Commodity Lead

Dekko; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Dental & Vision

Retirement Plan

Job summary

Dekko in Fort Wayne, IN is seeking a Commodity Group Leader to drive sourcing excellence across multiple categories, manage over $100M in spend, and build best-in-class supplier partnerships.

You will lead a team, align with Quality, Finance, Operations, and Engineering, and push cost reduction, supplier readiness, and innovation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; supply chain/engineering/business background preferred.
• Strong strategic sourcing and procurement experience.
• Experience in regulated industries (UL, CSA, FDA) is a plus.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and lead teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement commodity strategies to reduce total cost of ownership while improving quality and delivery.
• Lead procurement and supplier management across multiple commodity categories.
• Manage supplier contracts to ensure value creation and compliance.
• Coach and develop Commodity Managers and track KPIs.
• Establish supplier performance metrics and hold suppliers accountable.
• Collaborate with Quality, Finance, Operations, Engineering, PM, and Sales/Marketing.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Commodity management

Negotiation

Supplier relationship management

Cross-functional leadership

Risk management

Cost reduction

Travel willingness 25%+

Strong communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or Business Administration

Tools

AS400/BPICS

MS Office Suite

Job description

Location: Onsite, Fort Wayne, IN

The Commodity Group Leader will serve as a key leader in driving sourcing excellence, supplier performance, and cost competitiveness across multiple commodity categories. This role will develop and execute comprehensive commodity strategies that deliver superior service, quality, and value to all business units. With responsibility for over $100 million in spend, the Commodity Group Leader will play a pivotal role in ensuring best-in-class supplier partnerships and enabling operational success.

This position requires a strong technical or operations background and proven expertise in commodity management, particularly in lighting components, plastics, coatings, and steel. The successful candidate will be both a strategic thinker and a hands-on leader, capable of guiding a team and building cross-functional alignment

What you'll do:

• Develop and implement commodity strategies that reduce total cost of ownership while improving supplier quality, innovation, and delivery performance.
• Lead procurement and supplier management activities across multiple commodity categories.
• Manage all supplier contracts and agreements for commodities, ensuring compliance and value creation.
• Lead Team of Commodity Managers to ensure Purchase Price Variance, Strategies and other Key Performance Indicators are met.
• Provide Performance Reviews and coaching to direct employees.
• Establish and track supplier performance metrics; hold suppliers accountable for meeting expectations.
• Understand, track, and forecast cost drivers, market factors, and risks within commodity categories.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives through sourcing, procurement, and supplier collaboration.
• Partner with internal stakeholders - Quality, Finance, Operations, Engineering, Project Management, and Sales/Marketing to align sourcing strategies with business objectives.
• Act as subject matter expert in assigned commodities, guiding engineering and operations on best sourcing practices.
• Coach, mentor, and develop team members, building organizational capability in sourcing and procurement.
• Support new product launches by ensuring robust supplier readiness and cost competitiveness.
• Maintain strong supplier and industry relationships to identify innovation and competitive advantages

What you'll need:

• Strong strategic sourcing and commodity management expertise.
• Ability to resolve complex supply disruptions with speed and creativity.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders and defend sourcing strategies with confidence.
• Experience in highly regulated industries (UL, CSA, FDA preferred).
• Knowledge of quality initiatives (PPAP, APQP).
• Proficiency in ERP systems (AS400/BPICS) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally (25%+).
• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or Business Administration required.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in Supply Chain, Sourcing, Procurement, or Materials Planning & Logistics (MP&L).
• APICS or ISM certification preferred.
• International sourcing experience (Asia, Europe, Latin America) strongly preferred.

Why You'll Love It Here:

At Dekko, you'll be part of more than just a company; you'll join a team of passionate people who truly care about what they do and who they work with. We offer:

• Great People & Culture - A supportive, values-driven environment where teamwork and integrity come first.
• Competitive Pay & Benefits - Including comprehensive healthcare, dental, vision, and an 8% fully funded retirement plan.
• Growth Opportunities - We invest in your development with training, mentorship, and the chance to take on new challenges.
• Work That Matters - Contribute to innovative products that make a difference in how people live and work.
• Stability with Flexibility - A growing company with a strong foundation that understands the importance of work-life balance.

Dekko is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees