Commodity Manager

Korn Ferry is partnering with an established industrial manufacturing organization to identify a Commodity Manager who will lead strategic sourcing, supplier performance, and category optimization for assigned commodities within its Sacramento operation. This role requires direct knowledge of sourcing electrical and electromechanical components within a manufacturing environment. This position will develop and execute sourcing strategies that improve total cost, quality, delivery, and supply continuity. The Commodity Manager will lead supplier negotiations, RFQs, contract execution, and performance management while partnering closely with Planning, Engineering, Supplier Quality, Operations, and Procurement across multiple business units. The role requires a commercially minded supply chain professional who can combine commodity-market insight, cost modeling, supplier leverage, and cross-functional influence to deliver measurable sourcing and operational outcomes. Why This Opportunity This is a strong opportunity for a sourcing professional who wants meaningful ownership of commodity strategy in a manufacturing environment. The role offers direct responsibility for category performance, supplier strategy, cost reduction, and risk management, with visibility to senior leadership and the ability to influence decisions across the broader supply chain organization. For someone ready to expand beyond transactional procurement, this position provides the opportunity to lead strategic initiatives, work across multiple business units, and strengthen supplier performance while supporting quality, delivery, and continuous improvement objectives. Key Responsibilities Commodity Strategy & Strategic Sourcing Develop and execute sourcing strategies for electrical and electromechanical components and other assigned commodities to improve cost, quality, delivery, and supply continuity. Monitor commodity market conditions, including pricing, technology, capacity, and supply-and-demand trends, and translate insights into sourcing actions. Lead RFQs, supplier negotiations, contract execution, and sourcing decisions using market analysis, cost modeling, and supplier leverage. Drive annual purchase-price variance and cost-reduction objectives while maintaining a total-cost perspective. Identify supply-base risks and opportunities and develop practical mitigation or optimization plans. Define and manage supplier strategies for assigned categories, including supplier selection, segmentation, development, and rationalization. Establish and monitor supplier KPIs, with particular focus on on-time delivery, quality, responsiveness, and cost performance. Partner directly with suppliers to address performance gaps, resolve commercial issues, and support sustained improvement. Build productive supplier relationships while maintaining clear performance expectations and accountability. Cross-Functional Partnership Collaborate with Planning, Engineering, Supplier Quality, Operations, and Procurement to align sourcing strategies with technical, production, and business requirements. Engage stakeholders across multiple business units to build alignment, influence decisions, and execute sourcing initiatives. Present sourcing strategies, market intelligence, supplier risks, and performance updates to senior leadership. Provide clear visibility into commodity risks, cost drivers, supplier constraints, and recommended actions. Projects & Continuous Improvement Lead medium-sized sourcing and supply chain projects and contribute to larger strategic initiatives. Support Lean and continuous-improvement efforts across the Supply Chain organization. Use data and structured problem-solving to improve sourcing processes, supplier performance, and decision quality. Coordinate multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Qualifications Bachelor's degree required. At least 3 years of sourcing and supply chain experience within a manufacturing environment, including direct experience sourcing electrical or electromechanical components. Demonstrated knowledge of electrical-component markets, suppliers, cost drivers, lead times, and technical or quality requirements, with experience developing sourcing strategies and leading supplier negotiations, RFQs, and contract activities. Knowledge of commodity market conditions, including pricing, technology, and supply-and-demand trends. Ability to use cost modeling, market analysis, and supplier data to support total-cost decisions. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving capabilities, including advanced Microsoft Excel skills. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the interpersonal and leadership presence to influence cross-functional teams. Ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.