Commodity Director jobs in Arkansas

Provides overall category management in support of a production facility. Purchases various category items, and will secure short-term contracts, total quality, delivery, cost efficiency, and sustainability of material supply throughout the total product lifecycle for the assigned category, while driving competitive advantage for both our Company and Customers alike.

– This is a Salary Exempt Position.

Responsible for the timely ordering and releasing of category items, using approved suppliers within the assigned areas, while supporting category leadership with the Category Manager. Analyzes production schedule and inventory levels to determine category needs, processing daily procurement requirements into purchase orders. Minimizes working capital requirements while ensuring no out of stock issues on items. Supports the development and implementation of the assigned commodity strategies that meet internal and external customer demands in a cost-efficient way.

Conducts and follows up Purchase Price Variance (PPV) activities, budgeting, forecast and actual performance, and annual price negotiations as well as any other initiatives for assigned category. Establishes standard costs for assigned category items, in conjunction with the Category Manager. Drives supplier performance, contract effectiveness, collaboration and integration and deliver improved results with key suppliers within assigned commodities.

Finds new suppliers and resolves issues, as a means of both expanding our supply base while enhancing quality. Develops and implements approved strategies for assigned category that actively search for performance improvement and cost reduction opportunities by understanding customer needs, supply market trends and innovation. This will also include managing new and current supplier delivery dates, quality, specifications, quantity or cost of purchased goods or services in a timely fashion.

Monitors supplier performance, contract effectiveness, collaboration and integration. Works to deliver improved results with key suppliers within assigned category areas. Responsible for supporting supplier performance and rating based on Key Performance Metrics (KPI) for Quality, Delivery, and Cost.

Participates as a member of the Team. Participates in the ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization.

Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives: Is familiar with Simmons’ established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position’s role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas.

Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is intended to guide the activities of the person in this position and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person as to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this position.

Physical Activities: Enters and locates information on a computer. Visually verifies information, often in small print. Communicates with Customers, Vendors, or Employees via telephone, in person, and/or electronic mail. May present information to small or large groups. Must be able to work in various temperatures. Move about in a manufacturing environment, office environment, and surrounding property.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): As needed in required environment.

Travel: Travels within North America to and from multiple facilities, suppliers or work-sites or customer visits, often requiring overnight stays. Approximately 25-35%.

Technical Experience: 1-3 years purchasing experience. Preference for a buying background in or in-depth knowledge about the position’s assigned category. Capable of handling multiple tasks simultaneously with some degree of independence and to self-prioritize in a fast-paced environment. Must have excellent computer skills, including MS Office. Will be expected to quickly learn business integration software suites including Oracle, JDE, and Market Indexes.

Industry Experience: Commodity management background with a broad knowledge base on key manufacturers in the industry.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree in Business or related field, or 4 years related work experience.

Preferred Education: Designated Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) or equivalent.