Commodity Manager

Columbia Search Partners, Inc.; Mesa (AZ); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bi-annual discretionary bonus

401(k) with company match – 100% vested day one

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans

Employer-funded HSA contributions

Up to 100% tuition reimbursement (approved disciplines)

Company-paid life, AD&D, and disability insurance

Generous vacation and sick time accrual

Job summary

A U.S.-based advanced materials company is seeking a Junior Commodity Manager in Mesa, AZ. This high-visibility role involves owning a Chemical & Laboratory portfolio with $4-6M spend, focusing on supplier strategies and quality improvement. Candidates should have several years in commodity management, ideally in high-tech environments, and a Bachelor’s degree. A SCM certification is strongly preferred. The position offers hybrid work and competitive benefits including bonuses and tuition reimbursement.

Qualifications

• Several years of experience in commodity or category management.
• Strong preference for exposure to chemical, laboratory, or technical equipment categories.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-growing, engineering-driven organization.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute commodity strategies across the full lifecycle.
• Lead supplier selection, negotiation, and contract management.
• Drive cost savings, cost avoidance, and inventory optimization initiatives.

Skills

Commodity or category management

Supplier negotiations

Cost savings

Supplier performance management

Ability to work independently

Education

Bachelor’s degree (Supply Chain, Business, or Engineering preferred)

SCM certification (CPSM, CSCP, CPIM or similar)

Job description

Junior Commodity Manager (Chemical / Laboratory)

Employment Type: Direct hire (temp-to-hire also considered)

Travel: Yes (primarily domestic)

A U.S.-based advanced materials and specialty manufacturing company supporting high-tech and semiconductor-related industries is seeking a Junior Commodity Manager to join its supply chain organization. For a top-tier candidate, the company is open to leveling this role as a Senior Commodity Manager based on experience and demonstrated capability.

This is a high-visibility, ownership-driven role with meaningful supplier interaction, negotiation responsibility, and the opportunity to grow into broader commodity leadership.

The Role

You will own and manage a Chemical & Laboratory commodity portfolio supporting manufacturing, R&D, and operational environments. The role emphasizes supplier strategy, cost management, quality, and continuity of supply, with real decision-making authority.

Key scope includes:

• ~$4–6M annual spend
• ~80 active suppliers (primarily domestic)
• Categories include laboratory chemicals, consumables, equipment, and services
• Strategic suppliers include global leaders in lab instrumentation, measurement, and analytical technologies

You will work closely with engineering, operations, quality, and leadership, and play an active role in supplier development, performance management, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute commodity strategies across the full lifecycle (R&D through production)
• Lead supplier selection, negotiation, and contract management (RFI/RFP/RFQ)
• Drive cost savings, cost avoidance, and inventory optimization initiatives
• Conduct supplier audits, performance reviews, and business reviews
• Own supplier risk management, quality improvement, and business continuity planning
• Serve as the primary escalation point for supplier issues within the commodity
• Maintain and analyze commodity KPIs, scorecards, and performance metrics

This is not a passive or administrative role—hands-on negotiation and ownership are required.

Location & Work Model

• Hybrid role based in Mesa, AZ
• After onboarding period, up to 2 days per week WFH
• Frequent travel to a primary manufacturing site during the first six months (approximately monthly), then quarterly or as business requires
• Additional supplier travel for audits and reviews as needed

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Several years of experience in commodity or category management within high-tech, semiconductor, PV, or advanced manufacturing environments
• Strong preference for exposure to chemical, laboratory, or technical equipment categories
• Demonstrated success in supplier negotiations, cost savings, and supplier performance management
• Ability to work independently with minimal oversight
• Comfortable operating in a fast-growing, engineering-driven organization
• Bachelor’s degree required (Supply Chain, Business, Engineering preferred)
• SCM certification (CPSM, CSCP, CPIM, or similar) strongly preferred
• Bi-annual discretionary bonus
• 401(k) with company match – 100% vested day one
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
• Employer-funded HSA contributions
• Up to 100% tuition reimbursement (approved disciplines)
• Company-paid life, AD&D, and disability insurance
• Generous vacation and sick time accrual
• Benefits are competitive with large multinational organizations

Why This Role Stands Out

• Real ownership of a defined commodity portfolio
• Exposure to cutting-edge high-tech manufacturing
• Strong leadership support with room to grow into senior-level scope
• Stable, profitable organization with long-term investment in U.S. manufacturing
• Culture that values accountability, collaboration, and results

Interested?

Please apply for a confidential career discussion. Qualified candidates will receive full company details upon initial discussion.