Commodity Buyer III

Apogee•Wausau, WI

About The Position

Apogee Architectural Metals is seeking a Commodity Buyer III (described in the position summary as Commodity Manager III) to support sourcing and procurement objectives through strategic leadership of critical commodities and supplier relationships. The role develops and executes long-term category strategies, leads complex supplier negotiations, mitigates supply chain risk, and identifies value-creation opportunities aligned with business objectives. It serves as the subject matter expert for assigned categories, providing market intelligence, supplier expertise, and strategic sourcing leadership to support operational and financial performance. The position manages strategic supplier relationships, leads sourcing events and contract activities, develops cost savings and value-improvement initiatives, and monitors supplier performance and contractual adherence. It collaborates with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Finance, and Sales, communicates category and supplier information to stakeholders and leadership, and mentors Commodity Manager I and II team members. The work environment is primarily an office, with occasional manufacturing-floor visits. The role involves extended periods working at a computer and in team meetings, travel of up to 25%, and lifting up to 10 pounds.

Requirements

At least 8 years of experience in supply chain, procurement, sourcing, operations, engineering, manufacturing, finance, or a related business function.
Experience developing category strategies, leading complex supplier negotiations, managing strategic supplier relationships, and delivering cost savings and value-improvement initiatives.
Experience leading complex sourcing initiatives and supplier negotiations.
Experience developing, executing, and maintaining category strategies aligned with business objectives.
Experience developing, negotiating, and managing supplier agreements and commercial terms.
Strong understanding of sourcing, procurement, and supplier relationship management principles.
Experience analyzing supplier quotes, pricing, market trends, and commercial proposals.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to identify and implement cost savings, risk mitigation, and value-improvement opportunities.
Experience managing supplier performance, corrective actions, and supplier development activities.
Experience developing and maintaining long-term sourcing strategies and initiative pipelines.
Experience evaluating total cost of ownership opportunities and make-versus-buy sourcing.
Experience with ERP systems and Microsoft Office applications.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects, suppliers, and priorities simultaneously.
Ability to influence cross-functional teams and business decisions through data analysis, market intelligence, and supplier expertise.
Travel up to 25% for supplier visits, business reviews, industry events, other company locations, and corporate meetings.
Ability to lift up to 10 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a related field is preferred.
Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365.

Responsibilities

Manage critical commodities and strategic supplier relationships across the Architectural Metals organization.
Develop, execute, and maintain short- and long-term category strategies aligned with business objectives.
Lead RFQs, bids, supplier selection, sourcing recommendations, complex sourcing initiatives, and cross-functional improvement projects.
Evaluate supplier capabilities, commercial proposals, market intelligence, benchmarking data, and total cost of ownership opportunities.
Develop strategic supplier relationships and executive-level supplier engagement; lead supplier onboarding, implementation, and transitions.
Serve as the subject matter expert for assigned commodities, supply markets, and industry trends; provide market intelligence and category expertise.
Identify and implement cost savings and value-improvement opportunities; maintain a multi-year pipeline of sourcing, productivity, risk mitigation, and value-improvement initiatives.
Lead complex contract negotiations and renewals; develop, negotiate, and maintain supply agreements and commercial terms.
Analyze market conditions, pricing trends, commodity indices, and supply risks; provide recommendations to leadership on supplier strategy, commercial risk, and cost optimization.
Develop and execute risk mitigation and business continuity plans for assigned commodities.
Lead cost recovery efforts related to supplier quality, delivery, or service performance issues, and monitor supplier adherence to contractual, commercial, and service requirements.
Set supplier performance expectations and lead supplier reviews using scorecards, metrics, and business reviews.
Lead supplier corrective actions, development, and continuous-improvement initiatives; support new product introductions.
Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Finance, and Sales to align category strategies with business objectives.
Communicate category strategies, supplier performance, project status, risks, and opportunities to stakeholders and business leadership.
Mentor and provide guidance to Commodity Manager I and Commodity Manager II team members.

Benefits

Competitive benefits package for employees and dependents, including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage.
Incentive plans.
401(k) with employer contribution and match.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan with employer match.
Paid time off, including vacation and sick time.
Paid holidays.
Tuition reimbursement program.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Wellness program.
Training and career progression.