What are the responsibilities and job description for the Purchasing Commodity Manager position at Confidential?
Confidential Job Posting: Commodity Manager – Automotive (Cost Engineering Focus)
Location: Metro Detroit, MI (Hybrid)
Industry: Automotive – Tier 1
Employment Type: Full-Time
Seniority Level: Manager
About the Opportunity
A growing Tier 1 automotive manufacturer is seeking an experienced Commodity Manager with strong cost engineering and supplier strategy expertise. This individual will lead sourcing strategy, cost model development, supplier negotiations, and value engineering initiatives for assigned commodities within a global supply base.
This is a confidential replacement position—details about the organization will be shared with qualified candidates during the interview process.
What You’ll Do
- Develop and execute long-term commodity strategies aligned with business objectives and 5‑year volume/forecast planning.
- Lead supplier sourcing, global negotiations, and contract management to secure competitive and stable supply.
- Perform detailed cost breakdowns, build cost models, and validate supplier quotations to drive cost transparency.
- Partner with Engineering, Program Management, and Finance to support new product launches and design-to-cost initiatives.
- Analyze market trends, assess risk, and implement strategies to safeguard supply continuity.
- Drive a culture of cost engineering, CBW analysis, and strategic supplier collaboration.
What We’re Looking For
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Engineering, Business, or related field (Master’s preferred).
- Minimum 5 years of purchasing, commodity management, or cost engineering experience—automotive Tier 1 strongly preferred.
- Strong negotiation skills, financial acumen, and understanding of manufacturing processes.
- Experience using ERP and cost modeling tools.
- Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams and deliver measurable cost savings.
Key Performance Metrics
- Achievement of annual cost reduction targets
- Cost model accuracy within ±5% vs. market targets
- Supplier performance: >95% on-time delivery, high quality, low PPM
- Value engineering contributions and SCR closure rates
- Program sourcing completed on time for all launch milestones
Why This Role Matters
You will play a critical role in shaping the future competitiveness of a global automotive supplier—driving cost structure improvements, strengthening supplier partnerships, and enabling successful product launches.
How to Apply
Qualified candidates may submit their résumé directly via LinkedIn Easy Apply.
Only individuals selected for consideration will be contacted due to the confidential nature of this search.
The Company is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate in any employer/employee relations based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran’s status, or any other basis protected by applicable discrimination laws.
We do not provide immigration related sponsorship for this role. Please do not apply for this role if you will need immigration sponsorship (e.g. H-1B, TN, OPT, etc.) now or in the future.