Commodity Manager

Aston Carter•Houston, TX

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Commodity Manager leads strategic sourcing and procurement for technology-related categories, with a strong focus on software. This role establishes and executes category sourcing strategies, drives supplier negotiations and contract execution, and partners closely with internal stakeholders to optimize total cost of ownership and deliver measurable savings. The position operates in a fast-paced, global procurement environment and plays a key role in shaping long-term sourcing strategies and cross-company project delivery standards.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
5+ years of program or project management experience.
5+ years of supply chain experience.
Proven experience in procurement, including managing sourcing activities and supplier relationships.
Strong experience with contract negotiation from a commercial standpoint, including drafting and reviewing commercial terms and conditions.
Demonstrated ability to use data and metrics to determine performance, identify issues, and drive continuous improvements.
Experience owning program strategy and end-to-end delivery of initiatives, from planning through execution and measurement.
Experience communicating program and sourcing results, recommendations, and metrics to senior leadership.
Experience with third-party software negotiations, including Software as a Service (SaaS) and other software licensing models.
Proficiency in software procurement, including sourcing, pricing analysis, and contract management for software solutions.
Strong skills in data analysis and clear, effective written communication.
Competency in sourcing strategy development and execution.
Proficiency in negotiation techniques to achieve optimal commercial outcomes.
Experience building and maintaining vendor relationships and long-term partnerships.
Experience with contract execution and ongoing contract management.
Background in project management and program management within a procurement or supply chain context.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading sourcing for IT-related commodities, preferably with a primary focus on software.
Additional experience in other technology categories such as networking devices and infrastructure, data center storage, and telecom.
Experience working in a global procurement organization and negotiating with third-party technology suppliers.
Ability to define and report on key metrics that measure supply effectiveness, cost savings, and value creation.
Track record of championing process improvements and standardization within procurement or supply chain functions.
Ability to earn the trust of key stakeholders and drive alignment with business objectives.
Comfort working on high-visibility initiatives, including software expense reduction programs with executive-level visibility.
Strong commercial acumen and ability to balance cost, risk, and value in sourcing decisions.

Responsibilities

Establish and implement comprehensive category sourcing strategies that support business objectives and strengthen the organization’s competitive position.
Lead cross-functional strategic sourcing teams to define requirements, evaluate suppliers, and select optimal sourcing solutions.
Negotiate commercial terms and conditions with suppliers, with a particular focus on software and other IT-related commodities, to achieve favorable pricing, service levels, and total cost of ownership.
Execute and manage supplier agreements and contracts by collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders and suppliers to finalize contract terms and ensure compliance.
Develop and maintain strong, strategic relationships with category suppliers to drive continuous improvement, innovation, and long-term value.
Manage category suppliers proactively to identify, monitor, and optimize cost-saving and value-creation opportunities.
Act as a market intelligence provider for assigned categories by monitoring industry trends, pricing, and supplier capabilities, and sharing insights with key stakeholders.
Drive Supplier Relationship Management activities to mitigate risk, improve supplier performance, and increase value delivery across the category.
Identify, achieve, and report on annual cost savings and value targets for category sourcing initiatives, aligned with budget and financial goals.
Align closely with internal customers to understand business needs, application of the category, and upcoming demand to ensure sourcing strategies meet operational and strategic requirements.
Define, track, and report key performance metrics that measure supply effectiveness, cost savings, and value delivery.
Champion standards, process improvements, and best practices within procurement and sourcing to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
Help develop long-term departmental strategies and significantly influence cross-company project development, delivery processes, and sourcing standards.
Use data and metrics to analyze category performance, identify improvement opportunities, and drive informed decision-making.
Own program strategy and end-to-end delivery of sourcing initiatives, including communication of results, risks, and recommendations to senior leadership.
Lead and support heavy initiatives related to software expense reduction and provide visibility and updates to senior leaders across the organization.