Global Commodity Manager

Material Handling Systems, Inc.; Griffin, Mount Washington (GA, KY); On-site; USD 115,900 - 173,800; Full time

Job summary

Material Handling Systems, Inc. is seeking a Global Commodity Manager (GCM) – Electrical to develop global sourcing strategies for automation solutions. This role requires deep collaboration with various internal teams and strategic suppliers to ensure performance and cost-effectiveness.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and at least 8 years of experience in strategic sourcing of electrical materials. A competitive salary ranging from $115,900 to $173,800 is offered based on experience and location.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in strategic sourcing or commodity management.
• Proven success leading supplier negotiations.
• Experience sourcing electrical or electromechanical commodities.

Responsibilities

• Develop global commodity strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Manage strategic suppliers and conduct performance reviews.
• Lead RFQ and contract negotiation activities.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Supplier management

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Job description

About the Company

FORTNA partners with the world’s leading brands to transform omnichannel and parcel distribution operations. Known world-wide for enabling companies to keep pace with digital disruption and growth objectives, we design and deliver solutions, powered by intelligent software, to optimize fast, accurate and cost-effective order fulfillment and last mile delivery. Our people, innovative approach and proprietary algorithms and tools ensure optimal operations design and material and information flow. We deliver exceptional value every day to our customers with comprehensive services and products including network strategy, distribution center operational design and implementation, material handling automated equipment, robotics and a comprehensive suite of lifecycle services.

Position Summary

The Global Commodity Manager (GCM) – Electrical is responsible for developing and executing global sourcing strategies for electrical and electromechanical commodities that support FORTNA's automation and material handling solutions. This role serves as the enterprise expert for assigned categories and partners closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Project Delivery, Operations, Estimating, and Executive Leadership to optimize supplier performance, reduce total cost, mitigate risk, and ensure long‑term supply continuity.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Category Management

  Develop and execute global commodity strategies aligned with business objectives, growth forecasts, and project pipeline demands. Analyze market conditions including component availability, technology trends, supplier capacity, lead‑time risks, geopolitical factors, and global supply chain dynamics. Build and maintain multi‑year sourcing, cost reduction, supplier development, and risk mitigation strategies across assigned electrical categories. Establish category roadmaps focused on cost competitiveness, supply continuity, innovation, supplier performance, and operational scalability. Monitor market intelligence, supplier financial health, and industry trends to proactively manage commercial risk and sourcing opportunities.

• Supplier Management & Development

  Identify, qualify, develop, and manage strategic suppliers supporting electrical and electromechanical commodities. Conduct supplier performance reviews focused on quality, delivery, responsiveness, cost competitiveness, and technical capability. Lead supplier development initiatives that improve capacity, quality systems, operational performance, and long‑term partnership value. Develop dual‑source, regional‑source, and contingency strategies to reduce supply chain risk and improve business continuity. Collaborate with suppliers to support innovation, standardization, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Commercial Leadership

  Lead RFQ, RFP, supplier selection, and contract negotiation activities across assigned commodity categories. Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, long‑term agreements, inventory strategies, and service‑level expectations. Drive cost reduction, value engineering, should‑cost analysis, and total cost of ownership (TCO) initiatives. Support new product introductions, customer projects, and engineer‑to‑order requirements through proactive supplier engagement. Ensure sourcing decisions balance cost, quality, delivery, technical requirements, and long‑term business objectives.

• Cross‑Functional Collaboration

  Partner closely with Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Project Delivery, and Estimating teams. Influence design‑for‑cost, component standardization, and sourcing decisions during product development and project execution. Align sourcing strategies with engineering requirements, customer commitments, and operational priorities. Support supplier technical reviews, capability assessments, and qualification activities. Provide market intelligence and supplier insights to support strategic decision‑making across the organization.

• Supply Chain Risk Management

  Monitor supplier performance, capacity constraints, lead‑time fluctuations, and emerging market risks. Develop and execute mitigation plans for constrained components, sole‑source suppliers, and supply disruptions. Support business continuity planning through proactive supplier and category risk assessments. Lead escalation management and recovery efforts for critical supply issues impacting projects or operations. Maintain visibility into global supply chain trends and recommend actions to improve resilience and supply assurance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, Operations, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, commodity management, or category management.
• Experience sourcing electrical, electromechanical, automation, controls, or industrial manufacturing commodities.
• Proven success leading supplier negotiations and strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Experience working in engineered manufacturing, OEM, automation, industrial equipment, or project‑based environments.
• Strong analytical, financial, and supplier management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience sourcing motors, sensors, controls, field devices, drives, cables, or electrical assemblies.
• Experience supporting automation, material handling, robotics, or industrial equipment industries.
• Global sourcing and supplier development experience.
• Engineering background or demonstrated technical aptitude.
• Experience with SAP, Oracle, or other ERP systems.
• CPSM, APICS, ISM, or equivalent certifications.

Functional Expectations

• Operates with a high degree of autonomy and strategic ownership.
• Recognized as a subject matter expert in assigned commodity markets and supply dynamics.
• Drives measurable enterprise impact across cost, risk reduction, supplier performance, innovation, and capacity planning.
• Influences product design, sourcing strategy, supplier landscape, and long‑term business direction.
• Balances technical, operational, and commercial priorities in a fast‑paced, project‑driven environment.

Compensation

Base salary range: $115,900 to $173,800. Actual base salary offered will vary based on location, level, job‑related knowledge, skills, experience, and performance.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is the policy of FORTNA and its affiliated companies to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy or pregnancy‑related condition, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, citizenship status (if authorized to work in the U.S.), or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, FORTNA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.