Sr. Commodity Manager
We are searching for an experienced Sr. Commodity Manager at our Plant 4 HQ-Elkhart-IN facility.
At Dexter, we manufacture and distribute axles,
accessories, and towing components primarily serving the commercial trailer,
RV, marine, agriculture, and manufactured housing markets. We’re building
products and systems that are rooted in a culture of safety, collaboration, and
innovation.
Headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana, Dexter has
manufacturing and distribution locations throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Employing state-of-the-art robotics, precision welding equipment, and automated
machining processes, Dexter has achieved over 65 years of success through a
commitment to the principles of superior quality, continuous improvement, and
unparalleled customer service.
For more information about our company, access Dexter's web site
at www.dextergroup.com.
Dexter is seeking an onsite Senior Commodity Manager:
Purpose of the Role
The Senior Commodity Manager is responsible for leading strategic sourcing and category management for assigned commodities and services that support Dexter’s manufacturing and business operations. This role owns category strategy development, supplier performance, cost optimization, and risk mitigation while serving as a key strategic partner to Operations and functional stakeholders.
The Senior Commodity Manager leads complex sourcing initiatives with enterprise impact and contributes to procurement transformation initiatives aligned with Dexter’s Core Values and business objectives.
Essential Duties
- Develop and execute multi-year category strategies for assigned commodities and services with accountability for cost, service, and risk outcomes.
- Lead complex sourcing initiatives including RFPs/RFQs, supplier selection, negotiations, and contract execution.
- Deliver sustainable cost savings and productivity improvements aligned with annual financial targets.
- Serve as a strategic business partner to Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, EHS, IT, HR, and Finance leaders.
- Establish and manage preferred supplier relationships, governance models, and performance metrics.
- Lead supplier performance management through KPIs, scorecards, and business reviews; drive corrective actions as needed.
- Identify and mitigate supply continuity, operational, financial, and compliance risks within assigned categories.
- Ensure sourcing activities comply with Dexter policies, ethical standards, and internal controls.
- Support procurement process improvement, standardization, and digital enablement initiatives.
- Provide informal leadership, coaching, and guidance to Commodity Managers or Buyers, as applicable.
- Represent Procurement on cross-functional initiatives, capital projects, and operational improvement efforts.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum
of 5-8 years of related experience in procurement, sourcing, commodity
management, or supply chain within a manufacturing environment or an
equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the
ability to perform the role successfully
- Advanced experience in strategic sourcing, category management, or procurement within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
- Demonstrated success leading complex negotiations and enterprise-level sourcing initiatives.
- Strong ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders without direct authority.
- Proven track record of delivering measurable cost savings and supplier performance improvements.
- Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving skills.
- Experience working with ERP and procurement systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Coupa, Ariba).
EDUCATION:
- Required: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Finance, or a related field.
- Preferred: MBA or advanced degree; professional certifications such as CPSM, CPM, CSCP, or CIPS.
THIS POSITION IS NOT OPEN FOR RELOCATION.
Dexter is driven by our core values committed to Safety, Quality and Integrity:
- Execute with Determination - Be curious, work together, break new ground, find solutions, fulfill our commitments, surpass expectations!
- Connect with People – Empower employees to grow, engage and collaborate; build lasting customer partnerships; care for our communities.
- Do the Right Thing – For our people, for our customers, and for the business.
We care for our people. Here are some of our great, comprehensive Benefits:
- Dexter offers a competitive wage
- Full benefits package including Health, Dental, Vision, Life, STD, LTD, FSA, HSA
- 3% profit sharing in our Safe Harbor program
- 401(k) Plan with company contributions
- Opportunities for internal career development and growth
Apply now to join an industry leader and make a difference in what we do for the customers we serve!
Equal Opportunity Employer
Offers of employment are contingent upon successfully passing a background check and drug screen. Dexter Axle Company is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered for positions without discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, veteran status, citizenship status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
