Very successful and large consumer products company has an excellent opportunity available for a Sr. Commodity Manager.  Negotiates and administers complex procurement contracts that encompass cost savings and delivery.  Leads moderately complex to complex negotiations on strategic sourcing contracts, and make sure that legally binding and auditable elements are accurately documented and retained.  Selects, appoints, and steers a supply base that progresses objectives on cost cash, service levels and technology platforms.

Develops, evaluates, and manages supplier relationships to accomplish material cost, availability, and inventory goals.  Must analyze / troubleshoot quality problems and influence suppliers in the resolution process.

Maintains supplier quality through assessment, evaluation and ongoing monitoring which includes supplier performance management in the areas of delivery, process flexibility and total cost management.  Additionally oversees supplier performance by performing periodic credit/organizational reviews, ensuring supplier side audits, and developing and reporting supplier performance metrics.  Acts like a liaison between suppliers and company to troubleshoot, analyze and resolve issues as well as to deliver solutions to avoid supply interruption and adverse costs.

Procures and evaluates all necessary new materials for each phase of the design process.  Coordinates supplier information gathering and visits; arranges engineering samples and leads the qualification process of new, updated or troublesome materials with suppliers and company inspection.  Supports production/new product introduction activity by serving as a member and/or materials resource on product development teams.

Designs, develops, and implements commodity procurement plans, this includes managing the transition of new and existing business to strategic suppliers.  Ensures a smooth and positive transition to customers.

Develops inventory targets, monitors phases of all processes to forecast fluctuations, and alerts teams of needed inventory adjustments.

Develops and regularly monitors plans to minimize obsolete, out of date or any other scrap material in the most efficient and cost-effective manner.

Reviews, researches, designs, implements, and monitors Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) programs (existing & future).  Provides leadership and direction to cross-functional relationships with suppliers and production, quality, finance departments as well as logistics planning.

• Typically requires a minimum of seven (7) years of experience managing moderately complex procurement contracts, vendor negotiations and the sourcing of goods and services.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Engineering or equivalent.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and abilities to influence others, lead work teams and provide guidance to other staff.
• Skills and ability to effectively manage complex internal and external supplier relationships requiring diplomacy and negotiation skills and a depth of specialized knowledge.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to effectively communicate with all levels throughout the organization and external vendors, strong customer service orientation, excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to drive for results.
• Good working knowledge of a wide variety of mechanical / electrical devices, capability to perform specialized analysis / calculations, and knowledge of applicable manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Experience in Manufacturing Requirements Planning (MRP), and JD Edwards (JDE), logistics and domestic/international contract writing.
• Requires some domestic and potentially some international travel.
• Advanced skills and proficiency in using the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Outlook).