Senior Manager, Supply Chain (Project Management)
Summary:
VIAVI (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for telecommunications, cloud, enterprises, first responders, military, aerospace, and railway. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications.We are the people behind the products that help keep the world connected at home, school, work, at play, and everywhere in between. VIAVI employees are passionate about supporting customer success and we welcome people who bring their best every day to the company – to question, to collaborate and to push for solutions that will delight our customers.
Job Title: Sr. Manager, Supply Chain
Location: Wichita, KS (on site)
Job Summary:
The Sr. Supply Chain Manager will be a hands-on leader with primary responsibility for managing procurement activities at VIAVI's Aerospace & Defense (A&D) manufacturing site in Wichita, Kansas. This position is based on-site.
The role ensures timely sourcing of materials, parts, and services that meet stringent quality, regulatory, and security requirements. You will work cross-functionally to align supplier performance with program needs, drive cost savings, and support site delivery, quality, and compliance objectives while contributing to strategic sourcing initiatives and continuous improvement.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Supply Chain/Procurement:
- Full accountability for procurement impact on program delivery, cost, and quality, and prioritizing decisions that support mission assurance, safety, and customer confidence.
- Act as champion for strict adherence to regulatory, security, and quality standards (e.g., ITAR, EAR, ISO, AS9100).
- Understand the gravity of non-compliance in the A&D sector and lead by example.
- Proactively identify supply risks, obsolescence issues, and geopolitical impacts.
- Develop mitigation strategies to ensure uninterrupted supply to critical programs.
- Build strong working relationships with R&D/Engineering, Quality and Finance.
- Navigate competing priorities while keeping the site's goals and customer commitments central.
- Capable of influencing suppliers in a regulated and cost-sensitive industry.
- Source, negotiate, and manage purchase orders for raw materials, components, and direct goods/services.
- Develop and maintain relationships with key suppliers to ensure performance, quality, and cost goals are met.
- Monitor supplier delivery and performance; proactively address issues that could impact production.
- Collaborate with planning, production, and quality teams to align material availability with manufacturing schedules.
- Identify cost savings opportunities through supplier consolidation, negotiation, and value engineering.
- Analyze market trends, risks, and alternative sourcing options.
- Participate in make-vs-buy analysis and contract negotiation.
Process & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with VIAVI procurement policies, ethics, and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain accurate procurement records in ERP systems (Oracle).
- Support audits and implement corrective actions as needed.
In addition to leading supply chain management, you will be a key member of the Site Leadership Team:
1. Strategic Thinking
- Align organizational activities with site and corporate goals.
- Anticipate risks and act proactively to mitigate disruptions.
2. Cross-functional Collaboration
- Partner effectively with production, maintenance, engineering, and finance to ensure shared goals are met.
- Communicate clearly and persuasively at all levels of the organization.
3. Accountability & Ownership
- Take full responsibility for outcomes impacting the site.
- Lead initiatives independently and drive results.
4. Influence & Negotiation
- Influence internal stakeholders with data, insight and diplomacy.
- Secure buy-in for sourcing strategies or supplier changes.
5. Continuous Improvement Mindset
- Challenge the status quo, propose smarter ways of working, and reduce inefficiencies.
- Actively contribute to cost reduction and operational excellence programs.
6. Ethical Leadership
- Uphold ethical standards in all interactions.
- Act as a steward of classified, export-controlled, or proprietary information.
- Be a role model for integrity, fairness and compliance.
Pre-Requisites / Skills / Experience Requirements:
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering or a related field.
- 5+ years of procurement experience, gained within a manufacturing environment.
- Proficient with ERP systems and data analysis.
- Strong knowledge of supplier management, contract negotiation, and cost analysis.
- ITAR Eligible (US Person as defined by USCIS)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with lean manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.
- Global sourcing experience.
- Certification (e.g., CPM, CPSM, or CIPS) a plus.
If you have what it takes to push boundaries and seize opportunities, apply to join our team today.
VIAVI Solutions is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer – minorities/females/veterans/persons with disabilities.
