Commodity Manager

Job Title: Commodity ManagerJob DescriptionThe Strategic Commodity Manager will develop and execute sourcing strategies for assigned direct-material commodities within an industrial manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for reducing costs, negotiating supplier agreements, improving supplier performance, managing supply risks, and building a stronger supply base. The successful candidate will manage a significant annual spend portfolio, generally in the tens of millions of dollars, although the exact portfolio will depend on the commodities assigned. Commodity ownership may be aligned to the selected candidates strongest technical and sourcing background.Responsibilities

• Develop and implement cost-effective commodity and category strategies.
• Deliver measurable cost reductions through supplier negotiations, cost analysis, market studies, competitive sourcing, and resourcing initiatives.
• Lead commercial negotiations and support the execution of long-term supplier agreements.
• Negotiate pricing, service expectations, commercial provisions, and other key supplier terms.
• Monitor suppliers against quality, delivery, cost, risk, technical support, and continuous improvement expectations.
• Develop corrective-action plans for underperforming suppliers and replace suppliers when performance does not improve.
• Identify, evaluate, qualify, and onboard new suppliers.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers.
• Analyze commodity markets, cost drivers, industry trends, and supply-chain risks.
• Conduct supplier business reviews and communicate performance expectations.
• Partner with engineering, operations, quality, and purchasing teams to align sourcing strategies with business requirements.
• Challenge assumptions constructively and work with engineering to identify cost, design, sourcing, and supplier alternatives.
• Support improvements to sourcing processes, systems, tools, and procedures.
• Travel domestically to suppliers or operating locations as business needs require.

Essential Skills

• Several years of direct commodity management or strategic sourcing experience in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated history of measurable cost reductions.
• Experience negotiating long-term supplier agreements and complex commercial terms.
• Experience managing supplier performance and developing or replacing suppliers.
• Ability to source technical, engineered, or build-to-print commodities.
• Strong commercial negotiation, analytical, project management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating across engineering, operations, quality, and purchasing.
• Travel within the continental United States to supplier locations based on needs (10-25%).

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• ERP experience required;
• Ability to travel periodically based on supplier needs.
• A degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or a related field preferred.

Work EnvironmentThe role is primarily on-site with approximately 4045 hours per week. There is a flexible start time, generally between 6:30 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. Candidates commuting from the broader Chicago regional market must be able to report to the primary facility approximately two days per week. The role offers a visible position with regular interaction across engineering, operations, quality, and leadership, along with company-performance-based annual bonuses. Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Michigan City, IN. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $40.00 - $55.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits

available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Michigan City, IN. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 26, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Michigan City,IN.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.