MRO Commodity Manager

TI Fluid Systems•Auburn Hills, MI

51d

About The Position

The commodity manager for Indirect materials and services is a critical role within an automotive supplier company, responsible for developing and executing category strategies for Indirect materials specially focused on MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations. This role ensures cost efficiency, supplier quality, and supply chain resilience while aligning with the company's operational, financial, and sustainability goals. The position requires an experienced manager with deep expertise in MRO procurement, supplier negotiations, and managing cross-functional collaboration and the automotive industry.

Requirements

Strong knowledge of MRO and Indirect materials procurement
Proven track record in supplier negotiation, cost management, and contract management.
Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to navigate/ influence stakeholders across Operations, IT, HR, among others.
Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret market data and make data-driven decisions.
Proficiency in ERP systems and procurement tools (e.g., SAP, Ariba, Coupa).
Understanding of sustainability practices and regulatory requirements in the automotive industry.
University degree, for example in engineering or business
Minimum of 8 years of experience in procurement, with at least 3 years in a category manager role within the automotive or manufacturing industry.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a comprehensive category strategy for Indirect materials, aligned with the company's business objectives and operational needs.
Identify opportunities for cost savings, process improvements, and value creation across all indirect spend categories.
Establish and manage procurement policies and procedures to ensure compliance, efficiency, and transparency.
Lead category management strategies for key areas within MRO such as Industrial suppliers, mechanical/ electrical components, safety suppliers, OEM Spares etc
Conduct market analysis to identify trends, risks, and opportunities within indirect procurement categories.
Drive supplier consolidation and standardization initiatives to optimize spend and improve supplier performance.
Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms to secure favorable agreements while maintaining ethical and sustainable practices.
Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure long-term partnerships and alignment with company objectives.
Negotiate contracts, pricing, and service-level agreements to secure favorable terms while maintaining ethical and sustainable practices.
Monitor supplier performance and implement corrective actions as needed to ensure quality, cost, and delivery standards are met.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders (e.g., plants, production, legal, finance etc) to understand business needs and ensure timely sourcing of indirect goods and services.
Ensure savings flow through P&L while maintaining compliance at plant/ operational level; collaborate with business and OPS to ensure bottom line impact.
Implement and optimize procurement tools, systems, and processes to enhance efficiency and data visibility.
Track and report on key procurement metrics, including cost savings, supplier performance, and compliance rates.
Lead, mentor, and develop purchasing buyers, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Set clear objectives, monitor performance, and provide regular feedback to ensure team alignment with organizational goals.
Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, industry standards, and company policies, including environmental and ethical sourcing practices.
Drive sustainability initiatives within the supply chain, such as reducing carbon footprint and promoting circular economy principles.