Commodity Manager - Plymouth, MN

March 30, 2022

Commodity Manager

Plymouth, MN, US

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• 4-year degree in engineering and/or business with technical aptitude
• 7 years of experience sourcing, buying from and negotiating with distribution and/or manufacturing suppliers (including 3 to 5 years with commodity management responsibilities)
• Strong background in several of the following: electromechanical components, electronics components, metal components, connectors and sockets, plastics and rubber products
• Excellent negotiation skills
• Ability to build influential supplier relationships and use those relationships to effectively negotiate delivery and pricing
• Ability to read and understand engineering drawings
• Thorough understanding of manufacturing concepts and knowledge of MRP/ERP systems
• Ability to consider and deal with all technical, commercial, and relational aspects of the job
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
• Experience using web-based purchasing/technical search engines
• Track record of being proactive, taking initiative, and demonstrating a sense of urgency
• Solid analytical skills and attention to detail/organizational skills
• Excellent computer skills (advanced Excel and reporting)
• Must have leadership skills that will allow the Senior Buyer and/or Buyer to persuade others to also accept this action and help implement the action plan.

JOB SUMMARY:

Develop, formulate, and implement commodity strategies with the goal of cost savings, supply base stability, and aligning with company application requirements. Commodities may include raw, Semi-finished, finished, and indirect materials. Maintain assigned accounts. Partner with suppliers that will provide the quality, price, and timely delivery required to meet Turck's requirements. This role will provide direct factory support for the assigned commodity.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Vendor Management

1. Develop, support, and maintain supplier relations. Responsible for overall supplier performance in assigned commodities through measurement of supplier activities, ongoing engagement, and supplier audits.
2. Effectively manage supplier selection to meet commodity strategy, quality, service, cost, risk mitigation, and supplier capabilities requirements.
3. Perform functions related to the procurement of materials and services to meet customer demands including quoting of materials, supplier stocking programs, supplier forecast, on-time deliveries, non-conforming material, certificates of origin, material costing, adherence to product compliances, and development of prototypes.
4. Assist product management and engineering to source parts and/or develop parts design as well as engineering specifications (dimensional drawing, material selection, mechanical, chemical, electrical, or thermal properties, and material approvals). Engage suppliers in the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) to support new product development and product changes.
5. Drive the supply base to develop process improvements: make recommendations to improve productivity, quality, and efficiency of vendor operations.

Commodity Management

1. Develop and implement effective sourcing and commodity strategies in support of company objectives and through analysis of company requirements.
2. Investigate, recommend and develop alternative sources while promoting continuity of supply, consistency of quality, and competitive pricing.
3. Educate themselves with regards to commodities they are responsible for and maintain a good working knowledge of Turck products.
4. Act independently to identify and develop supply chain improvement opportunities for given commodities. Provide forecasts to management of trends, opportunities, and potential risk areas. 
5. Manage cost savings for assigned commodities.
6. Provide recommendations of alternative materials or new processes.
7. Ensure that system data is maintained and that it supports the effective generation of procurement messages.
8. Manage and develop a team of Sr. Buyers and Buyers, providing tactical and strategic metrics, leadership, and guidance. 

General

1. Lead or participate in special projects in support of departmental or company objectives.
2. Provide training for other staff members and department associates in systems, procedures, processes, and methodologies.
3. Perform other related duties as assigned.
4. Act as liaison between supplier and rest of Turck organization.
5. Support the organization on all new product development programs and value analysis/value engineering programs.
6. Ensure that appropriate product launch plans are in place that relate to supply chain.
7. Single source communication point for Operations to discuss sourcing activities.