Commodity Manager - Optical Systems

Gooch & Housego•Trinity, FL

About The Position

About Us G&H is a world leader in optical designing, testing and manufacturing. As experts in the technology of light, G&H works with customers to provide optical systems, assemblies, and components for demanding applications. Headquartered in Ilminster Somerset, UK with primary operations in the USA and Europe, G&H is recognized for the breadth of their acousto-optic, electro-optic, crystal-optic, fiber optic, and precision optic products. G&H is recognized as the preferred source for OEMs in the life sciences, industrial, and aerospace and defense industries, with a history of quality and excellence that dates back over seventy-five years. The Role The Commodity Manager – Mechanical & Optical Systems is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for key engineered commodities supporting Gooch & Housego’s optical and photonics manufacturing operations. This role manages the supply base for precision mechanical components, machined and fabricated assemblies, optical components, coatings, and optical assemblies, ensuring cost competitiveness, quality, reliability, and scalability of supply across multiple sites. The Commodity Manager partners closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Program Management to support production requirements, new product introductions, and long-term supplier strategy while strengthening relationships with strategic suppliers.

Requirements

10+ years experience as Buyer, Commodity Manager or equivalent, preferably with high precision machined parts
International sourcing expertise
Military/ITAR experience
Willingness to travel up to 25%
Adherence to all Company policies, management systems and standard operational procedures, including legal responsibilities in relation to Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality
Working positively to develop and foster good working relationships with colleagues and contracted personnel in order to maintain a culture of mutual respect and dignity
Customer focus, Passion, Unity, Precision
Experience in manufacturing environment essential
Strong negotiator
Knowledge and experience of MRP systems
Technical experience preferable
Able to be accountable and deliver results
A safety-conscious approach to work
Positive attitude to continuous improvement
Well experienced in building internal and external relationships
Flexible approach to working to meet deadlines
Willingness to train peers
Attention to details
Understanding of quality requirements in aerospace industry and military requirements
Understanding of contracts and contract management
Understanding of financial costing models
Strong IT Skills and knowledge and experience of working with MRP
Ability to communicate and negotiate at all levels
Experience in implementing Pull Control or Vendor Managed Inventory processes with suppliers
Project management skills
Excellent problem-solving skills
Good concentration levels and attention to detail
Strong organizational skills
Must be reliable, have the ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team

Responsibilities

Be the G&H commodity expert, utilizing existing value in the supply chain and developing new suppliers.
Make-Buy recommendations based on supply chain, internal production costs and lowest landed cost methodology
Lead on strategic supply chain optimisation and improvement projects delivering supply chain and OpEx savings.
Running tender processes for new requirements, negotiating pricing and terms and conditions to ensure the best position for G&H.
Purchasing of direct materials in line with operational requirements.
Actioning the requirements of MRP.
Re-phasing deliveries and expediting where necessary.
Maintaining part and procurement parameters in MRP/ERP, i.e. supplier lead times, strategic safety stocks, yields.
Ensure all purchase orders and amendments are always up to date in the system.
Develop and maintain proactive supplier relationships.
Inventory management.
Work with internal and external partners to optimise stock and ensure stock is provided in line with product lifecycle and business requirements.
Identify and manage cost reduction initiatives.
Supplier Quality – work with suppliers and other departments to ensure robust corrective actions are in place to deal with non-conformity.
Work closely with the Product/Program teams to manage procurement actions in new product introduction.
On a regular basis monitor Procurement KPI’s (OTIF, Quality, MPV) and publish along with action plans to deliver agreed targets.
Build strong internal relationships and work with all areas to address purchasing issues and requirements.
Continuous Improvement. Work with internal colleagues and group colleagues to continuously develop and improve procurement and supply chain processes, tools and ways of working.
Implement new tools, processes and procedures that are identified for group role out.