Commodity Specialist

Freudenberg • Plymouth, MI

5d

About The Position

This role is responsible for owning the commercial strategy and supplier management for assigned direct material commodities, with a focus on polymers and elastomers. The Commodity Specialist will build and execute market analysis and commodity strategies, including supply base development and optimization. They will develop raw material forecasts using complex datasets and feedstock market intelligence, and lead total cost management across the supply chain while aligning to divisional business objectives. Additionally, this role drives material risk mitigation strategies to address supply continuity, pricing volatility, and supplier performance. The Commodity Specialist will negotiate and execute supplier agreements, including contracts and NDAs, ensuring compliance with company standards. A key aspect of this role is partnering cross-functionally and globally with R&D, material technology, and operations to align sourcing with innovation and business needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in Purchasing or Supply Chain Management.
• Proven experience in commodity purchasing, preferably within automotive and polymers/elastomers.
• Strong negotiation skills with the ability to influence commercial outcomes.
• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving capability and ability to interpret market and cost drivers.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems such as SAP, QAD, or similar, and familiarity with supplier portals.
• Strong communication skills, executive presence, and a collaborative, high-energy, team-oriented approach.

Responsibilities

• Own commercial strategy and supplier management for assigned direct material commodities, with a focus on polymers and elastomers.
• Build and execute market analysis and commodity strategies, including supply base development and optimization.
• Develop raw material forecasts using complex datasets and feedstock market intelligence.
• Lead total cost management across the supply chain while aligning to divisional business objectives.
• Drive material risk mitigation strategies to address supply continuity, pricing volatility, and supplier performance.
• Negotiate and execute supplier agreements, including contracts and NDAs, ensuring compliance with company standards.
• Partner cross-functionally and globally with R&D, material technology, and operations to align sourcing with innovation and business needs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level