Materials Science Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

A Brief Summary of This Position:

The Commodity Manager (CM) is responsible for developing and executing category and sourcing strategies for assigned commodities that support the company's operational, financial, quality, and growth objectives. This role serves as a strategic business partner responsible for delivering measurable value through sourcing excellence, supplier development, risk management, and cost leadership across critical manufacturing commodities all while ensuring continuity of supply across a global manufacturing footprint with a primary focus on North American operations. The successful candidate will partner closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Purchasing, Finance, Legal, and Product Management to develop sourcing strategies, negotiate commercial agreements, manage supplier performance, and identify opportunities for value creation throughout the supply chain. This position is ideal for a sourcing professional with experience managing direct materials and suppliers in a complex industrial manufacturing environment.

The CM will identify and drive productivity within the assigned Category, network with Valmont facilities to build a strong project funnel, support cross-functional teams (Operations, Engineering, Quality, Product Management) by ensuring timely supply of quality material and support various initiatives driven by Leadership, such as VA/VE and e-Sourcing. This position will also work to review the existing supply base, evaluate and mitigate risk, and evaluate suppliers from a GME (Grow, Maintain, and Exit) perspective. The CM will also work to improve payment terms with our suppliers to drive improved cash flow while working with Engineering, Supplier Quality Development and Operations to effectively source parts and/or raw materials.

Essential Functions:

• This position reports to Vice President, Global Sourcing & Logistics and has no direct or indirect reports

• Analyze market conditions, industry trends, cost drivers, capacity constraints, and supply risks within assigned commodities

• Develop and execute multi-year commodity strategies aligned with business objectives

• Lead supplier selection, RFQ, RFP, and sourcing activities

• Execute sourcing strategies that balance cost, quality, delivery, innovation, and risk to meet Valmont requirements for safety, on-time delivery, and other business terms

• Lead commercial negotiations including pricing, contracts, payment terms, INCOTERMs, capacity commitments, and service agreements to establish competitive / beneficial conditions for Valmont

• Drive annual productivity and cost savings initiatives by utilizing ERP, spend analytics, and business intelligence tools to support decision-making

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers while monitoring their financial health and operational performance

• Conduct regular supplier business reviews and performance evaluations

• Partner with suppliers to identify cost reduction, quality improvement, and lead-time reduction opportunities

• Identify and mitigate risks related to supply disruption, geopolitical factors, tariffs, transportation, and capacity constraints

• Performs detailed supply market analysis - commodities, industries, and suppliers related to Valmont procurement

• Track and report cost savings, supplier performance, and sourcing project status

• Participates in all required monthly, quarterly and/or annual reporting cycles

• Supports and leads supply optimization efforts to include consolidation, dual sourcing, rationalization, risk mitigation, etc.

• Drive supplier rationalization and footprint optimization initiatives where appropriate.

• Support global sourcing initiatives while ensuring responsiveness to U.S.-based manufacturing operations

• Work closely with Engineering during new product development and supplier qualification activities

• Special projects and other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications of Every Candidate:

• 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 in an industrial manufacturing environment that are directly tied to material indexes

• Proven track record of supplier development, management, and sustained productivity

• Strong financial acumen

• Project management skills to:

• Develop realistic plans, action steps, and timetables for cost reduction and value improvement initiatives

• Consistently meet deadlines

• Coordinate work with other cross-functional groups

• Abe to handle multiple demands and competing priorities

• Able to build and maintain effective work relationships both internally and externally to establish credibility with business partners

• Excellent communication and presentation skills

• Able to effectively communicate the English language both verbally and in writing

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 40%, including overnight stays

Preferred Candidates Will Also Possess These Qualifications:

• Experience with metals, castings, forgings, machined components, fabricated assemblies, or industrial commodities

• Experience supporting multiple manufacturing facilities

• Knowledge of global sourcing, international trade, and tariff management

• APICS, CPSM, CPM, CSCP, or similar professional certification

• MBA or advanced degree in Materials Science, Chemistry or Mechanical Engineering

Key Competencies

• Strategic Thinking

• Supplier Relationship Management

• Commercial Negotiation

• Cost Analysis & Financial Acumen

• Data-Driven Decision Making

• Communication & Influencing Skills

• Project Management

• Risk Management

• Cross-Functional Leadership

• Continuous Improvement Mindset