Commodity Manager

Reporting to the Director of Purchasing, the Commodity Manager will form an integral part of the Purchasing function in the achievment of operational objectives. With a strong background in Engineering, Purchasing and Supply Chain Management, the candidate will take a proactive approach in developing suppliers to ensure lowest cost while achieving world class quality and delivery standards. The role is key to leading the company forward in securing quality suppliers of materials and components covering price delivery and quality targets.

• Managing and controlling a portfolio of external production suppliers.
• Develop supply base strategies to identify suitable technologies and suppliers.
• Ensure parts and materials are purchased at the most competitive total cost and with shortest lead-time.
• Confidently enter into contractual negotiations with current and potential suppliers to identify cost saving opportunities.
• Establish strategic relationships with key supply partners aligned to the global supply chain strategy.
• Identify new suppliers, agree to terms, and negotiate supply agreements where appropriate, including discount agreements and volume rebates.
• Foster close working relationships with associated departments (e.g. Engineering, Production, Sales and Project Management).
• Continually improve purchasing/supply chain methods to drive down external cost.
• Continual benchmarking of the market to ensure up-to-date status on latest technology.
• Conduct Supplier visits both in the US and overseas. Such visits may be at very short notice.
• To continually review processes and procedures, and work with the Director of Purchasing to implement.
• Stringent control of material costs in line with set objectives.
• Full involvement with Engineering on the evaluation of new and existing parts and successful integration into the business.
• Monitor current and future trends in the global market place.
• Work closely with Quality to develop the principle of ‘Supplier Quality Development’ across the supply base.

OTHER REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• High competency level in the use of Microsoft Office (Excel, Powerpoint and Word as a minimum).
• Proven track record of controlling and reducing cost whilst developing a robust supply base.
• Fully conversant with modern day procurement and purchasing techniques.
• Experience of purchasing custom, manufactured parts including scheduled deliveries. Experience working with MRP and lean replenishment systems is essential.
• Experience outsourcing to low-cost countries would be an advantage.
• Direct supplier and commodity management for a specific number of suppliers/commodities.
• Representing the department at internal meetings and presenting purchasing performance achievements.
• Management and coordination of purchasing activities with relation to cost, quality and delivery performance.
• Continuous development of self and induvial team members.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Engineering, or related subject.
• Minimum of 5 years experience in a Purchasing role or related technical Engineering role.

PREFERRED

• CPSM or CSCP certification preferred.

Bergstrom Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.