Commodity Manager

Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.
Safran is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine's "World's best companies 2024" ranking.

Safran Electronics & Defense offers its customers onboard intelligence solutions allowing them to understand the environment, reduce mental load and guarantee a trajectory, even in critical situations, in all environments: on land, at sea, in the sky or space. The company harnesses the expertise of its 13,000 employees towards these three functions: observe, decide and guide, for the civil and military markets.

What do we offer?

• Competitive salary
• Company performance bonus scheme
• Pension scheme - up to 10% employer contribution
• Private medical insurance
• Comprehensive health cash plan
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Flexible benefits programme (buy & sell holiday allowance, discounted gym memberships, Maternity/ adoption leave- up to 52 weeks, first 26 weeks at full pay, subsequent 26 at 50% (basic pay) and Paternity/Non-Pregnant Parent/ Co-adopter leave 4 weeks full pay)
• Structured training & opportunities to progress

What does the role look like?

As Commodity Manager, you will support the management of mechanical suppliers to ensure optimal supply assurance, flexibility, quality, cost and delivery performance across Safran.

Reporting to the Senior Commodity Manager, you will take ownership of a defined sub-commodity (or sub-commodities), driving supplier performance, delivering cost savings and ensuring robust long-term sourcing strategies. You will play a key role in supplier selection, negotiation and development, whilst coordinating sourcing decisions for new programmes.

This is a highly collaborative role requiring strong commercial acumen, strategic thinking and the ability to influence stakeholders across engineering, programme and supply chain functions.

What will your day-to-day responsibilities look like?

• Manage a defined sub-commodity, including supplier selection, development and performance management to achieve cost, quality and delivery targets.
• Establish and maintain long-term relationships with Strategic and Core Suppliers.
• Negotiate and implement Long Term Agreements, driving commercial value and supply stability.
• Identify and deliver cost reduction opportunities through negotiation, transfer or design change in collaboration with internal stakeholders.
• Accurately track and report savings and price movements within your area of responsibility.
• Support sourcing decisions for new programmes, working closely with Engineering, Programme and Supply Chain teams.
• Monitor supplier market conditions, technology roadmaps and supply/demand risks, developing tactical and strategic commodity plans.
• Act as a point of escalation for site materials management where required.

What will you bring to the role?

Essential skills:

• Proven experience in Purchasing, Commodity Management or Supplier Relationship Management within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills, with the ability to deliver measurable commercial results.
• Analytical and strategic mindset, with the ability to work cross-functionally and influence stakeholders.

Desirable skills:

• Degree in Business Management, Engineering or a related discipline.
• MCIPS, APICS, NAPM or equivalent professional certification.
• Lean Practitioner or Six Sigma Green Belt certification.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.