What are the responsibilities and job description for the Commodity Manager - External Manufacturing Partners position at Navico Group?
- Commodity Manager - External Manufacturing Partners
Are you ready for what’s next?
Come explore opportunities within Brunswick, a global marine leader committed to challenging conventions and innovating next-generation technologies that transform experiences on the water and beyond. Brunswick believes “Next Never Rests™,” and we offer a variety of exciting careers and growth opportunities within united teams defining the future of marine recreation.
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Workplace Category: Hybrid
Travel Required: Up to 25%
Visa Sponsorship: Applicants must possess current authorization to work in the country for which they are applying. This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship at this time or in the future.
Relocation: Not available
Innovation is the heart of Brunswick. See how your contributions will help transform vision into reality:
Position Overview:
As part of the talented Global Supply Chain team, you will be responsible for supporting development and execution of our External Manufacturing Partner portfolio in our Amsterdam, NL location. With support of senior managers, this role will drive commodity strategy, supplier negotiations, compliance with industry certifications, and support end-to-end supply chain optimization. Reporting to the Director, External Manufacturing Partners, you will set the strategic objectives of External Manufacturing Partner in EMEA and implement local execution plans to achieve supply continuity at the optimal cost.
At Brunswick, we have passion for our work and a distinct ability to deliver.
Essential Functions:
Category Strategy & Development
- Implement long-term strategies for External Manufacturing Partner portfolio aligned with business objectives.
- Conduct global and regional market analysis to identify growth opportunities in systems, parts, and services.
- Monitor industry trends, including emerging technologies: high frequency and advanced conversion topologies, digital and AI controlled, surface mounting technology, thermal imaging, sensor fusion.
- With assistance from technical staff, lead cross functional cost down teams to meet company financial objectives transitioning spend to low-cost regions when risk and total cost analysis justifies.
- Execute strategies include tariff mitigation and support corporate geopolitical risk initiatives.
Supplier & Vendor Management
- Negotiate contracts, pricing, warranties, and service agreements with OEMs and suppliers.
- Develop joint business plans with suppliers to ensure alignment on growth, innovation, and compliance.
- Cultivate strong, collaborative partnerships with distributors, service providers, and product suppliers.
- Perform key supplier visits as required to evaluate capabilities and technologies with support of supplier development and/or Engineering.
- Evaluate supplier performance against KPIs covering cost, quality, delivery, and sustainability.
- Ensure high service levels and parts availability to minimize production downtime and/or customer impact.
Supplier Warranty & Service Support
- Oversee escalated supplier warranty claims, ensuring contractual compliance and maximizing recovery of parts, labor, and related costs from vendors.
- Negotiate extended warranty terms and cost recovery from suppliers for defective products.
- Support resolution of service bulletins, recalls, and field service campaigns.
Compliance & Industry Certifications
- Ensure all purchased materials comply with relevant international certifications and standards, including:
- Safety & Performance: NMMA, ABYC, UL, CE, ISO standards.
- Environnemental: EPA- equivalent, Prop 65, REACH, ROHS.
- Quality Management: ISO 9001, IATF 16949, ISO 14001, ISO 45001.
- Marine Electronics: NMEA 2000 compatibility and certification.
- Manage certification records, documentation, and audits across the supply chain.
- Develop & Support processes to remain ahead of regulatory changes impacting Navico Group/Brunswick.
- Delivers all accurate tariff compliance for owned commodities including USMCA, material content analysis, sanctions, etc.
Leadership & Collaboration
- Collaborate cross-functionally with supply chain, finance, legal, and operations teams.
- Represent the External Manufacturing Partner team and supply chain in escalation, and project status meetings.
- Track commodity KPIs and implement corrective actions to maximize results.
- Lead team meeting with supplier for project discussion, issue resolution, performance reviews.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field
- 6 years of supply chain / procurement / service model experience with manufacturing partners commodity.
- Strong verbal and written English, ability to communicate effectively across all levels and regions of the organization.
- Proven expertise in international supply chain management, trade compliance, and inventory optimization.
- Experience managing supplier warranty programs and negotiating cost recovery.
- Excellent negotiation, stakeholder management, and leadership skills.
- Experience in managing multiple cross-functional projects/priorities in a fast-paced business environment is essential.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field preferred
- Advanced skills in ERP, category management software, and analytics platforms (Excel, Power BI, Tableau) preferred.
Working Conditions:
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods (e.g., at a desk or workstation).
- Constantly operates a computer and other standard office equipment.
- Must be able to occasionally move about the facility to access operational/distribution areas.
- Must be able to operate standard office and warehouse equipment (e.g., computer, forklift, pallet jack).
- Must be able to communicate effectively with team members and vendors.
- This role operates in both office and warehouse environments, with occasional exposure to varying temperatures and noise levels.
- Working hours will vary to support global organization
The actual base pay offered will vary depending on multiple factors including job-related knowledge/skills, relevant experience, business needs, and geographic location. In addition to base pay, this position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.
At Brunswick, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top end of the salary range for their role. Compensation decisions are dependent upon the specifics of the candidate’s qualifications and the business context.
Why Brunswick:
Whatever tomorrow brings, we’ll be at the leading edge. As the clear leader in the marine industry, we’re committed to our values and supporting our exceptional people. We offer and encourage growth opportunities within and across our many brands. In addition, we’re proud of being recognized for making a splash with numerous awards!
About Navico Group:
Navico Group is a stand-alone division of Brunswick, the world’s largest recreational marine business.
Navico Group is the global leader in technology, systems and solutions for a variety of industries, from Marine & RV to Specialty Vehicles and beyond. Our broad portfolio consists of the industry's leading brands in Power Systems, Digital Systems, Fishing Systems, and Performance Components including Ancor, Attwood, B&G, BEP, Blue Sea Systems, C-MAP, CZone, Garelick, Lenco, Lowrance, Marinco, MotorGuide, Mastervolt, ProMariner, RELiON, Simrad and Whale.
Our team is committed and driven, every day, to be the most trusted supply partner to the marine and mobile industries...and beyond.