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.
- Other info: Opportunity for occasional travel and excellent career growth.
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ 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.
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
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
- 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)
- 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 Cambourne employer: ZEISS
At Zeiss, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our Home-Based CMM Account Manager role not only provides competitive benefits and a supportive environment but also opens doors for professional growth within a globally recognised brand in precision technology. Join us in Lutterworth to be part of a team that values your contributions and invests in your future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commodity Manager in Cambourne
✨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 ZEISS.
✨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 in Cambourne
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 ZEISS:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to ZEISS. 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 ZEISS.
How to prepare for a job interview at ZEISS
✨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 ZEISS!
✨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 ZEISS. 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 ZEISS's culture.
