Manager, Commodities

Overview

Knauf Insulation North America is the world's fastest-growing insulation manufacturer. We are wholly committed to the conservation of the environment while also sustainably developing and manufacturing a comprehensive line of acoustical fiberglass insulation for residential, commercial, industrial, marine, OEM and metal building applications, using post-consumer recycled materials.

We welcome passionate and creative individuals who thrive in an entrepreneurial, collaborative and ever-changing environment. 

Responsible for leading and partnering with steakholders of cross-functional teams to develope and initiate robust  strategic sourcing strategies. Delivers sustainable business value including projects, cost analysis, quality, service and innovation. Manages supply chain security, and supplier relationships, measurements, contracts and pricing for the supply base within the commodities assigned (e.g. chemicals, adhesives, energy (natural Gas & electricity), MRO & logistics (rail & truck)). Identifies and prioritizes sourcing projects within spend area and manages multiple commodities as assigned

The focus of the Commodities Manager is to serve as a resource expert while overseeing the process of identifying, selecting, negotiating and contracting with suppliers on all aspects of the procurement on saleable goods as well as new product development and design.  This individual also has responsibility for overseeing multiple spend categories, while managing supplier risk and establishing metrics to help educate suppliers on ways to improve their operations.  This is a fast-paced, dynamic and cross-functional role. 

Located in a corporate office environment, this position could also require domestic and international travel to suppliers and manufacturing facilities.  

This position also requires top level customer service skills and the ability to build strong relationships with steakholders.  This person must also be comfortable with leading projects and collaborating with multiple teams. 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement commodity and supplier strategies; lead execution to manage spend for assigned commodities and development of qualified, reliable suppliers and secure the best pricing, contractual terms, conditions, and service level agreements
• Manage supplier relationships within each commodity through intimate knowledge of the suppliers’ management team, facilities, capabilities, business health and performance record
• Interface between New Product Development teams and the supplier base to lead the supplier selection process and ensure support and success of new product development projects
• Prepare pertinent Purchasing/analytical reports for various levels of management as required
• Collaborate with the Quality organization on supplier quality programs and quality monitoring
• Manage component pricing from suppliers within assigned commodities
• Lead cost reduction/cost continment projects through implementation
• Develop, implement and maintain security of supply plans within assigned commodities
• Identify opportunities for increased competitive bidding by developing sourcing strategies, supplier relationships and/or efficient processes/metrics
• Drive supplier engagement in SQM (Supplier Quality Management) by managing scorecards, roadmapping development plans, audits, review CAR -corrective action reports, etc. within assigned commodities
• Collaborate to lead invoice resuolution
• Manage supplier contracts & optimize terms within assigned commodities
• Create and revise annually, a commodity specific supplier Business Plan, representative of all strategic purchasing activities planned for the year
• Provide on-going marketing and support of the Corporate Procurement vision, services and accomplishments to internal and external customers
• Ensure Corporate-wide compliance with Corporate Purchasing policies and procedures
• Maintain personal knowledge of tools, trends and best practices within procurement marketplace via training, conferences, trade magazines and professional associations
• Regularly update, communicate and maintain data records within SAP. Set up Info-Records and Source Lists in SAP for all materials as related to specific Plant/Commodity or as requested
• Support Plant Buyers as well as other manufacturing team members as needed to ensure supplier quality and delivery are achieved to ensure 24/7/365 manufacturing operations
• Support sustainability goals

Qualifications

Education: 

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain or related field
• Master’s Degree preferred
• CPM or related certification preferred

Experience:

• Minimum five (5) to eight (8) years of relevant experience, including experience in Procurement/Strategic Sourcing
• Experience in Supplier Sourcing and contracting
• Negotiation experience in a similar environment required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of ERP systems, preferably SAP
• Technical knowledge of chemicals, adhesives, energy (natural Gas & electricity), MRO & logistics (rail & truck) preferred
• Experience with managing varied commodities such as mined materials, chemicals, packaging, adhesives, etc.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software (Excel, Word and PowerPoint)
• Persuasion, influencing and negotiation skills
• Utilizes a Continuous Improvement (CI) process way of working