Responsible for establishing and translating into action the procurement strategies for commodity and specialized materials in support of manufacturing and research and development efforts.

The Commodity Manager is responsible for managing the strategic coordination of sourcing and supplier relationship management, including leading a sourcing team,  developing commodity strategies, leading supplier selection activities, and establishing purchase contracts governing assigned commodities.  A primary responsibility of this role concerns working closely with technical subject matter experts in evaluation and selection of suppliers so as to provide Boston Dynamics with the highest levels of quality at the lowest landed cost while ensuring adequate capacity, on-time delivery, and commitment to continuous improvement. The scope includes supporting current products as well as new product development. 

Responsibilities include:  

• Develop commodity strategy for required commodities. This includes segmenting the commodity into source-able categories, developing and executing supply base strategies to improve supplier performance (cost, quality, delivery), and ensuring appropriate levels of capacity to support business-unit demand. 

• Advise a team of Buyers to implement strategy in support of Manufacturing.

• Manage supplier relationships and opportunities for cost-out and product/supplier improvement, while ensuring production, delivery, and capacity requirements for all commodities. 

• Participate in supplier startup activities (e.g., PPAP, supplier approval process, specification/print development when necessary, trials, etc.). Coordinate cost-estimating and design parameters for new projects and products. 

• Negotiate with external suppliers and internal stakeholders; conduct problem resolution and settle disputes; develop win/win solutions; and promote positive relations. 

• Coordinate the exchange of technical information regarding product and product processing with adequate safeguards for confidentiality.

• Evaluate social, economic, and governmental information to determine the risks and opportunities regarding global sourcing (e.g., tariffs, dumping duties, exchange rates, etc.).

• Develop productive relationships with others in Supply Chain Management organization via mentoring, teaching and training.

• Possess analytical and technical skills required to understand business practices and recommend proper automation opportunities.

Qualification Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management or engineering or a closely related field from an accredited institution; Masters level degree strongly preferred

• Familiarity with MRP, (), JIT, lean manufacturing, Kanban a plus

• Contract negotiating skills 

• Demonstrated understanding of key financial metrics 

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints 

• Knowledge of and/or  experience with manufacturing in a regulated environment

• Strong oral, written and presentation skills 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Minimum of seven years of experience in a manufacturing-based business 

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