Commodity Manager

Position Summary The Commodity Manager is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for assigned commodities to ensure a reliable, cost-effective, and high-performing supply base. This role manages supplier relationships, negotiates commercial agreements, monitors market conditions, and drives continuous improvement initiatives to support operational, financial, and customer requirements.

Essential Functions

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for assigned commodities that support business objectives and operational requirements.
• Source raw materials, components, goods, and services through competitive bidding, negotiations, supplier collaboration, and other strategic sourcing tools.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, payment terms, lead times, service levels, and capacity commitments with suppliers.
• Monitor commodity market trends, economic conditions, and supplier performance to identify risks and opportunities.
• Track and report supplier performance metrics, including price, quality, delivery, responsiveness, and contract compliance.
• Lead supplier performance reviews and develop corrective action plans when performance does not meet expectations.
• Identify and execute cost reduction, productivity, and value improvement initiatives.
• Support supply continuity through proactive risk management, supplier development, and contingency planning.
• Collaborate with Operations, Planning, Quality, Engineering, and Finance teams to ensure alignment of sourcing decisions with business needs and compliance with policies, systems & controls.
• Evaluate and qualify new suppliers to improve competitiveness, capacity, quality, and risk diversification.
• Assist with resolving supplier quality issues, commercial disputes, claims, and recovery actions.
• Travel domestically and internationally as needed, typically up to 50%.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Strong negotiation, relationship management, and supplier development skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to interpret commodity market trends and translate insights into sourcing actions.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Strong financial acumen, including understanding of cost structures, pricing models, and total cost of ownership.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating within cross-functional teams.

Desired Skills

• Proficient knowledge of demand planning and supply planning systems/tools.
• Thorough understanding of materials and supplies used in the company.
• ISM, APICS and/or Six Sigma Black/Green Belt Certification(s) are desirable. Trained and participated in continuous improvement and lean manufacturing techniques and events.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Experience & Education

• BS degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Finance, Economics, Business or related discipline.
• Minimum of 5-8 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, commodity management, supply chain, or related functions within a manufacturing environment.