Commodity Specialist Supervisor

Summary

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The Commodity Specialist Supervisor is a strategic leadership role within the Purchasing department, responsible for managing procurement operations for a specific commodity group (Chassis, Body, or Electrical/Functional). This position leads sourcing strategy, supplier performance, and cost management efforts while directly supervising a team of Buyers and Associate Buyer(s).

As the primary point of accountability for supplier alignment, commercial negotiations, and execution of purchasing strategies, the Commodity Specialist Supervisor plays a key role in both new model development and ongoing production support. The role supports supplier readiness, cross‑functional collaboration, and drives the shift of Buyers toward more strategic, value‑added activities.

This position works closely with the Procurement Innovation Unit to leverage should‑cost analyses, execute cost‑reduction initiatives, and ensure alignment with company‑wide sourcing strategies.

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies aligned with Procurement Innovation objectives for assigned commodity categories.
• Lead supplier selection processes, including cost benchmarking, risk assessments, and alignment with engineering and manufacturing requirements.
• Approve supplier selections, pricing strategies, high‑impact cost decisions, and both initial and revised cost submissions.
• Oversee key cost negotiations, supplier development activities, and contract finalization.
• Collaborate with the Procurement Innovation Unit to validate should‑cost models and implement cost‑reduction plans.

• Supervise and develop a team of Senior Buyer(s), Buyer(s), and Associate Buyer(s) across assigned commodity groups.
• Allocate responsibilities based on experience and project priorities to ensure balanced workloads and optimal team performance.
• Conduct regular team meetings and individual check‑ins to maintain alignment, transparency, and integration with Procurement Innovation unit initiatives.

• Oversee sourcing activities for new model programs including RFQs, engineering changes, and tooling schedules.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including Product Development (PD), Quality, and Material Control.
• Monitor, manage, and mitigate escalated supplier and production risks, such as tooling downtime, material shortages, and machine stoppages to ensure continuous production readiness.

• Monitor and report key performance indicators (KPIs) related to cost, timing, and supplier responsiveness.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the commodity team to enhance efficiency, data accuracy, and integration with the Procurement Innovation Unit analyses.
• Ensure compliance with sourcing policies and maintain and audit readiness.

• Provide strategic oversight and limited direct purchasing for one to two critical sub‑commodities as needed, particularly in high‑impact or high‑risk areas.
• Partner with the Procurement Innovation Unit to implement strategic sourcing, risk management, and cost‑reduction initiatives in day‑to‑day operations.

• CPM certification preferred.
• Cost/value analysis training is helpful.
• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and develop strategic plans to achieve cost savings and efficiency.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and advanced negotiation skills needed to deal with suppliers and internal teams.

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 7+ years of purchasing for a high production manufacturing operation without degree.
• 4 years with Business Administration or Supply Chain Management degree.
• Experience leading and managing a team is preferred.

The above declarations are not intended to be an all‑inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of this job, nor are they intended to be such a listing of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Rather, the above is intended only to describe the general…