Commodity Manager

Vermeer Corporation; Pella (IA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Vermeer Corporation seeks a procurement professional to plan and execute evolving commodity strategies, develop supplier relationships, and negotiate long-term advantages. You will manage contractual obligations and communicate across Vermeer and its supplier base to support internal customers.

We’re looking for a wholistic thinker with negotiation skills to optimize total cost-benefit for the organization, including significant travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, supply chain management or business.
• Minimum four years of experience in supply chain/operations with at least two years in procurement.
• Experience with strategic sourcing in a manufacturing setting preferred.
• Proficiency with ERP and data analytics software including Power BI, Power Apps, and SQL Developer.
• Certified Professional in Supply Management or Certified Supply Chain Professional preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams to develop commodity strategies and drive total cost improvements.
• Coordinate with purchasing and materials managers to align goals and mitigate supplier risk.
• Develop market understanding and annual cost-down strategies with key suppliers.
• Lead internal management groups to support long-term commodity needs.
• Administer supplier audits, site reviews, and handle supply breakdowns.
• Utilize data analysis to support data-driven decisions.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Data analysis

Supplier management

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, supply chain management or business

Tools

Power BI

Power Apps

SQL Developer

ERP systems

Job description

Who We Are

Vermeer equips customers doing important work around the world. We are global, driven by innovation and growing. The equipment we make manages natural resources, connects people and feeds and fuels communities. We live out a caring culture, we demonstrate agility, we keep a focus on customers and are stewards of our resources. These beliefs drive our culture, determine how we treat others and steer our business.

Work Shift

1 - First Shift

Job Summary

Are you the type of strategic thinker who would enjoy planning and executing Vermeer’s evolving commodity strategies? In this role you will develop supplier relationships, manage contractual obligations for Vermeer, negotiate for long-term advantage, and communicate within Vermeer and among its supplier base to assist internal customers and support their strategic needs. We’re looking for a wholistic thinker with a people-oriented outlook and advanced negotiation skills to negotiate the best total cost-benefit for the organization.

What You’ll Do

• Lead cross functional teams to develop commodity strategies to achieve total cost improvements, lead time reductions, and overall supply rationalization. Manage year over year price improvements.
• Coordinate with purchasing and materials managers to align goals and mitigate any risk associated with the commodity. Enhance supplier relationships and review performance metrics to support production needs both short and long-term.
• Develop a clear understanding of the market forces and conditions that drive assigned commodities and set strategies to guide those forces effectively. Develop annual “cost down strategies” with key suppliers that support Vermeer’s goals.
• Lead internal management groups to support their long‑term strategic need for a commodity.
• Administer supplier audits, site reviews, and any supply breakdowns due to not meeting expectations agreed upon by supplier.
• Utilize data analysis to support data‑driven decisions across the organization.
• Accountable for regional strategy formation in partnership with engineering, Lifecycle, and regional procurement entities for make‑to‑print and off‑the‑shelf procured items.
• Develop and execute source selection tools that are primarily focused on price, supplier location, and supplier capability.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, supply chain management or business with minimum four years of previous experience within supply chain/operations, of which experience must include two years procurement experience. Experience with strategic sourcing in a manufacturing setting preferred.
• Knowledge of warehouse inventory management, engineering blueprints, contract law, purchase orders, blanket orders, marketing and sales data.
• Ability to work with others in difficult situations managing conflict and taking ownership for commodity projects.
• Ability to prioritize projects and multi‑task to meet deadlines and customer’s expectations.
• Ability to work with suppliers in a professional manner and negotiate the best total cost benefit for the organization.
• Proficiency with ERP and data analytics software including Power BI, Power Apps, and SQL Developer.
• Certified Professional in Supply Management or Certified Supply Chain Professional preferred.

Travel

• Significant travel is expected of this position.

Work Location

ONSITE: A team member’s day‑to‑day work is best done on a Vermeer campus. If work content can be occasionally completed at an off‑site location, discuss potential arrangements with your manager.

Equal Opportunity Employer

At Vermeer Corporation, we believe in the value of your unique identity, background, and experiences. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or any other status protected by the law. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation due to a disability at any stage of the employment application process should contact Team Member Solutions at [phone] or at [e-mail].

Interested? We’d love to get to know you.