Commodity Manager - Mechanical Subcontract & Raw Materials

About the role

A long-established, world-leading engineering manufacturer is looking for an experienced Commodity Manager to take full ownership of a complex, high-value commodity portfolio. The role sits within a busy, collaborative Sourcing team and involves setting strategy, leading major negotiations and being the go-to person on supply-chain decisions. The salary is £55,000 - £65,000 per annum plus a benefits package.

Key responsibilities

• Own the commodity strategy for mechanical products, machining, surface treatments, components and raw materials, covering supplier segmentation, capacity, cost drivers, lead times, quality, sustainability and obsolescence
• Provide commercial and supply-chain input to make-or-buy decisions for machined and mechanical parts
• Own the supply-chain risk register, including sole-source exposure, constrained capacity, sub-tier dependencies and trade risk, with mitigation plans agreed and tracked
• Negotiate with major suppliers and build senior-level relationships to improve cost, quality and delivery, and resolve technical, commercial or schedule issues
• Identify, qualify and develop new suppliers, and shape major supply-chain contracts including contract type and length
• Act as the link between Engineering, Operations, Quality, Programmes and the supply chain, working alongside Design and Manufacturing Engineering early in the design cycle
• Lead cross-functional teams on major technical or production issues and programmes to develop in-house capability
• Take a key role in Quarterly Business Reviews and support Account Managers and the Sales function
• Work with customers, government and external assurance bodies on supplier and compliance reviews

Required profile

• Proven track record as a Commodity or Category Manager covering machined components, mechanical products, surface treatments or metallic raw materials
• Evidence of building and delivering category strategies
• Supply-chain experience in a regulated, high-complexity environment
• Project or programme management experience leading cross-functional activity
• Legally entitled to work in the UK

Required skills

• Solid working knowledge of machining, fabrication, forging, casting, heat treatment, surface treatment and material conversion, and their cost drivers
• Strong analytical skills, from quotes and cost breakdowns to commodity indices and capacity data
• Experience managing sole-source or capacity-constrained suppliers
• Excellent negotiation, presentation and influencing skills at senior and working level