Commodity Manager

company

Kreate is a family-owned plastic injection molding company headquartered in Findlay, Ohio, with operations across five states. We create consumer goods sold by major retailers—products that improve everyday experiences for the people who use them.

What makes Kreate different is how we think. We’re on a mission to reimagine familiar product categories and turn “same old” into “new and improved.” That mindset drives everything we do—from product development and manufacturing to how we invest in our people and run our operations.

Innovation at Kreate isn’t limited to engineering or design teams. It shows up on the plant floor, in continuous improvement efforts, in how we adopt new technologies, and in how we support our teams. We’re always evolving—our processes, our tools, and our capabilities—because we believe the best ideas can come from anywhere.

As a family-owned company, we take a long-term approach to growth. We value accountability, collaboration, and people who take pride in their work. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to make an impact, learn new skills, and help shape how we build products and run our business.

If you’re looking for a place where innovation is expected, initiative is encouraged, and your work truly matters, we’d love to Kreate the future together .

role

A Commodity Manager is responsible for overseeing the procurement, supply chain management, and strategic sourcing of commodities essential to the organization's operations. This role involves negotiating with suppliers, analyzing market trends, creation and review of demand planning, and developing long-term sourcing strategies to ensure cost-effective and timely procurement of materials. Commodity Managers work closely with various departments, including production, finance, and logistics, to align their efforts with the overall business objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Develop and implement commodity strategies that align with business objectives.
- Negotiate contracts and agreements with suppliers to secure advantageous terms.
- Analyze market trends and forecasts to identify potential risks and opportunities.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and effective communication.
- Monitor supplier performance, along with defined metrics and manage relationships to maintain quality, cost, and delivery.
- Conduct cost analysis and budgeting to ensure cost-effective procurement.
- Identify and implement process improvements to enhance supply chain efficiency.
- Manage inventory levels and oversee the timely delivery of commodities.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies.
- Develop and maintain risk management strategies.
- Work with appropriate teams to identify gaps within supply chain processes to ensure organizational.
- Partner with appropriate team members to determine demand management strategies.
- Develop and utilize supply chain KPI’s to drive results to meet annual goals and objectives.
- Drive cost, technology and value improvements through VA/VE discussions to drive value improvements with suppliers across the supply chain.
- Work with appropriate team members to identify sourcing needs.
- Perform quarterly business reviews with strategic partners, monitoring their adherence to quality, delivery, value, and innovation performance metrics.
- Effectively evaluate information/data to make decisions, anticipate obstacles and develop plans to resolve and create actionable strategies and operational plans.
- Work with purchasing team to consistently analyze the supplier landscape for new entrants and emerging technologies and identify new partnership opportunities.

RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

- Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure optimal performance
- Work collaboratively, negotiate and engage with key stakeholders to facilitate delivery and compliance with the purchasing strategy
- Communicate with stakeholders the impact of market change and potential effects on supply. Recommend solutions without compromising quality or service while optimizing cost
- Stay current and up to date on any changes that may affect the supply and demand of needed products and materials and advise others of any impact
- Contribute to new business initiatives and projects and review and communicate the impact on Purchasing activities
- Assist Leadership in ensuring effective relationships with client businesses through maintaining an appropriate interface between procurement and suppliers

SELF-MANAGEMENT

- Comply with the Health, Safety and Environmental Policies
- Proactively contributes to creating a good team atmosphere
- Anticipates and overcomes obstacles
- Make useful links to arrive at insightful plans and solutions
- Embraces personal challenge
- Confident, rounded thinking
- Takes ownership for team cohesion and development
- Is self-aware

SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

- Proven management skills with the ability to optimize team performance and development
- Excellent relationship management skills with the ability to engage, negotiate and manage key stakeholders and suppliers
- Strong and confident negotiator with the ability to negotiate at all levels
- Strong communication, interpersonal and influencing skills
- Strong analytical skills and problem-solving abilities
- Results orientated with the ability to plan and deliver against project deadlines
- Commercially and financially aware with experience of managing budgets
- Keen attention to detail and accuracy

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE LEVELS

- Relevant Business and/or Supply Chain Management degree is preferred
- Proven experience in a purchasing management role, preferably within an automotive or manufacturing environment
- Ability to add value, reduce costs and make business improvements
- Contract management and supplier experience
- Project management experience
- Knowledge and technical understanding of automotive processes and components and supply chain management
- Computer literate, especially Excel skills

REQUIREMENTS:

- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in supply chain management, business administration, or related field.
- At least 5-7 years of experience in procurement or supply chain management.
- Preferred professional certification such as CPSM, CPM, or CSCP but not mandatory.
- Experience with ERP systems and procurement software.
- Knowledge of global supply chain operations.
- Strong analytical skills and experience with data analysis tools.
- Experience in a specific industry relevant to the commodities being managed.
- Proven track record of successful negotiation and supplier management.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
- Ability to analyze market trends and make informed decisions.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and relevant procurement software.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment.
- Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.

Company Details:

- Location: Kreate, Findlay, OH 45840
- This position will report to the Director of Purchasing.

Kreate is an equal opportunity employer. The Statements used herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by an employee in this position and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the Company.