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Indirect Commodity Manager Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

... commodity manager roles. Responsibilities: * Process purchase requisitions and issue purchase orders for indirect goods and services * Track order status and coordinate with suppliers to ensure ...

Indirect Commodity Manager information

What is an indirect commodity manager?

An Indirect Commodity Manager is a professional responsible for sourcing and managing the procurement of goods and services that are not directly part of a company's final product, such as office supplies, IT services, or facility management. They develop sourcing strategies, negotiate with suppliers, and work to optimize costs while ensuring quality and compliance. Their role is crucial in helping organizations achieve cost savings, manage supplier relationships, and support business operations effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an indirect commodity manager?

To thrive as an Indirect Commodity Manager, you need expertise in procurement, contract negotiation, supplier management, and a relevant degree such as business or supply chain management. Familiarity with e-procurement platforms, spend analysis tools, and certifications like CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) are typically required. Strong analytical skills, strategic thinking, and effective communication are important soft skills for building vendor relationships and influencing stakeholders. These skills are vital to drive cost savings, ensure supply chain efficiency, and support organizational goals.

What are some typical challenges faced by indirect commodity managers when managing supplier relationships?

Indirect Commodity Managers often navigate challenges such as balancing cost savings with maintaining quality, managing a diverse supplier base across various categories, and ensuring compliance with internal policies and external regulations. Building strong relationships with suppliers while negotiating favorable terms requires excellent communication and negotiation skills. Additionally, they must stay proactive in addressing supply chain disruptions and collaborating closely with internal stakeholders to align sourcing strategies with organizational goals.

What is the difference between Indirect Commodity Manager vs Indirect Procurement Specialist?

AspectIndirect Commodity ManagerIndirect Procurement Specialist
CredentialsBachelor's degree, certifications like CPSM or CPM often preferredBachelor's degree, certifications like CPSM or CPM often preferred
Work EnvironmentStrategic sourcing, supplier management, category strategyProcurement execution, purchase order management, supplier communication
Industry UsageUsed across manufacturing, technology, and service industriesCommon in retail, manufacturing, and corporate sectors
Search & Comparison IntentFocuses on strategic sourcing and category managementFocuses on procurement activities and order processing

The Indirect Commodity Manager primarily handles strategic sourcing and category management for indirect goods and services, while the Indirect Procurement Specialist focuses on executing procurement activities like purchase orders and supplier communication. Both roles require similar credentials and are used across various industries, but their focus areas differ in scope and responsibilities.

What is the average salary of an indirect commodity manager?

The average salary of an indirect commodity manager typically ranges from $80,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Professionals in this role often require strong negotiation skills and knowledge of supply chain management tools.

What are popular job titles related to Indirect Commodity Manager jobs in Connecticut?

For Indirect Commodity Manager jobs in Connecticut, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Indirect Commodity Manager jobs in Connecticut look for?

The top searched job categories for Indirect Commodity Manager jobs in Connecticut are:

What cities in Connecticut are hiring for Indirect Commodity Manager jobs?

Cities in Connecticut with the most Indirect Commodity Manager job openings:

Indirect Commodity Manager & Purchasing

ebm-papst Inc.

Farmington, CT • On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


ebm-papst rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

271st of 495 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

The Indirect Commodity Manager is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for indirect spend categories to ensure the organization achieves best-in-class cost, quality, service, and supplier performance. This role manages supplier relationships, negotiates contracts, drives cost reduction initiatives, mitigates supply risks, and supports business objectives across multiple functions.

Typical spend categories include:

  • MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Operations)
  • Facilities and Utilities
  • Corporate Services
  • Temporary Labor
  • IT Hardware and Software
  • Telecommunications
  • Professional Services
  • Travel and Fleet
  • Packaging and Freight
  • Capital Equipment
  • Marketing and Office Supplies

The position works closely with Operations, Manufacturing, Engineering, IT, HR, Facilities, Legal, and Finance to optimize total cost of ownership (TCO) and support organizational growth.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Category Management

  • Develop and implement sourcing strategies for assigned indirect spend categories.
  • Create multi-year category plans aligned with business objectives.
  • Analyze spend data to identify consolidation and cost-reduction opportunities.
  • Conduct market intelligence and benchmarking activities.
  • Develop supplier segmentation and sourcing roadmaps.

Procurement & Contract Management

  • Lead RFI, RFQ, and RFP processes.
  • Negotiate pricing, contracts, service-level agreements, and commercial terms.
  • Establish long-term supplier agreements.
  • Ensure contract compliance and governance.
  • Collaborate with Legal on commercial terms and risk mitigation.

Supplier Relationship Management

  • Identify, evaluate, qualify, and onboard suppliers.
  • Conduct supplier business reviews and performance assessments.
  • Drive supplier development and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Manage strategic supplier partnerships.

Financial & Cost Management

  • Deliver annual cost savings and productivity improvements.
  • Conduct total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis.
  • Develop budgets and sourcing forecasts.
  • Track savings and report procurement performance.
  • Support working capital improvement initiatives.

Risk Management & Compliance

  • Assess supplier and supply chain risks.
  • Develop business continuity and contingency plans.
  • Ensure compliance with procurement policies and regulatory requirements.
  • Support sustainability and ESG initiatives.

Stakeholder Management

  • Partner with business leaders to understand requirements and priorities.
  • Influence stakeholders regarding sourcing decisions and supplier selection.
  • Lead cross-functional sourcing projects.
  • Communicate procurement strategies and results to leadership.

Process Improvement

  • Standardize procurement processes and best practices.
  • Improve supplier performance measurement systems.
  • Support digital procurement tools and automation initiatives.
  • Drive continuous improvement throughout the source-to-pay process.

Qualifications

Education

  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, Engineering, or related field.
  • MBA preferred.

Experience

  • 7-10 years of strategic sourcing, commodity management, procurement, or supply chain experience.
  • Experience managing multiple indirect spend categories.
  • Strong contract negotiation experience.
  • Manufacturing or industrial industry experience preferred.

What ebm-papst employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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