significant cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or supply.
- Develop and manage the annual operating budget for the global sourcing department, ensuring fiscal responsibility and achievement of savings targets.
Risk Mitigation & Supply Chain Resilience
- Architect and implement a comprehensive supply chain risk management program to identify, assess, and mitigate risks related to geopolitical instability, natural disasters, supplier financial health, and logistical disruptions.
- Design and enforce multi-sourcing and dual-sourcing strategies for critical components to ensure business continuity and prevent supply chain bottlenecks.
- Proactively monitor supply markets and global events to anticipate potential shortages or price volatility, developing contingency plans accordingly.
Team Development & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing, globally distributed team of sourcing managers and commodity experts. Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous learning.
- Partner closely with Engineering and R&D teams during the New Product Introduction (NPI) process to influence design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for sourcing (DFS).
- Collaborate with Quality, Manufacturing, and Planning departments to ensure a seamless end-to-end supply chain operation.
- Act as the primary sourcing liaison to the executive leadership team, providing regular updates on performance, market conditions, and strategic initiatives.
- Implement industry-leading strategic sourcing best practices and leverage procurement technology to drive efficiency and data-driven decision-making.
Requirements for the VP, Sourcing & Vetting, Direct Materials with an Electronics Co. – San Jose, CA
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership capacity (Director level or above).
- Extensive experience within the electronics manufacturing, semiconductor, or a related high-tech industry is mandatory.
- Proven track record of managing an annual direct material spend of at least $500M.
- Demonstrated expertise in sourcing key electronic commodities such as semiconductors, custom ASICs, displays, memory, and passive components.
- Mastery of complex contract negotiation and the ability to personally lead and close multi-million dollar agreements.
- Strong financial acumen with experience in cost modeling, TCO analysis, and budget management.
- Exceptional leadership skills with a proven ability to build, mentor, and motivate a global, high-performance team.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels, including the C-suite.
Preferred Qualifications:
- An MBA or other advanced degree (e.g., MS in Engineering or Supply Chain Management) is highly preferred.
- Professional certifications such as Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP).
- Experience working in a fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing environment.
- Deep knowledge of modern ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and e-procurement platforms.
- Experience with Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.
- Established network of contacts within the global electronics component supply base.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
- Executive Compensation: A competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a substantial long-term incentive package (equity/stock options).
- Comprehensive Health & Wellness: Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents, along with a Health Savings Account (HSA) with generous company contributions.
- Retirement Planning: A robust 401(k) plan with a strong company matching program to help you plan for your future.
- Work-Life Balance: A flexible and generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, coupled with company-paid holidays.
- Professional Growth: A significant budget for professional development, including conferences, certifications, and executive coaching.
- Relocation Assistance: A comprehensive relocation package is available for exceptional candidates.
- On-Site Perks: Access to a modern campus with amenities such as a fitness center, healthy catered meals, and collaborative workspaces.
How to Apply
This is a retained search managed exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative supply chain leader with the experience and drive to excel in this critical role, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and accomplishments.
For more information on our expertise in this area, please visit the JRG Partners’ Supply Chain & Operations executive search team page. We look forward to connecting with you and exploring how your background aligns with this exciting leadership position.
