Commodity Buyer

Vaco Recruiter Services; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Vaco Recruiter Services seeks an experienced procurement professional to manage supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, source materials, and drive cost optimization across assigned commodity categories.

You will partner with operations, finance, quality, and engineering to ensure reliable sourcing, competitive pricing, and strong supplier performance in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in purchasing, procurement, sourcing, or related supply chain.
• Experience purchasing direct materials in a manufacturing/industrial context.
• Proven ability to negotiate pricing and supplier agreements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and the ability to influence internal stakeholders.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Manage procurement and sourcing activities for assigned commodity categories.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships and lead commercial negotiations.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, service terms, lead times, and other terms.
• Monitor market conditions and cost drivers affecting sourcing strategies.
• Analyze supplier proposals, conduct spend reviews, and identify cost savings opportunities.
• Lead supplier selection, qualification, onboarding, and performance management.
• Collaborate with operations, supply chain, finance, quality, and engineering teams.
• Evaluate sourcing risks and develop contingency plans.
• Support budgeting and forecasting related to procurement spend.
• Maintain purchasing data and supplier records in ERP systems.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and best practices.

Skills

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain

Tools

ERP systems

Excel

Job description

Position Overview

A growing manufacturing-focused organization is seeking experienced procurement professionals to join its sourcing team. This role is responsible for managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, sourcing materials, and driving cost optimization initiatives across assigned commodity categories. The ideal candidate is a proactive negotiator who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys balancing strategic sourcing initiatives with day-to-day procurement responsibilities.

This position offers the opportunity to play a key role in supply chain operations while partnering with cross-functional teams to ensure reliable sourcing, competitive pricing, and strong supplier performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage procurement and sourcing activities for assigned commodity categories, ensuring timely and cost-effective supply of materials and services.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers while serving as the primary point of contact for commercial negotiations.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, service agreements, lead times, and other supplier terms to maximize value and minimize risk.
• Monitor market conditions, industry trends, and cost drivers that could impact sourcing strategies.
• Analyze supplier proposals, conduct spend reviews, and identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements.
• Lead supplier selection, qualification, onboarding, and performance management activities.
• Collaborate with operations, supply chain, finance, quality, and engineering teams to support business objectives and new product initiatives.
• Evaluate sourcing risks and develop contingency plans to improve supply continuity and reduce disruptions.
• Support annual budgeting and forecasting activities related to procurement spend.
• Maintain purchasing data, supplier records, and sourcing documentation within ERP systems.
• Ensure compliance with company procurement policies and best practices.

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, sourcing, commodity management, or a related supply chain function.
• Experience purchasing direct materials or commodities in a manufacturing, industrial, automotive, or similar environment.
• Proven ability to negotiate pricing and supplier agreements while managing vendor relationships.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate data and make sound business decisions.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to influence internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and shifting deadlines.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with commodities such as plastics, rubber, metals, fabricated components, or other manufacturing materials.
• Background in automotive, industrial manufacturing, or consumer products industries.
• Professional certifications in procurement or supply chain management are a plus.

By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions.