Commodity Buyer III

Apogee Enterprises, Inc.•Wausau, WI

About The Position

As a Commodity Manager III, this role supports the sourcing and procurement objectives of the Architectural Metals organization through strategic leadership of critical commodities and supplier relationships. The position develops and executes long-term category strategies, leads complex supplier negotiations, mitigates supply chain risk, and delivers 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 across the business. The role manages strategic supplier relationships and sourcing activities, oversees cost and contract management, leads supplier performance and continuous improvement initiatives, and collaborates with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Finance, and Sales. It also mentors Commodity Manager I and II team members. The work is primarily in an office, with occasional manufacturing-floor visits and travel of up to 25%.

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-action initiatives, 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.
Ability to lift up to 10 lbs.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a related field.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 experience.

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 complex RFQs, bids, supplier selections, and sourcing recommendations.
Evaluate supplier capabilities, commercial proposals, market intelligence, benchmarking data, and total cost of ownership opportunities.
Develop strategic supplier relationships and lead 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, benchmarking, and category expertise to support business decisions.
Lead complex sourcing initiatives involving significant business impact, supply risk, or cross-functional coordination.
Mentor and guide Commodity Manager I and II team members.
Identify and implement cost savings and value-improvement opportunities.
Develop and maintain a multi-year pipeline of sourcing, productivity, risk mitigation, and value-improvement initiatives.
Lead complex contract negotiations, renewals, and implementation activities.
Develop, negotiate, and maintain strategic supply agreements and commercial terms.
Analyze market conditions, pricing trends, commodity indices, and supply risks.
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.
Monitor supplier adherence to contractual, commercial, and service requirements.
Develop and execute initiatives to achieve annual cost-savings and value-improvement objectives.
Develop long-term sourcing roadmaps and recommend supplier strategies, risk responses, and cost-optimization opportunities to leadership.
Set supplier performance expectations and lead supplier reviews using scorecards, metrics, and business reviews.
Lead corrective actions for supplier quality, delivery, and service issues, along with supplier development and continuous-improvement initiatives.
Support new product introductions and strategic supplier development initiatives.
Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Finance, and Sales to align category strategies with business objectives.
Lead complex sourcing projects and cross-functional improvement initiatives.
Communicate category strategies, supplier performance, project status, risks, and opportunities to stakeholders and business leadership.
Influence sourcing decisions using market intelligence, benchmarking, total cost of ownership analysis, and supplier expertise.
Serve as the primary sourcing resource for assigned commodities and supplier relationships.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability benefits for employees and their dependents.
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.