Commodity Manager

Job Summary

This position is responsible for all aspects of supplier management within a defined commodity scope. Under the framework of a lean/JIT enterprise, develop an in-depth understanding of the commodity and global marketplace. Defines key objectives and performance criteria of suppliers, in quality, delivery and total cost both domestically and in Best Cost Countries (BCC).

• In conjunction with Director of Sourcing and Supply, evaluate supplier performance and work towards continuous improvement. Define strategic direction for supplier improvement both at the macro and micro levels. Identify attributes required for suppliers to sustain a competitive advantage for DD. Utilize the Supplier Performance Metrics process to guide continuous improvement and strive to achieve Best of Best (BOB) status for key suppliers.
  
  Plan and schedule visits to suppliers to assure communication of DD expectations and identify supply deficiencies.
• Coordinate and assist in implementation of lean/JIT inventory management systems including kanbans, stocking plans and other pull systems and milk-run delivery methods. Utilize MRP and other tools to support established production schedules and expedite any exceptions as required. Assure DD’s ability to meet the required perfect ship objectives year round. Streamline the supply chain process from order to delivery of product.
  
  Collaborate with the Planners, local GSS representation and other Business Unit personnel to understand and fulfill operations needs.
• Collect and analyze data sets from multiple sources to facilitate decision making in support of strategies. Prepare RFP/RFQ documents and administer processes to achieve best total cost for DD. Drive continuous improvement of total cost and achievement of margin improvement for mutual benefit.
• Comply with Standards of Work (SOWs) for GSS to support organizational objectives and leverage best practice across the company. Participate as a SOW auditor and preparation of appropriate corrective actions that will assure compliance.
• Communicate results and status on a consistent basis to assure transparent progress between suppliers, GSS, Innovations, Sales, Marketing and the Business Units. Negotiate and administer major formal supply agreements and contracts focusing on mutual margin improvement and elimination of waste in the supply chain.
• Develop, implement and communicate detailed three year strategic plan for the commodity, including, but not limited to: commodity drivers and influencers, DD competitive suppliers in the commodity, spend and cost trends, supplier performance, supply segmentation and optimal supply chain size. Secure external information through publications, meetings and seminars to serve as the DD subject matter expert in said commodity. Benchmark DD performance within defined commodity.
• Utilize problem solving skills to eliminate supplier deficiencies and implementation of corrective actions to eliminate root cause failures. Facilitate replacement product and return of defective materials and appropriate financial credits/inventory adjustments. Coordinate with appropriate resources and the ECN process to assure product specifications and BOMs are accurately maintained.
• Present appropriate training materials for continuous education of supplier organizations and their suppliers. Leverage supplier resources to educate the DD organization as well.
• Support new product development in conjunction with Innovations, Operations and other departments, including new materials and manufacturing technologies, to meet product launch mileposts. Research suppliers and evaluate products as required.
• Consistently conduct business in an ethical and professional manner when interacting with internal personnel, suppliers, distributors and customers. Conform to the Institute of Supply Management Code of Ethics and report any violations to the Vice President Global Supply in a timely manner.
• Keep work area (tools, material and equipment) clean and orderly.
• Participate when feasible with teams formed to create continuous improvement efforts in systems and procedures.
• Follow Company safety…