Commodity Manager - Direct Materials

A Brief Summary of This Position

The Commodity Manager (CM) is responsible for developing and executing category and sourcing strategies for assigned commodities that support the company's operational, financial, quality, and growth objectives. This role serves as a strategic business partner responsible for delivering measurable value through sourcing excellence, supplier development, risk management, and cost leadership across critical manufacturing commodities all while ensuring continuity of supply across a global manufacturing footprint with a primary focus on North American operations.

The successful candidate will partner closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Purchasing, Finance, Legal, and Product Management to develop sourcing strategies, negotiate commercial agreements, manage supplier performance, and identify opportunities for value creation throughout the supply chain. The CM will identify and drive productivity within the assigned Category, network with Valmont facilities to build a strong project funnel, support cross‑functional teams by ensuring timely supply of quality material, and support initiatives such as VA/VE and e‑Sourcing.

The role also involves reviewing the existing supply base, evaluating and mitigating risk, evaluating suppliers from a GME perspective, improving payment terms, and working with Engineering, Supplier Quality Development and Operations to source parts and/or raw materials efficiently.

• This position reports to Vice President, Global Sourcing & Logistics and has no direct or indirect reports.
• Analyze market conditions, industry trends, cost drivers, capacity constraints, and supply risks within assigned commodities.
• Develop and execute multi‑year commodity strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Lead supplier selection, RFQ, RFP, and sourcing activities.
• Execute sourcing strategies that balance cost, quality, delivery, innovation, and risk to meet Valmont requirements for safety, on‑time delivery, and other business terms.
• Lead commercial negotiations including pricing, contracts, payment terms, INCOTERMs, capacity commitments, and service agreements to establish competitive and beneficial conditions for Valmont.
• Drive annual productivity and cost savings initiatives by utilizing ERP, spend analytics, and business intelligence tools to support decision‑making.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers while monitoring their financial health and operational performance.
• Conduct regular supplier business reviews and performance evaluations.
• Partner with suppliers to identify cost reduction, quality improvement, and lead‑time reduction opportunities.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to supply disruption, geopolitical factors, tariffs, transportation, and capacity constraints.
• Perform detailed supply market analysis – commodities, industries, and suppliers related to Valmont procurement.
• Track and report cost savings, supplier performance, and sourcing project status.
• Participate in all required monthly, quarterly and/or annual reporting cycles.
• Support and lead supply optimization efforts to include consolidation, dual sourcing, rationalization, risk mitigation, etc.
• Drive supplier rationalization and footprint optimization initiatives where appropriate.
• Support global sourcing initiatives while ensuring responsiveness to U.S.‑based manufacturing operations.
• Work closely with Engineering during new product development and supplier qualification activities.
• Engage in special projects and other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business (Economics or Finance), Engineering, Chemistry, or Materials Science.
• 5+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, commodity management, procurement, or supply chain roles within manufacturing.
• Self‑starter, ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Experience sourcing direct materials in an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Strong negotiation, supplier management, and contract management skills.
• Demonstrated experience managing cost reduction and value improvement initiatives.
• Proficiency in…