Lucerne, Canton of Lucerne

Role Purpose

The Associate Director – Valves Procurement Leader is responsible for developing and executing a global category strategy that optimizes cost, availability, agility, and innovation. This role leads a team to deliver cost optimization, supplier performance, and strategic alignment with Carrier’s long-term product and technology roadmap.

The leader will drive supplier relationship management, costed BOM development, and cross-functional collaboration with engineering, quality, product management, and operations to ensure sourcing strategies enable business growth, risk mitigation, and sustainability goals.

Key Responsibilities

1) Category Strategy & Execution

• Develop and implement a comprehensive category strategy aligned with Carrier’s global supply chain, product, and manufacturing strategies.

• Optimize total cost of ownership (TCO) through cost modeling, value engineering, and sourcing innovation.

• Lead costed BOM development and ensure alignment with product lifecycle and technology roadmaps.

• Drive dual sourcing, re-sourcing, and supplier qualification to ensure supply continuity and competitiveness.

2) Supplier Relationship & Performance Management

• Manage strategic relationships with key suppliers; negotiate long-term agreements focusing on cost, quality, delivery, and ESG compliance.

• Own vendor performance data and report metrics (OTD, quality, cost savings) to leadership.

• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, including single-sourcing, geopolitical exposure, and capacity constraints.

3) Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Establish a cross-functional network with engineering, quality, product management, and operations to align sourcing strategies with business objectives.

• Partner with NPI and engineering teams to ensure early supplier involvement in new product development and design-to-cost initiatives.

• Collaborate with sustainability teams to ensure responsible sourcing and ESG compliance.

4) Market Intelligence & Innovation

• Maintain expert knowledge of global supply markets, cost drivers, and emerging technologies.

• Continuously monitor market trends, commodity indices, and competitive benchmarks to inform sourcing decisions.

• Identify and implement VA/VE opportunities and innovation initiatives with suppliers.

5) Leadership & Team Development

• Lead category team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Build organizational capability in strategic sourcing, negotiation, and supplier development.

• Champion digital procurement tools and analytics for data-driven decision-making.

Success Metrics

• Cost Optimization: Annual cost savings, VA/VE initiatives, TCO improvements.

• Supplier Performance: OTD, quality metrics, risk mitigation effectiveness.

• Category Strategy Execution: Adoption of sourcing strategies across regions and factories.

• Innovation & ESG: Supplier-driven innovation and compliance with sustainability goals.

• Team Development: Capability growth and retention of category managers.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s in Supply Chain, Business, or Engineering; Master’s or MBA preferred.

• Experience:

• 10+ years in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain , with global category management experience.

• Proven track record in cost optimization, supplier negotiations, and risk management .

• Experience in industrial, HVAC, or manufacturing sectors preferred.

• Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in procurement systems (SAP, Ariba) and analytics tools.

• Strong understanding of cost modeling, commodity markets, and sourcing best practices .

• Soft Skills:

• Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills.

• Ability to influence across functions and cultures in a matrixed organization.

• Language: English required; additional languages (German, French, Spanish) a plus.

• Travel: ~15–20% globally.

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinking with strong execution focus

• Data-driven decision-making and analytical rigor

• Leadership and talent development

• Supplier relationship management and collaboration

• Continuous improvement and innovation mindset

More about us:

Carrier is the world’s leader in high-technology heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions. We have of a history of more than 100 years of proven innovation, solving problems on a global level, and our innovations drive new industries. Our mission is to be the first choice for heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions worldwide. We work every day to make the world a better place to live, work and play. Consistently ranked as one of the world’s most respected companies, we are also a pioneer of social responsibility, looking after the environment as well our people.

Now, as the global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions, we’re just getting started. Through digitally enabled solutions; intelligent, connected ecosystems; and a commitment to customers for the entire lifecycle, we’re writing the next chapter. For our company. And for the world.

Carrier is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.