At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and execute sourcing strategies for diverse commodities in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join the UK's largest manufacturer of steel storage products, The Whittan Group.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with expert teams and manage global supplier relationships.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on strategic procurement decisions and drive cost optimisation.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or commodity management and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Telford Supply Chain Full time Permanent Commodity Manager Location: Telford Hours: 37.5 hours per week Working Pattern: Hybrid – up to 1 day per week working from home
About Us
The Whittan Group is the largest manufacturer of steel storage products in the United Kingdom. Through a portfolio of market-leading brands, we design, manufacture, and install innovative storage solutions for commercial and industrial environments across the UK and Europe. As we continue to grow, we are looking for a talented Commodity Manager to join our Procurement team and to be responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies across a diverse portfolio. This role drives cost optimisation, supplier performance, risk mitigation, and long‑term value creation across the supply base.
About The Role
You’ll work in a fast‑paced, engineering‑led environment. Partnering closely with internal teams and suppliers to optimise cost, ensure quality, and deliver long‑term value to the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement sourcing strategies across key commodity areas including:
- Steel sections and tubing
- Plastics and injection moulding
- Fasteners and engineered components
- Paints and coatings (wet & dry systems)
- Outsourced finishing and roll forming
- Lead end‑to‑end sourcing activities including RFQs, negotiations and contract awards
- Conduct market analysis, benchmarking and cost modelling to identify savings opportunities
Supplier Management
- Identify, evaluate, and onboard suppliers aligned with business needs
- Monitor and drive supplier performance across cost, quality and delivery
- Build and maintain strong, strategic supplier relationships
Cost & Commercial Management
- Deliver cost reduction and value improvement initiatives
- Apply should‑cost modelling and value engineering techniques
- Monitor commodity markets (particularly steel and related materials) and mitigate risk
- Manage contracts, pricing agreements and commercial exposure
Risk & Compliance
- Proactively identify and mitigate supply chain risks
- Support business continuity planning
- Ensure supplier compliance with environmental, ethical and regulatory standards
Essential
- Proven experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or commodity management
- Experience with cost modelling, value analysis and data‑driven decision‑making
- Experience using ERP systems (e.g. SAP)
- CIPS qualification or equivalent
Desirable
- MCIPS qualification or equivalent
- Experience within a commodity buyer or strategic sourcing role
- Advanced Excel skills (analysis, reporting, modelling)
- Experience managing global supplier relationships
- Strong understanding of market trends and commodity pricing dynamics
Why Join The Whittan Group?
- Be part of the UK’s leading steel storage manufacturer
- Work with a diverse range of products and commodities
- Influence strategic procurement decisions at scale
- Collaborate with expert teams across engineering and operations
- Opportunity to drive real commercial impact in a growing business
Strategic Commodity Manager – Hybrid, Sourcing & Cost Optimisation in Telford employer: The Whittan Group
The Whittan Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Telford where innovation meets collaboration. As the UK's largest manufacturer of steel storage products, we provide our employees with opportunities for professional growth, a supportive hybrid working model, and the chance to make a tangible impact on strategic procurement decisions. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values your contributions and fosters a culture of excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Commodity Manager – Hybrid, Sourcing & Cost Optimisation in Telford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. Understand their products and market position. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Commodity Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen those skills before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Commodity Manager – Hybrid, Sourcing & Cost Optimisation in Telford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Strategic Commodity Manager role. Highlight your experience in procurement and strategic sourcing, especially with cost modelling and supplier management. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our team. Be specific about your achievements in cost optimisation and supplier relationships.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When filling out your application, focus on showcasing your relevant experience. Mention any ERP systems you've used, like SAP, and your understanding of market trends. We love data-driven decision-makers!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining The Whittan Group!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Whittan Group
✨Know Your Commodities
Make sure you brush up on the specific commodities mentioned in the job description, like steel sections and plastics. Understanding the market trends and pricing dynamics will show that you're not just familiar with the products but also passionate about them.
✨Showcase Your Sourcing Strategies
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences with sourcing strategies. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully negotiated contracts or identified cost-saving opportunities. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and strategic thinking.
✨Supplier Relationships Matter
Highlight your ability to build and maintain strong supplier relationships. Think of specific instances where you've improved supplier performance or mitigated risks. This will illustrate your interpersonal skills and commitment to long-term value creation.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Since the role involves cost modelling and data analysis, be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in your past roles. Bring examples of how you've applied should-cost modelling or value engineering techniques to achieve results.
