Global Commodity Manager

Hitachi•Michigan City, IN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Hitachi Global Air Power is a leading global industrial compressed air manufacturer driving innovations that keep the world moving. From their headquarters in Michigan City, Indiana, their compressed air solutions power manufacturing operations globally. They are a team of innovators, engineers, and quality experts focused on creating efficient, environment-forward compressed air solutions that meet current demands and contribute to a sustainable, circular economy. With a legacy of over 58 years through brands like Hitachi, Sullair, and Champion (Australia), they are known for reliability, durability, performance, and groundbreaking engineering. The Global Commodity Manager role is critical for supporting global commodity strategies and the execution of global direct spend. Candidates will be selected based on their strategic sourcing competency and commodity experience. The role involves working under the Director of Strategic Sourcing, engaging stakeholders to support category strategies, and aligning strategies with site transactional purchasing personnel. The position also supports core supplier relationships, aiming to meet organizational standards for quality, service, technical support, and commercial value. The ideal candidate will possess proven product and market knowledge in relevant commodities, be well-versed in strategic sourcing practices, and have deep knowledge of SAP. Experience with numerous industrial commodities is advantageous. The position is based at the Michigan City, Indiana manufacturing plant and requires up to 35% domestic and international travel for site visits, supplier meetings, or industry events.

Requirements

BS Degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Administration or other relevant degree program.
Minimum 2-5 years commodity management experience in a global industrial equipment manufacturing environment.
High level knowledge with SAP and in the use of analytical tools.
High level of commercial negotiations and contract management with demonstrated success.
World class project management skills and strategic planning experience.
International business and cultural experience.
Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of an organization (internal/external) and across global nationalities and cultures.
Strong presentation skills.
Ability to self-motivate, multi-task and work independently as part of a geographically dispersed, virtual team.
Strong interpersonal skills and professional demeanor with energy and a sense of urgency.
Ability to travel on a domestic and international basis.
Candidate must work well in a team environment while being a self-starter.
Strict attention to detail.
Not satisfied with the Status Quo.
Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and thoughtfully on a daily basis.
Must be results-oriented, high energy and a representative of the Hitachi Values.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree preferred.
Being well versed in numerous industrial commodities will be an advantage.

Responsibilities

Develop, align and implement commodity strategies that are innovative, cost-effective, and incorporate the growing complexities and challenges within the industry.
Maintain effective links with global stakeholders within the brand verticals, manufacturing sites and core supplier contacts, managing and communicating to stakeholders across various levels, functions, countries and cultures.
Establish and manage relationships with key suppliers, working with them to improve quality, delivery, and cost, and implementing corrective actions to achieve targets.
Execute specific cost reduction targets.
Lead commercial and contractual negotiations with suppliers.
Maintain an understanding of commodity market conditions and trends, and develop category strategies with appropriate analytical rigor.
Understand the impact of the business's strategy on future requirements of category areas, identify and manage supply chain risks, and address tactical and strategic supply chain issues.
Ensure the strategy delivers ‘best value’ based on a combination of quality, service, and cost, and that the strategic sourcing process is applied consistently and appropriately.
Support periodic supplier business reviews, including criteria to measure supplier performance in terms of cost, risk, stakeholder satisfaction, technical support, delivery/quality performance, investment, and continuous improvement.
Support appropriate relationships with suppliers to maximize value to the business.
Support improvements to existing processes, systems, practices, and procedures.
Use consistent strategic sourcing processes and e-procurement tools (such as reverse auctioning) and understand their best applications.