Commodity Manager – Direct Materials

Valmont Industries, Inc.

Commodity Manager developing sourcing strategies and supplier performance for Valmont’s sustainable agriculture and infrastructure manufacturing. Driving cost savings, risk mitigation, and supply continuity across North American operations.

Posted 8/20/2026full-timeOmaha • New York • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in strategic sourcing, supplier management, and cost reduction initiatives within manufacturing environments. Proficient in analyzing market conditions and driving supplier development while ensuring continuity of supply across global operations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Strategic SourcingSupplier ManagementCost Reduction InitiativesNegotiation SkillsERP Systems

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Strategic SourcingCommodity ManagementProcurementCost ReductionSupplier DevelopmentMarket AnalysisProject ManagementSpend AnalysisContract ManagementFinancial Acumen

Soft Skills

Analytical SkillsProblem-SolvingCommunication SkillsRelationship BuildingSelf-Starter

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft OfficeAdvanced ExcelERP SystemsBusiness Intelligence ToolsSpend Analytics

Certifications & Qualifications

APICSCPSMCPMCSCPMBA

Industry Keywords

ManufacturingGlobal SourcingSupplier Risk ManagementIndustrial CommoditiesTariff Management

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

ERP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and execute category and sourcing strategies for assigned commodities
Deliver measurable value through sourcing excellence, supplier development, risk management, and cost leadership
Ensure continuity of supply across a global manufacturing footprint, with primary focus on North American operations
Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Purchasing, Finance, Legal, and Product Management
Identify and drive productivity within assigned categories and build a project funnel across Valmont facilities
Support VA/VE and e-Sourcing initiatives
Review the supply base and evaluate and mitigate supplier risk using a Grow, Maintain, and Exit perspective
Improve supplier payment terms to drive improved cash flow
Analyze market conditions, industry trends, cost drivers, capacity constraints, and supply risks
Lead supplier selection, RFQ, RFP, and sourcing activities
Lead commercial negotiations involving pricing, contracts, payment terms, INCOTERMS, capacity commitments, and service agreements
Drive annual productivity and cost savings initiatives using ERP, spend analytics, and business intelligence tools
Build strategic supplier relationships and monitor financial health and operational performance
Conduct supplier business reviews and performance evaluations
Identify cost reduction, quality improvement, and lead-time reduction opportunities
Identify and mitigate supply disruption, geopolitical, tariff, transportation, and capacity risks
Perform detailed supply market analysis of commodities, industries, and suppliers
Track and report cost savings, supplier performance, and sourcing project status
Participate in monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting cycles
Lead supply optimization, consolidation, dual sourcing, rationalization, and risk mitigation efforts
Drive supplier rationalization and footprint optimization
Support global sourcing initiatives responsive to U.S.-based manufacturing operations
Collaborate with Engineering on new product development and supplier qualification
Perform special projects and other assigned duties
Report to the Vice President, Global Sourcing & Logistics; no direct or indirect reports

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business (Economics or Finance), Engineering, Chemistry, or Materials Science
5+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, commodity management, procurement, or supply chain roles within manufacturing
Self-starter, ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Experience sourcing direct materials in an industrial manufacturing environment
Strong negotiation, supplier management, and contract management skills
Demonstrated experience managing cost reduction and value improvement initiatives
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and negotiating capabilities
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, advanced Excel skills, ERP systems, and spend analysis tools
Experience sourcing direct materials tied to material indexes
Proven track record of supplier development, management, and sustained productivity
Strong financial acumen
Project management skills, including developing plans, action steps, and timetables; meeting deadlines; and coordinating cross-functional work
Ability to handle multiple demands and competing priorities
Ability to build and maintain effective internal and external work relationships
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Ability to communicate effectively in English verbally and in writing
Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 40%, including overnight stays
Preferred: experience with metals, castings, forgings, machined components, fabricated assemblies, or industrial commodities
Preferred: experience supporting multiple manufacturing facilities
Preferred: knowledge of global sourcing, international trade, and tariff management
Preferred: APICS, CPSM, CPM, CSCP, or similar professional certification
Preferred: MBA or advanced degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, or Mechanical Engineering

Benefits

Comp & perks

Healthcare (medical, prescription drugs, dental and vision)
401k retirement plan with company match
Paid time off
Employer paid life insurance
Employer paid short-term and long-term disability including maternity leave
Work Life Support
Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,250 per year
Voluntary programs like tobacco cessation, Type 2 diabetes reversal, one-on-one health coaching, mortgage services and more