Commodity Manager

Dana Corp; Novi (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Dana Corp is seeking a Senior Commodity Manager for Steel SBQ in Novi, MI, to lead regional sourcing and develop long-term supplier relationships. You will negotiate with mills and suppliers, align strategies with global objectives, and drive cost reductions while collaborating with engineering, operations, and finance teams.

The role requires strong leadership, strategic sourcing expertise, and 5–7 years of purchasing experience, with up-to-date knowledge of steel markets and Lean Six Sigma

Qualifications

• 4-year degree in business or engineering required; MBA preferred.
• 5–7 years' progressive purchasing experience.
• Understanding of blueprints and technical specifications.
• Familiarity with Lean/Six-Sigma principles and performance improvement tools.
• Willing to travel and periodically work non-traditional business hours.

Responsibilities

• Directs strategic sourcing for the Steel SBQ commodity across regions.
• Develops and executes commodity strategies for SBQ steel and related inputs.
• Aligns regional sourcing with global objectives and corporate procurement.
• Leads supplier negotiations with mills, mini-mills, and steel suppliers.
• Monitors supplier performance metrics and contract compliance.
• Partners with engineering, operations, quality, finance, and logistics.
• Identifies cost-reduction and total-cost-optimization opportunities.
• Supports new product launches with aligned sourcing strategies.
• Travel up to 25% to suppliers and sites.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or engineering

MBA or MS in engineering preferred

Tools

MS Office

ERP systems

Lean Six Sigma

Job description

Job Purpose

Dana is a global leader in the supply of highly engineered driveline, sealing, and thermal-management technologies that improve the efficiency and performance of vehicles with both conventional and alternative-energy powertrains. Serving three primary markets - passenger vehicle, commercial truck, and off-highway equipment - Dana provides the world's original-equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket with local product and service support through a network of nearly 100 engineering, manufacturing, and distribution facilities.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Directs strategic sourcing activities associated with Dana's regional spend for the Steel SBQ commodity across multiple business units.
• Develops, implements, and executes commodity strategies for SBQ steel, forged steel inputs, bar products, and other steel-related materials used in automotive and industrial applications.
• Aligns regional sourcing strategies with global commodity objectives and corporate procurement initiatives.
• Maintains thorough knowledge of steel market dynamics, including mill capacity, raw material trends, scrap markets, alloy surcharges, tariffs, imports, trade regulations, and industry developments.
• Leads supplier negotiations and manages commercial relationships with integrated mills, mini-mills, processors, service centers, and specialty steel suppliers.
• Leads opportunities for cost reduction, productivity improvements, value engineering, supplier consolidation, and total cost optimization.
• Develops annual commodity plans to achieve cost reduction targets and year-over-year performance improvements.
• Negotiates long-term supply agreements and commercial contracts focused on cost, quality, delivery, lead-time reduction, risk mitigation, sustainability, and service improvements.
• Partners with engineering, operations, quality, finance, and logistics teams to optimize material specifications, inventories, and supply chain performance.
• Monitors supplier performance metrics related to quality, delivery, cost, responsiveness, sustainability, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identifies opportunities to leverage global steel volumes and purchasing power across Dana facilities.
• Collaborates with Supplier Quality and Operations teams to address quality concerns and drive corrective actions.
• Supports new product launches by ensuring sourcing strategies and supplier capacity are aligned with program requirements.
• Monitors compliance with supplier contractual obligations and Dana procurement policies.
• Provides commodity market intelligence and executive-level reporting on pricing trends, forecasts, savings performance, and supply chain risks.
• Leads cross-functional teams and strategic initiatives focused on supply chain optimization and steel procurement excellence.
• Presents commodity strategies, project updates, supplier performance reviews, and savings initiatives to senior management.
• Performs other duties and special assignments as required. Directs the activities associated with the SCMG managed regional spend for the Steel SBQ commodity across Business Units.* 25% travel

Education and Qualifications

• * Excellent communication skills, verbal and written.
• * Demonstrated leadership experience and people management skills.
• * 4-year degree in business or engineering required, MBA or MS in engineering preferred.
• * 5 - 7 years' progressive purchasing experience required
• * Participation and leadership of cross-functional teams.
• * Familiarity with Procurement and Quality Supplier Metrics with flow-down to supplier contracts and performance reviews.
• * Must have an understanding of blueprints and technical specifications.
• * Strong personal computer skills required, including experience with MS Office software.
• * Have worked with Lean/Six-Sigma principles and performance improvement tools.
• * Understanding of ISO/TS 16949 or QS-9000 Quality Specifications.
• * Willing to travel and periodically work non-traditional business hours.