Commodity Manager

Role Purpose – Summary

The Commodity Manager will ensure that Wrightbus has the right materials within their assigned commodities, from the right suppliers, at the right cost, quality and time, supporting uninterrupted production at the lowest overall cost.

This job description will be subject to review in the light of changing circumstances and may include other duties and responsibilities, as may be determined in consultation with the jobholder.

Key Responsibilities

Supplier Sourcing & Selection

• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers, ensuring the best balance of quality, cost, delivery, and service.
• Source from best-cost countries where appropriate and maintain approved supplier status in line with internal and ISO requirements.
• Obtain quotations for new components and develop dual-source and alternative-source strategies to reduce supply risk and increase resilience.

Purchasing & Material Planning

• Manage the procurement and scheduling of materials to support production plans and customer delivery commitments.
• Maintain accurate supplier, pricing, and lead-time information within the ERP system.
• Provide suppliers with forecasts, monitor capacity, and proactively identify and mitigate potential material shortages, long lead times, or supply constraints.

Commercial & Cost Management

• Maintain material costs within the Bill of Materials and support make-versus-buy decisions with detailed cost analysis.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, payment terms, warranties, and commercial agreements to deliver the best overall outcome for the business.

Supplier Performance & Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with key suppliers.

• Conduct regular supplier performance reviews covering cost, quality, delivery, service, and contractual compliance.

• Manage supplier contracts and lead escalation, recovery, and improvement plans where performance falls below expectations.

• Drive cost reduction initiatives through supplier negotiations, alternative sourcing, and value-engineering opportunities.

• Lead sourcing and improvement projects, ensuring targeted savings and business benefits are delivered on time.

• Analyse ERP and supplier data to identify trends, measure performance & implement continuous improvement initiatives.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a small procurement team, setting clear objectives and performance expectations.
• Support the ongoing development of commercial, technical, and professional skills within the team.
• Contribute to departmental objectives and promote a culture of continuous improvement and high performance.

Person Specification

• Degree in Business, Engineering, Materials, Supply Chain or a related discipline, or experience in a senior materials role within a manufacturing environment
• Proven experience of contract preparation
• Experience of sourcing from best-cost countries
• People management experience
• Computer literate, with proficiency in Excel
• Influencing and persuasive skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of management and staff
• Demonstrated project management skills
• Proven supplier relationship management skills
• Demonstrable supplier negotiation skills
• Good communication and team-working skills
• Willing to undertake and provide training as required
• Flexible and adaptable, with good attendance, timekeeping and disciplinary record
• Proven track record of procurement management within a high quality manufacturing environment.

This role can be based at any of Wrightbus's key operational sites, including Ballymena, Bicester, or Banbury

The Benefits:

Discretionary bonus

Life Insurance

Medicash scheme

Discount with local businesses e.g. Galgorm Spa Resort and McAtamney’s.

Canteen

Career progression

Professional development

Flexitime

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