Sr. Commodity Manager

Who We Are

At nLIGHT, we are constantly extending the cutting‑edge of laser technology in multiple dynamic and growing markets. We are a leading provider of high‑power semiconductors and fiber lasers for industrial, microfabrication, and aerospace & defense applications, to name a few. Our lasers are changing not only the way things are made, but also changing the things that can be made.

Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR).

The Senior Commodity Manager provides strategic leadership across critical commodities, shaping long‑term sourcing direction, supplier portfolio governance, enterprise risk mitigation, and sourcing transformation initiatives aligned with corporate growth and compliance requirements.

• Defines and executes global, long‑term commodity and supplier portfolio strategies aligned with corporate growth plans and technology evolution.
• Develops comprehensive portfolio strategies that shape the organization’s supplier base architecture across multiple commodities, geographies, and technology platforms.
• Leads executive‑level supplier performance reviews and Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) that influence strategic supplier relationships. Conducts high‑level supplier governance sessions with executive participation, reviewing strategic alignment, performance against enterprise objectives, and long‑term relationship trajectory.
• Negotiates complex, high‑value commercial agreements involving multi‑year commitments, global capacity planning, and strategic collaboration. Structures sophisticated commercial arrangements that include volume commitments, pricing mechanisms, capacity reservations, technology partnerships, and risk‑sharing frameworks.
• Influences make/buy decisions and supplier architecture strategy in partnership with Engineering and Operations leadership. Provides expert input on supply‑chain implications, supplier capability landscapes, cost structures, and risk considerations for strategic product and manufacturing decisions.
• Anticipates and responds proactively to global market shifts, regulatory changes, and geopolitical developments impacting supply continuity. Maintains sophisticated understanding of global market dynamics, regulatory environments, and geopolitical risks across key sourcing regions and commodity markets.
• Leads multi‑commodity diversification and resilience initiatives to reduce systemic risk exposure. Designs and executes enterprise‑wide initiatives that reduce concentration risk across suppliers, geographies, or technologies affecting multiple commodity categories.
• Establishes standardized supplier governance frameworks, including scorecards, Q  structures, and compliance verification protocols.
• Drives enterprise‑level sourcing process transformation and digital enablement initiatives. Leads organization‑wide initiatives to modernize sourcing processes, implement advanced analytics capabilities, deploy digital procurement technologies, or restructure sourcing operating models.
• Develops structured contingency and risk mitigation plans for high‑impact supplier dependencies. Creates comprehensive business continuity plans for critical supplier relationships that could significantly impact business operations if disrupted.
• Ensures comprehensive compliance governance aligned with FAR, DFARS, ITAR/EAR, and other applicable regulations.
• Leads enterprise‑wide process improvement and optimization initiatives that enhance sourcing efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen compliance controls.
• Mentors and develops sourcing professionals to elevate organizational capability and strategic thinking.
• Serves as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on sourcing risk, cost roadmaps, and supplier innovation opportunities.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or related discipline; MBA strongly preferred and 12+ years of progressive sourcing or commodity management experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated executive‑level negotiation experience managing high‑value agreements.
• Experience managing multiple complex or…