Global Commodity Manager

Job Summary

As a Global Commodity Manager (Individual Contributor), you will act as the strategic owner for cost, supply continuity, and supplier performance across assigned commodities.

This role is accountable for developing and executing global commodity strategies, driving should-cost excellence, and ensuring resilient supply in a complex, fast-moving environment.

As an individual contributor role, success depends heavily on your ability to influence across a highly matrixed global organization—working closely with Engineering, Operations, Planning, and external suppliers to align priorities, resolve trade-offs, and deliver outcomes without direct authority.

Candidates who excel in this role combine strong analytical and technical capability with superior influencing skills, enabling them to navigate ambiguity, manage competing priorities, and build alignment across diverse stakeholders.

Job Requirements

1. Cost & Commodity Strategy Ownership

• Act as the custodian of cost, supply, and supplier performance across assigned commodities


• Lead BOM analysis, should-cost / clean-sheet modeling, and cost benchmarking vs. actuals


• Define and execute worldwide (WW) commodity strategies aligned to product and business needs


• Partner with Finance to manage standard cost and cost-reduction initiatives

2. Demand–Supply Alignment

• Collaborate with Supply Planning and Operations on demand-supply coverage and forecast alignment


• Ensure material readiness and inventory optimization across NPI and sustaining programs


• Monitor market conditions impacting pricing, lead times, and availability

3. Strategic Sourcing & Technical Engagement

• Lead end-to-end sourcing activities including RFQs, cost analysis, negotiations, and supplier selection


• Execute technical sourcing in partnership with Engineering, influencing design-to-cost decisions


• Evaluate suppliers across cost, capability, capacity, and technology readiness

4. Supplier Relationship Management

• Own and manage global supplier relationships, balancing performance, cost, and long-term collaboration


• Lead Supplier Business Reviews (QBRs) and drive performance improvements


• Navigate negotiations by balancing commercial objectives with supply assurance and relationship sustainability

5. Risk Management & Supply Continuity

• Identify and mitigate supply risks (geopolitical, capacity, technology, single-source exposure)


• Develop multi-sourcing and contingency strategies


• Support supplier qualification, audits, and compliance processes

6. Matrix Leadership & Influence (Critical Success Factor)

• Operate effectively across a matrixed global organization, aligning stakeholders without direct authority


• Influence cross-functional decisions by balancing data, business priorities, and stakeholder perspectives


• Navigate and resolve conflicting objectives (e.g., cost vs. supply, NPI vs. operations)


• Build strong working relationships to secure commitment and execution from internal teams and external partners

Education

1. Supply Chain & Procurement Expertise: Strong foundation in cost modeling, BOM analysis, procurement analytics, demand-supply planning, forecasting, and end-to-end supply chain management — with proven experience in contracts, negotiations, and supplier management.

2. Technical Sourcing & Domain Knowledge: Ability to collaborate closely with Engineering on technical sourcing decisions, with familiarity in CAD/3D drawing interpretation. Experience in battery packs and/or mechanical assemblies is highly advantageous.

3. Analytical & Digital Proficiency: Highly proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, and ERP systems, with exposure to data-driven and AI-enabled procurement tools considered a strong advantage.

4. Stakeholder Influence & Cross-Functional Leadership: Proven ability to lead complex sourcing initiatives, navigate cross-functional dynamics, and drive alignment across matrixed teams — influencing outcomes without direct authority while managing competing priorities with clarity and composure.

5. Mindset, Character & Interpersonal Effectiveness: A transformational, self-starting leader with the courage to challenge the status quo and drive process improvements. Builds trust and credibility quickly, communicates with executive presence, and thrives in ambiguous, fast-moving environments with strong ownership and adaptability.

6. Qualifications, Work Arrangement & Availability: A Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related field is required, with a minimum of 15 years of experience in procurement or supply chain and a proven track record in technical sourcing and cross-functional collaboration. The role operates on a hybrid model (minimum 3 days in-office per week), requiring flexibility to engage across multiple time zones, with periodic international travel expected. Fluency in English is essential, with proficiency in an additional language being a plus.