Commodity Manager Jobs in Encinitas, CA (NOW HIRING)

The Commodity Manager (Engineering-Focused) is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for technically complex commodities, ensuring alignment between engineering requirements and supply chain objectives.

This role bridges engineering and strategic sourcing, driving total cost of ownership reduction, supplier performance, and supply continuity while supporting product development and manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate combines strong commercial acumen with the ability to interpret technical data, drawings, and specifications.

Key Responsibilities

Commodity Strategy & Strategic Sourcing

• Develop and execute commodity and category strategies for mechanical, electrical, and engineered components (e.g., machined parts, fabricated assemblies, electrical components, capital equipment)
• Lead RFQ/RFP processes, supplier selection, and competitive bidding using data-driven evaluation models
• Perform spend analysis and total cost of ownership (TCO) modeling, including price, logistics, lifecycle cost, and risk factors
• Analyze market trends, cost drivers, and emerging technologies to inform sourcing strategies
• Establish 71long-term sourcing roadmaps aligned with business growth and engineering      requirements

Engineering & Technical Alignment

• Partner closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality teams to understand product specifications, BOMs, and design intent
• Review engineering drawings and technical documentation to ensure sourcing decisions meet quality and performance requirements
• Support value engineering, should-cost modeling, and design-for-cost initiatives
• Influence design standardization and supplier selection to improve scalability and reduce cost

Supplier Relationship & Performance Management

• Identify, qualify, and develop strategic suppliers to meet cost, quality, capacity, and innovation objectives
• Lead commercial negotiations including pricing, contracts, lead times, and service agreements
• Monitor supplier performance (quality, delivery, cost) and drive continuous improvement initiatives
• Collaborate with suppliers to implement cost reduction, process improvements, and innovation opportunities

Contract & Risk Management

• Develop and negotiate supplier contracts to ensure favorable pricing, supply continuity, and risk mitigation
• Assess and manage supply chain risks including capacity constraints, single-source exposure, and market volatility
• Work cross-functionally with Legal and internal stakeholders on contract execution and compliance
• Develop contingency and supply continuity plans to support business continuity

Continuous Improvement & Compliance

• Drive supplier scorecards, KPIs, and performance review cadences
• Ensure adherence to procurement policies, ethical sourcing standards, and regulatory requirements
• Leverage ERP/MRP systems, sourcing tools, and analytics to enable data-driven decisions
• Support ongoing process improvements across sourcing and supplier management functions

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Manufacturing) or related discipline preferred; Supply Chain or Business degrees with strong technical experience also considered
• 5+ years of experience in commodity management, strategic sourcing, or procurement engineering in a manufacturing or industrial environment
• Strong ability to interpret engineering drawings, BOMs, and technical specifications
• Proven experience negotiating supplier contracts and managing supplier relationships
• Solid understanding of cost drivers, supply chain principles, and market dynamics
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and procurement tools

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional certifications (CPSM, CSCP, CIPS or equivalent)
• Experience in power electronics, renewables, automotive, or industrial manufacturing environments
• Exposure to global sourcing and supplier development
• Experience with should-cost modeling and value engineering initiatives
• Background in high-growth or fast-paced technical organizations

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strategic sourcing and category management
• Strong engineering-commercial interface capability
• Cost analysis, TCO modeling, and financial acumen
• Supplier negotiation and relationship management
• Data-driven decision-making and problem-solving
• Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder influence
• Risk assessment and supply chain resiliency planning

Work Environment

• Fast-paced, cross-functional environment requiring strong prioritization and adaptability
• Domestic and international travel may be required for supplier meetings, audits, and business reviews

Value This Role Delivers

• Drives cost reduction and total cost of ownership optimization
• Strengthens alignment between engineering design and supply chain strategy
• Improves supplier performance, innovation, and resilience
• Enables scalable, high-quality supply chain solutions for growing product lines

Benefits

• 401(k) with company matching
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Disability and life insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Tuition reimbursement

Equal Opportunity Employer

EPC Power is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.