Commodity Manager

OverviewI’m supporting a leading international automotive supplier in their search for an experienced Commodity Manager to strengthen their European Purchasing organization. This role is ideal for a strategic procurement professional with deep expertise in forged/cast parts, machining, and outsourced services—someone who thrives at the intersection of strategy, supplier performance, and cost optimization.Key Responsibilities • Develop and execute commodity and supplier strategies focused on quality, cost, and delivery performance • Drive cross-functional initiatives to improve cost structures, supplier quality, and supply reliability • Lead annual negotiations, frame contracts, and quality agreements • Identify, evaluate, and qualify new suppliers across Europe; support supplier audits and development • Prepare business cases and benchmarks to optimize sourcing decisions • Manage supplier relationships, contracts, risks, and innovation initiatives • Support operational purchasing activities (SAP data, deadlines, claims, shortage management) • Achieve measurable cost reductions with a strong TCO mindsetProfile Requirements • Degree in business administration, industrial engineering, or similar • 5–10 years’ experience in strategic/operational purchasing within automotive or Tier-1/Tier-2 suppliers • Strong procurement background in forged/cast components and related processes • Experience in European/global project environments • Proficient in SAP and MS Office • Business-fluent English; strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder skills • Structured, reliable, and proactive working style with willingness to travel