Global Commodity Manager

About Us:

We are committed to finding smart solutions that enable an intelligent and seamless world. Our success as a world-class leader in technology has evolved from humble beginnings. In 1896, the enterprising father and son team of A.J. and George A. Briggs partnered with S.A. Buffington, a Chicago lawyer, to establish Chicago Telephone Supply Company (later to become CTS).

Today, CTS is a leading designer and manufacturer of sensors, actuators, and electronic components for suppliers and original equipment manufacturers. We have over 20 locations in 12 countries and more than 3,500 employees. Our innovative sensing, connectivity, and motion solutions offer a diverse range of products across diversified end markets including transportation, medical, aerospace and defense, and industrial. We are at the forefront of supporting innovating life-changing technology, focusing on quality to keep people safe, healthy, and happy. 

Position Summary

This position manages commodities and suppliers as assigned within the Sensors and Mechatronics Business Unit.  This Commodity Manager will be responsible for direct purchases that may include, but not limited to resins and molded components, wires and harnesses including connectors and harness components, fasteners and bearings.   It supports cross-functional leadership across the business in achieving departmental goals and contributing to the overall success of the business.

The Global Commodity Manager (GCM) leads the sourcing of goods and services for all global facilities within the Sensors and Mechatronics business that they are responsible for. The GCM, together with Purchasing leadership and key members of the business, defines the strategic expectations for the Commodity (such as spend, costs, footprint, sourcing splits, savings).  As part of the Commodity Strategy, the GCM will own the relations with the suppliers, they will conduct strategic sourcing, manage supplier relationships, negotiate with suppliers as well as continue to enhance commodity strategies to reflect the evolving needs of the business and market. The GCM will contribute to the launch of high-quality products and programs with the best value and ensure this continues over the life of the products.

Key Responsibilities

• Understand the needs of the business from the immediate to the longer term and ensure that the Commodity Strategy reflects the expectations of the CTS stakeholders over the CTS product lifecycle 
• Develop and execute global commodity strategies, which include supply base rationalization, spend allocations, supplier negotiation, long-term agreements, contract creation and management, new supplier identification, new supplier commercial justifications, supplier qualification, ESG / Sustainability, cost reductions and supplier relationship management. 
• Analysis of market trends (including geopolitical events, regulations and commodity prices indexes), market capacity and material availability across the supplier landscape with a view to developing initiatives to maximize the benefits or offset the risks.
• Owns the commercial and contractual relationship with their suppliers and serve as the internal supplier management point of escalation
• Have a deep understanding of the commodities they are responsible for including the products, processes and market dynamics, and serve as the commercial expert.
• Monitor supplier performance (such as quality, delivery, spending and financial health) and drive corrective measures as appropriate
• Source all goods and services assigned in accordance with established commodity strategies, company policies and purchasing procedures. This includes initiation of RFQ’s, evaluation of quotations, and understanding the capability and overall value offered from suppliers. This also includes supporting make vs buy analysis.
• Work in a cross-functional team environment to contribute to the CTS product commercial strategy including the development of CIP and VAVE projects to meet and beat internal cost targets
• Initiate; develop and implement cost-saving ideas with suppliers with the ability to leverage situations that will contribute to the commercial success of the commodity

Manage sourcing activity for new programs as part of Advanced Purchasing as well as oversee the sourcing of extension and replacement business

• Continuous improvement of departmental procedures and supplier performance.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Sound decision-making skills using analytical data and information from internal and external sources. 
• Able to work independently with little or no supervision.
• Strong skills in Microsoft Office Applications, especially Excel.
• SAP experience is preferred.
• Experience with the development and execution of third-party software and AI tools that improve the effectiveness of the purchasing process in areas including but are not limited to the supplier and CTS customer RFQ process, supplier cost analysis and long-term cost forecasting.
• Must be comfortable performing multi-faceted and complex projects. 
• Must be organized and detail oriented.
• Able to establish or adjust priorities and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong communication and presentation skills including the ability to create and present executive level summaries.
• Work well with diverse skill levels across the organization and develop strong working relationships with purchasing personnel, external suppliers, and cross-functional team members.
• Strong influence and leadership skills.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. or equivalent in General Business, General Engineering or Supply Chain Management
• 5-10 years of progressive purchasing and supply chain experience.
• Automotive or manufacturing background preferred.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work several hours at a computer.
• Ability to travel (domestic and international) as needed, approximately 10% travel.

Working Environment

• Standard office environment; Primary office location in Farmington, MI, Elkhart, IN or Lisle, IL

United States EEO Statement

CTS Corporation is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer who complies with all applicable federal, state and local employment laws. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at CTS Corporation will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. It has been and shall continue to be both the official policy and the commitment of CTS Corporation to further equal employment opportunities for all persons regardless of, among other characteristics, race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, status as a protected veteran or status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristics protected by applicable Federal, State or Local law.

ADA accommodation statement: If you require reasonable accommodation in the application process, call Human Resources at 630.577.8811. All other applications must be submitted online.

United States Additional Considerations

It is unlawful in all states where the Company operates, including Massachusetts, to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates applicable laws may be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. The Company does not require a lie detector test as a condition of employment nor continued employment. 

Applicants must have valid work authorization that does not now and/or will not in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States.

No agencies, please. We do not accept any unsolicited resumes and are not looking to engage an agency. We receive inquiries from agencies daily. Do not direct any inquiries or emails to hiring managers. It is not our standard practice to utilize agencies; we are a federal contractor and need to comply with the same process for all.

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