Metals Commodity Manager

The Metals Commodity Manager is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for metals and metal-based components, including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, castings, forgings, and fabricated parts. The role focuses on optimizing total cost of ownership, ensuring supply continuity, managing supplier performance, mitigating commodity risk, and supporting the organization's operational and financial objectives. This position works closely with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, and Finance teams to align procurement activities with business goals.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Commodity Management

• Develop and implement global and regional commodity strategies for metals and metal-related products.
• Analyze market trends, commodity indices, tariffs, trade regulations, and supply-demand dynamics impacting metals.
• Create long-term sourcing plans to ensure competitive pricing and supply security.
• Identify opportunities to consolidate spend and leverage purchasing volumes.

Supplier Management

• Identify, evaluate, qualify, and develop suppliers.
• Conduct supplier negotiations for pricing, contracts, lead times, and service agreements.
• Manage supplier performance through KPIs focused on Quality, Cost, Delivery, Innovation, and Sustainability.
• Lead supplier business reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.

Cost Management

• Perform should-cost analysis and cost modeling for raw materials and fabricated components.
• Drive annual productivity and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Monitor commodity indices and recommend pricing strategies.
• Support budgeting and forecasting activities related to metals spend.

Risk Management

• Monitor geopolitical, economic, and supply-chain risks affecting metal markets.
• Develop mitigation plans for material shortages, price volatility, and supplier disruptions.
• Evaluate dual-source and near-shoring opportunities where appropriate.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Engineering on supplier selection, design-to-cost initiatives, and new product development.
• Support manufacturing operations by ensuring material availability and resolving supply issues.
• Collaborate with Finance regarding commodity forecasts and savings tracking.

Contract & Compliance Management

• Negotiate contracts, LTAs (Long-Term Agreements), and supply agreements.
• Ensure compliance with company procurement policies and regulatory requirements.
• Support supplier quality audits and sustainability objectives.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.
• MBA or professional certifications (CPSM, CPM, CSCP, MCIPS) preferred.

Experience

• 7–10+ years of sourcing, procurement, or commodity management experience.
• Significant experience managing metals commodities such as: 
  • Steel (hot rolled, cold rolled, galvanized)
  • Stainless steel
  • Aluminum
  • Copper
  • Castings and forgings
  • Metal fabrications and machined components
• Experience with global sourcing and supplier negotiations.

Technical Knowledge

• Strong understanding of: 
  • Metal market drivers and pricing mechanisms
  • Commodity indexes (CRU, LME, CME, AMM, etc.)
  • Manufacturing processes (stamping, machining, welding, forming, casting, forging)
  • Tariff and trade compliance considerations
  • ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards, Dynamics, etc.)