Commodity Manager, China & Emerging Countries

Under the direction of the Senior Director Supply Chain, the Commodity Manager will have commercial responsibility for over $57M in materials over 20 plants located in North America and China. The Commodity Manager will mentor a team of 6 people located in Shenzhen (China), and will act as key interface between ABG Corporate, ABG Shenzhen and strategic suppliers. Key categories include shower door components and finished goods.

The Commodity Manager will elaborate strategy plans, budgets, long-term value initiatives reporting, analyze emerging market supplier potential, support new product introductions, drive procurement optimization and communicate with business and senior management.

This is a dynamic, evolving role in which the Commodity Manager will work with the Vice-President Supply Chain, the procurement team, and cross-functional teams comprised of R&D, Product Marketing, Plant Operations and Logistics.

Primary responsibilities

The Commodity Manager will provide a strategic approach to the total cost of ownership of her / his categories, balancing requirements such as cost, quality, service, safety, and security of supply.

In collaboration with Operations, R&D, Product Management, Sales and Marketing, the Commodity Manager will identify synergies, standardization opportunities and will lead cross-functional projects. He / she will also work together with Logistics to optimize the freight costs and patterns pertaining to her / his categories.

The Commodity Manager will support documenting and implementing processes, systems, technology, policy, and governance for sourcing defined by ABG.

He / she will conduct contract and supplier management ensuring process and regulations’ compliance. The Commodity Manager will leverage incentives and suppliers with long term agreements and partnerships, considering risk management strategies and security of supply with terms, innovation, conditions, contingencies, and other remedies.

Ensuring contract terms are aligned with our business requirements. Measuring performance and maintaining relationships with suppliers to ensure efficient service and problem resolution.

Develop a supply base in China / emerging countries to deliver and achieve corporate strategic objectives and performance indicators, including but not limited to quality, cost, flexibility, sustainability and sourcing.

Continuously work on cost optimization by implementing RFPs, economies of scale analyses, should-cost models, supplier consolidation, low-cost country sourcing, preferred supplier programs, product / vendors development, e-Auctions, and raw material index agreements. Conduct market analysis, peer company benchmarking and risk analysis by category.

Maintain close relationships with buyers and planners to influence, communicate and coordinate sourcing requirements and efforts.

Interface with cross-functional teams on new product development sourcing strategy and implementation, optimize material selection to maintain lowest cost, predictable availability, and industry leadership in quality.

Investigate pricing / invoicing discrepancies to determine corrective actions with Accounts Payables. Maintain accurate, up to date pricing, across multiple ERP systems

Professional Skills / Qualifications

1. Minimum level of education and / or specialization :

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, Supply Chain or commodity management experience. MBA, CPM, CPSM or other procurement and / or supply chain certification preferred.

2. Specific skills and requirements :

• 7+ years of professional experience in manufacturing organizations, project management, procurement, supply chain and leading cross-functional projects. 2+ years managing a team remotely.
• Proficient in English. Proficient in Mandarin is a strong asset.
• Good knowledge of China, Chinese supply base, market, business culture
• Expertise in negotiations and contracting, including should-cost models, multi-year contracts, complex terms and conditions, performance incentives, risk management, e-sourcing, Tri-lateral negotiations
• Strong autonomy and self-motivated
• Attentive to detail, well organized and able to multi-task
• Outstanding analytical and critical thinking skills
• Strong problem-solving skills focused on providing solutions
• Ability to communicate complex analysis and ideas in a concise manner
• Strong work ethic with high degree of flexibility
• Keen understanding of the importance of customer service, satisfaction and internal stakeholder management
• Demonstrated ability to drive and deliver strategic business plans and initiatives
• Proficient with MS Outlook, Excel & PowerPoint

3. Personality traits :