Commodity Manager - Indirect

Commodity Manager - Indirect

The Commodity Manager - Indirect will lead and manage aspects of the Global Supply Management process for Indirect spend. This position will work to identify and drive productivity within the category, network with Valmont facilities to build a strong project funnel, support cross-functional teams (Operations, Engineering, Quality, Product Management) by ensuring timely supply of quality Indirect materials and services and will support various initiatives driven by leadership, such as driving productivity through VA/VE and e-Sourcing. This position will also work to review the existing supply base and will evaluate suppliers from a GME (Grow, Maintain, Exit) perspective.

The Commodity Manager works with divisional manufacturing management teams to identify and initiate sourcing projects that will achieve cost reduction and deliver competitive advantages through the global sourcing process as well as working with production control, engineering, quality control and manufacturing to source parts. The incumbent is also responsible for keeping informed of all significant risks to the supply market and for coordinating activities with the Global Sourcing team.

Essential Functions:

• This position reports to the Senior Director - Indirect, Global Sourcing and has no direct reports or indirect reports
• Requires up to 50% travel both internationally and domestically, including overnight stays
• Implement and drive procurement strategy, policies, procedures, and enforces compliance to procurement policies for indirect categories and works to increase adoption
• Provide support for issue resolution between plants/internal stakeholders and suppliers
• Identify category, contract, and supply risks and develop mitigation plans to address risks
• Monitor supplier contract compliance
• Work with internal stakeholders to gather supplier performance data; monitor and identify ways to improve supplier performance
• Work collaboratively with all stakeholders to seek input and build trust within the organization to optimize overall impact
• Develop and implement change management strategies
• Communicate strategies and solutions to internal stakeholders and suppliers to achieve financial goals and maintain timelines
• Develop exit strategies for suppliers who don't meet Valmont's supplier standards
• Manage supplier relationships to meet Valmont requirements for safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and other business terms
• Negotiates with suppliers to establish competitive contracts and beneficial agreements
• Responsible for overall management of VA/VE and strategic sourcing projects ensuring they are completed on schedule and within budget
• Perform detailed supply market analysis commodities, industries, and suppliers related to Valmont Indirect procurement/sourcing
• Monthly scorecard and project reporting. Annual strategic plan reporting.
• Contributes to the Material Council process and reporting cadence
• Reinforce the company's continuous improvement culture that promotes communication, shared learning, intelligent risk-taking, creative problem solving and accountability for failures and successes
• Lead and direct value engineering and cross-functional team activities
• Supports and leads supply optimization efforts to include consolidation, dual sourcing, rationalization, etc.
• Supports supplier scorecard efforts and interacts with assigned suppliers to improve upon and build relations and performance
• Supports supplier lean development activities
• Special projects and other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications of Every Candidate:

• Preferred Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering or Supply Chain specializing in Indirect and material processing with 6+ years of relevant experience or Associate's Degree with 8+ years of relevant experience or 10+ years of relevant experience
• Indirect manufacturing, tooling design, product design and application experience
• Indirect Commodity Management experience with high dollar spend
• Proven track record of supplier development, management, and sustained productivity
• Strong analytic and negotiating skills
• Strong financial acumen
• Self-starter, ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to develop and recommend material and process alternatives and work collaboratively with Engineering and Product Management teams
• Project management skills to:
• Develop realistic plans, action steps, and timetables for projects and assignments
• Consistently meet deadlines
• Coordinate work with other groups
• Handle multiple demands and competing priorities
• Be able to develop and execute initiatives
• Be able to build and maintain effective work relationships, both internal and external, and establish credibility with business partners
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Experience with Agency certifications (UL, CSA, NSF, etc.)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office - advanced Excel skills a plus
• Working knowledge of ERP systems (JDE, QAD, IFS or similar)
• Able to communicate effectively in the English language.

Highly Qualified Candidates Will Also Possess These Qualifications:

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing principles, transformation planning and implementation activities (6-Sigma, 5S, Toyota model, etc.)
• Master's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering or Supply Chain Management
• CPM, CPSM or APICS certifications
• Strong communication and demonstrated leadership skills to inspire confidence and work successfully within cross-functional teams to drive continuous supplier business opportunities

Benefits

Valmont offers employees and their families a comprehensive Total Wellbeing benefit package to ensure their individual and family's overall wellness needs are met. Some offerings are dependent upon the role, work schedule, or location and can include the following:

• Healthcare (medical, prescription drugs, dental and vision)
• 401k retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off
• Employer paid life insurance
• Employer paid short-term and long-term disability including maternity leave
• Work Life Support
• Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,250 per year
• Voluntary programs like tobacco cessation, Type 2 diabetes reversal, one-on-one health coaching, mortgage services and more

Valmont does not discriminate against any employee or applicant in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

If you have a disability and require any assistance in filling out the application for employment email EEOCompliance@Valmont.com.