Commodity Specialist (Raw Materials and Special Processes)

Purpose: The Supply Chain Commodity Specialist manages sourcing for raw materials, subcontracted manufacturing, and surface treatment services. The role ensures supply continuity, drives cost competitiveness, strengthens supplier capabilities, and supports in‑house manufacturing through strategic commodity management and risk mitigation across the supplier base.

Key Area of Responsibilities:

• Manage procurement and sourcing of raw materials including steel (sheet, plate, extrusion) and aluminum (block, plate, extrusion).
• Lead sourcing and supplier management for machining, fabrication, and surface treatment/cleaning services, including CNC milling, turning, sheet metal, and welding.
• Track and analyze global commodity trends, cost drivers, and supply risks.
• Work closely with in‑house manufacturing to ensure material availability for production schedules.
• Support supplier qualification, process capability evaluation, and cost modeling for subcontracted operations.
• Lead commercial negotiations and continuous improvement initiatives with subcontractors.
• Monitoring capacity, turnaround time, and process throughput to avoid delays impacting in‑house manufacturing.
• Develop category‑specific and multi‑year commodity strategies across services, raw materials, subcontracting, and surface treatment/cleaning, incorporating dual‑sourcing approaches, supplier capability upgrades, and structured cost‑reduction initiatives.
• Conduct cost benchmarking, should‑cost analysis, and supplier competitiveness assessments.
• Implement risk mitigation actions such as alternative sourcing, supplier localization, and capacity planning.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality and Engineering on supply continuity, cost improvement, and production readiness.
• Resolve supply issues, technical deviations, or surface treatment quality concerns in a timely manner.
• Participate in engineering change processes and supplier development initiatives.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or related discipline.
• 3–5 years of experience in procurement or commodity management within manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience in at least one of the following: raw materials sourcing, machining/fabrication subcontracting, surface treatment or chemical process suppliers.
• Understanding of surface treatments (anodizing, plating, passivation), chemical processes, and their impact on product performance.
• Knowledge of machining and fabrication processes, cost drivers, and manufacturing flow is preferable.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
• Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
• Strong communication and supplier relationship management.
• Ability to handle technical discussions with engineering and process specialists.
• Analytical, proactive, and comfortable dealing with supplier performance challenges.
• Detail‑oriented with strong problem‑solving capabilities.