Commodity Specialist

Freudenberg Group; Plymouth (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Freudenberg Group seeks a senior procurement specialist to own metals commodity strategy and supplier management. You will analyze markets, forecast materials, and lead total cost initiatives across the supply chain.

Cross-functional collaboration with R&D and operations will be essential to align sourcing with innovation and business goals. Requirements include a bachelor’s degree and 5+ years in purchasing or SCM, with ERP/MRP (SAP/QAD) experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (SCM/Engineering/Business).
• 5+ years in Purchasing or SCM, with metals/ automotive exposure preferred.
• Strong negotiation and cost-analysis capabilities.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (SAP/QAD) and supplier portals.
• Analytical mindset and ability to interpret cost drivers.

Responsibilities

• Own commercial strategy and supplier management for metals commodities.
• Develop market analysis and commodity strategies; optimize supply base.
• Forecast raw materials using datasets and market intelligence.
• Lead total cost management across the supply chain.
• Drive risk mitigation for supply continuity and pricing volatility.
• Negotiate supplier agreements and NDAs in line with standards.
• Collaborate with R&D, materials tech, and operations globally.

Skills

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

ERP/MRP experience

Supply chain management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

SAP

QAD

Job description

Working at Freudenberg: We will wow your world!

Responsibilities:

• Own commercial strategy and supplier management for assigned direct material commodities, with a focus on metals.
• Build and execute market analysis and commodity strategies, including supply base development and optimization.
• Develop raw material forecasts using complex datasets and feedstock market intelligence.
• Lead total cost management across the supply chain while aligning to divisional business objectives.
• Drive material risk mitigation strategies to address supply continuity, pricing volatility, and supplier performance.
• Negotiate and execute supplier agreements, including contracts and NDAs, ensuring compliance with company standards.
• Partner cross-functionally and globally with R&D, material technology, and operations to align sourcing with innovation and business needs.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in Purchasing or Supply Chain Management.
• Proven experience in commodity purchasing, preferably within automotive and metals.
• Strong negotiation skills with the ability to influence commercial outcomes.
• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving capability and ability to interpret market and cost drivers.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems such as SAP, QAD, or similar, and familiarity with supplier portals.
• Strong communication skills, executive presence, and a collaborative, high-energy, team-oriented approach.

The Freudenberg Group is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion. Employment opportunities are available to all applicants and associates without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Freudenberg-NOK General Partnership