Commodity Manager – Global Supply Chain (Automotive)
Birmingham, UK
Automotive Supply Chain
Benefits
- £70k -£75k Salary
- 12% Pension
- 33 days annual leave
- Private Bupa Healthcare
- Westfield Health Cover
Role Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled Commodity Manager to join our global supply chain team, collaborating closely with both internal stakeholders and external suppliers to manage procurement strategies for key automotive components. Based in Birmingham, the successful candidate will be responsible for supplier negotiations, risk mitigation, and optimising procurement costs in line with business objectives, while ensuring compliance with legal requirements and contractual terms.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management:
• Lead negotiations with suppliers, covering pricing, terms, and conditions to meet commercial and legal objectives.
• Establish and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure consistent quality, cost efficiency, and timely delivery.
• Manage the supplier onboarding and offboarding processes, ensuring compliance with all relevant legal agreements and contractual obligations.
• Implement risk mitigation strategies to safeguard the supply chain from disruptions.
Negotiation & Cost Optimisation:
• Use strong negotiation skills to secure optimal pricing and terms that enhance the company’s financial performance.
• Conduct cost-down analysis to drive savings initiatives while considering inflation and market fluctuations.
Stakeholder Engagement:
• Communicate effectively across all levels of the organisation, including internal departments (such as engineering, finance, and quality) and external suppliers, ensuring all procurement activities align with business objectives.
• Professionally present procurement strategies, risk assessments, and supplier performance updates to senior management and other key stakeholders.
Risk & Contract Management:
• Proactively manage supply chain risks, ensuring supplier agreements comply with industry regulations and contractual terms.
• Regularly review and update supplier contracts to align with legal requirements and company policies.
Data Analysis & Reporting:
• Use strong analytical skills to assess supplier performance, market trends, and economic factors, providing actionable insights to improve supply chain efficiency.
• Monitor inflation and other economic variables to inform procurement decisions and manage long-term cost impacts.
Skills & Requirements
• MCIPS or equivalent procurement qualification is essential.
• Demonstrable experience in negotiating supplier agreements within a global supply chain, ideally in the automotive sector.
• Strong understanding of contract law and the legal ramifications of supplier contracts.
• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and propose effective risk mitigation strategies.
• Proven experience in cost optimisation and enhancing company profitability through strategic sourcing.
• Familiarity with supplier onboarding and offboarding processes, understanding the contractual and operational implications.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills, capable of engaging and influencing stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, cross-functional, and dynamic environment.
Preferred Experience
• A minimum of 5-7 years in a commodity management or strategic sourcing role, preferably within the automotive or manufacturing industry.
• Experience managing complex supplier relationships across global supply chains.
• In-depth knowledge of inflation trends and market dynamics, with the ability to apply this in cost management strategies.
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