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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage global procurement strategies and supplier relationships for high-tech products.
- Company: Join Carl Zeiss Microscopy, a leader in innovation and technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, annual bonus, and standard benefits package.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving innovation in a global environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in supply chain management and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity for occasional travel and excellent career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Carl Zeiss Microscopy is seeking an experienced Commodity Manager to join its Supply Chain team in Cambourne. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a global organisation renowned for its high‑technology systems and innovation. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing a dedicated commodity area and developing global procurement strategies across multiple ZEISS sites in the UK and Germany. This role plays a key part in ensuring supply security, managing supplier relationships, and supporting the delivery of complex, high‑technology products.
The Role
As a Commodity Manager, you will work closely with colleagues across Supply Chain, R&D, NPI and Production to manage supplier performance, drive innovation and ensure the resilience of the supply chain.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement cross‑site commodity strategies across ZEISS locations in the UK and Germany
- Conduct global procurement market analysis and identify suitable suppliers
- Select, qualify and manage suppliers in collaboration with production teams
- Ensure supply security by monitoring risks and maintaining a resilient supply chain
- Identify and onboard new suppliers to drive innovation and competitiveness
- Lead contract negotiations with national and international suppliers
- Manage pricing benchmarks and cost negotiations to achieve savings targets
- Collaborate with operational purchasing, strategic purchasing and NPI teams
- Support the development of standardised supply chain processes, KPIs and IT tools
About You
We are looking for a commercially minded professional with strong analytical and negotiation skills who thrives in a collaborative, international environment.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Strong technical knowledge within your assigned commodity area
- Experience working with complex or high‑technology products
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Strong negotiation skills, including experience with international contracts
- Analytical and structured approach to problem solving
- Ability to develop and implement innovative supply chain solutions
- Proficiency with SAP (particularly MM modules) and Microsoft Office
- Ability to manage and analyse large data sets and present key insights
Qualifications
- 5+ years’ experience in international supply chain management or procurement
- Degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent relevant experience)
- Fluent English (German language skills are advantageous)
Additional Information
- Location: ZEISS House, Cambourne, UK
- Travel: Occasional travel to Germany and supplier locations (up to 20%)
- Hours: 37 hours per week
- Salary: Competitive Salary
- Benefits: Standard ZEISS Ltd benefits package including discretionary annual bonus
Commodity Manager in Cambridge employer: ZEISS Group
Contact Detail:
ZEISS Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commodity Manager in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Commodity Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its supply chain strategies. We recommend practising common interview questions related to procurement and supplier management. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but that you’re genuinely excited about working with ZEISS!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your analytical skills! Bring examples of how you’ve used data to drive decisions in past roles. We want to see how you can apply that experience to managing suppliers and ensuring supply security at ZEISS.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s get you that Commodity Manager position!
We think you need these skills to ace Commodity Manager in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Commodity Manager role. Highlight your experience in supply chain management and procurement, especially with high-tech products. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role at ZEISS. Share specific examples of your achievements in supplier management and negotiation that align with our needs.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong analytical abilities, make sure to include examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in your previous roles. We love seeing how you can turn numbers into insights!
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 makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at ZEISS Group
✨Know Your Commodity Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specific commodity area you'll be managing. Understand the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in that sector. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've led, especially those involving international contracts. Be ready to discuss your approach, the challenges you faced, and the outcomes. This will highlight your strong negotiation skills, which are crucial for a Commodity Manager.
✨Familiarise Yourself with SAP and Data Analysis
Brush up on your SAP knowledge, particularly the MM modules, and be prepared to discuss how you've used these tools in previous roles. Also, think of ways you've managed and analysed large data sets to drive decisions, as this is key for the position.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, prepare to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight your communication skills and how you've managed stakeholder relationships to ensure smooth operations.