At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead negotiations and develop strategies for high-value commodity portfolios.
- Company: World-leading engineering manufacturer focused on quality and supply continuity.
- Benefits: Ownership of projects, collaborative team environment, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team that values knowledge sharing and collaboration.
- Why this job: Take charge of impactful supply-chain decisions in a dynamic industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in commodity management and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
Our client is a long-established, world-leading engineering manufacturer where quality and supply continuity really matter. They are looking for an experienced Commodity Manager to take full ownership of a complex, high-value commodity portfolio. This is a role for someone who wants genuine responsibility. You will set the strategy, lead the big negotiations and be the person the business turns to on supply-chain decisions. You will do it as part of a busy, collaborative Sourcing team that shares knowledge, backs each other up and values experience.
What you'll own:
- Commodity strategy for mechanical products, machining, surface treatments, components and raw materials, covering supplier segmentation, capacity, cost drivers, lead times, quality, sustainability and obsolescence.
- The commercial and supply-chain input to make-or-buy decisions for machined and mechanical parts.
- The supply-chain risk register for your portfolio, including sole-source exposure, constrained capacity, sub-tier dependencies and trade risk, with mitigation plans agreed and tracked.
- Major supplier negotiations.
- Senior-level relationships with key suppliers to improve cost, quality and delivery, and to resolve significant technical, commercial or schedule issues.
- Identifying, qualifying and developing new suppliers in line with company strategy.
- Shaping major supply-chain contracts, including contract type and length.
How you'll work:
- As the link between Engineering, Operations, Quality, Programmes and the supply chain.
- Alongside Design and Manufacturing Engineering from early in the design cycle, so parts are manufacturable and competitively sourced.
- Leading cross-functional teams on major technical or production issues.
- Leading programmes to develop in-house capability where that is the right strategy.
- Taking a key role in Quarterly Business Reviews and supporting Account Managers and the Sales function.
- Working with customer, government and external assurance bodies on supplier and compliance reviews.
What you'll bring:
- A 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.
- A 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 where switching is difficult.
- Project or programme management experience leading cross-functional activity.
- Excellent negotiation, presentation and influencing skills at both senior and working level.
You must be legally entitled to work in the UK to apply.
If you are an experienced Commodity Manager ready for a role with real ownership and a strong team behind you, we'd like to hear from you.
Commodity Manager employer: 1st Executive Ltd
Join a forward-thinking organisation that values strategic insight and innovation in the role of Interim Category Manager - MRO. With a focus on resilience and long-term supply chain strategy, you'll be part of a collaborative work culture that encourages professional growth and offers flexible working arrangements between Bristol and London. This position not only allows you to contribute to critical national programmes but also provides opportunities for meaningful engagement with senior stakeholders and industry leaders.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commodity Manager
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like 1st Executive Ltd.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Commodity Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to 1st Executive Ltd:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to 1st Executive Ltd. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like 1st Executive Ltd.
How to prepare for a job interview at 1st Executive Ltd
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at 1st Executive Ltd!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at 1st Executive Ltd. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into 1st Executive Ltd's culture.
