Commodity Manager

SF Partners; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Job summary

SF Partners is assisting a Derby-based manufacturer in recruiting a Senior Buyer on an 18-month fixed-term contract. The role focuses on strategic procurement of direct commodities, supplier performance and value delivery within a regulated manufacturing environment.

You will develop category strategies, lead supplier negotiations and collaborate with Engineering and Production to align procurement with business needs. Immediate availability is preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience in Commodity/Category/Senior/Strategic Buyer roles.
• Strong supplier management, sourcing and contract negotiation experience.
• Excellent commercial awareness with analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience developing category strategies and managing supplier performance.
• Ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience in manufacturing/engineering/aerospace or industrial environments.
• Strong organisational skills for multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category and sourcing strategies for direct commodities.
• Identify, evaluate and onboard new suppliers to support business growth.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, driving cost, quality and delivery improvements.
• Lead supplier negotiations including pricing, contracts and commercial agreements.
• Monitor supplier KPIs and manage supplier development activities.
• Analyse purchasing data, market trends and commodity risks to support decisions.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Production, Finance and other stakeholders to align procurement with requirements.
• Resolve supply chain issues and proactively manage supply risk.
• Drive continuous improvement to optimize the supplier base.

Skills

Commodity management

Category management

Supplier negotiations

Contract management

Stakeholder management

Industrial environment

ERP systems

MS Office

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Title: Commodity Manager

Location: Derby

Salary: up to GBP52k plus car allowance

Hybrid Working

SF Recruitment are partnering with a leading manufacturing business in Derby to recruit a Senior Buyer for an 18 month fixed term contract. This is an exciting opportunity to join a well-established organisation operating within a highly regulated manufacturing environment, where you'll play a key role in developing sourcing strategies, managing supplier performance, and driving commercial value across direct material categories. It is essential you are immediately available or on short notice for this role!

Reporting into the Procurement function, you will be responsible for the strategic management of direct commodities, ensuring the business has a high-performing and resilient supply base that supports operational and commercial objectives. This is an initial 18 month contract with a chance the role could become permanent.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category and sourcing strategies for direct commodities.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers to support business growth.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, driving performance improvements across cost, quality, and delivery.
• Lead supplier negotiations, including pricing, contracts, and commercial agreements.
• Monitor supplier KPIs and manage supplier development activities.
• Analyse purchasing data, market trends, and commodity risks to support strategic decision-making.
• Work collaboratively with Engineering, Production, Finance, and other internal stakeholders to align procurement activity with business requirements.
• Resolve supply chain issues and proactively manage supply risk.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and identify opportunities to optimise the supplier base.

About You

• Previous experience within a Commodity Manager, Category Manager, Senior Buyer, or Strategic Buyer position.
• Strong supplier management, sourcing, and contract negotiation experience.
• Excellent commercial awareness with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience developing category strategies and managing supplier performance.
• Ability to build strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Previous experience within manufacturing, engineering, aerospace, or another industrial environment.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience using ERP systems and Microsoft Office.

A professional procurement qualification such as CIPS (or equivalent) would be advantageous but is not essential.