Operations Manager Chemical Jobs in Toronto, ON (NOW HIRING)

Legal Entity: Woodbridge Foam Corporation  

Requisition ID: 4074

Pay Range: $105,600 - $132,000

About Woodbridge

We are innovators using advanced technology to manufacture next generation products.  We are pioneers in foam technology science and provide our products to customers in multiple industries.  We are a global team of over 7,000 teammates strong who are laser focused on quality, collaboration, and a commitment to sustainability.  We are proud to give back to the communities in which we live and work through our Woodbridge Cares programs that serves communities around the world through volunteerism and philanthropy.  We are a people centric organization that has been awarded numerous recognitions for our commitment to manufacturing excellence and innovation.  Join us and be part of a team that is shaping the future of foam technology. 

Woodbridge Culture

Woodbridge takes immense pride in its robust corporate (think people first, innovation, lets get to it, manufacturing focused) culture, which serves our customers, Teammates, and the world. We're thrilled to share that in 2024, Woodbridge has been awarded Deloitte's Best Managed designation for eight consecutive years. This accolade is not just an award; it's a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation, inspiring you to be a part of our journey!

What's in it for you?

• Competitive Compensation & Benefits Plan
• Defined Contribution Plan with additional company match - Automatic company contribution to a top quartile retirement savings plan with more incentives to match
• Flexible Working Hours
• Employee Assistance Program with free access to health and wellness coaches
• Continuous Learning Culture - We believe in Upskilling & Internal Promotions!

ROLE SUMMARY: 

The Sr. Commodity Manager, Chemical Purchasing, leads the strategic sourcing, supplier management, and commercial performance of chemical raw materials required by Woodbridge globally. This role is responsible for developing chemical commodity strategies, price negotiations, and optimizing total cost of ownership while strengthening risk resilience.

This position requires strong leadership, commercial acumen, deep understanding of automotive processes, and the ability to influence crossfunctional teams and executive stakeholders.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES

Job Responsibilities

• Develop and execute commodity strategies for key chemicals, aligned with company's strategic plan and market dynamics.
• Establish a balanced sourcing mix across local, regional and low-cost country suppliers, managing cost optimization and geopolitical trade-offs.
• Lead sourcing activities for new chemicals, ensuring competitive supplier selection and project timeline deliverables.
• Collaborate globally with Chemical Applications and Zanathane teams to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Oversee the RFQ process to suppliers, quote analysis, and negotiations.
• Align Purchasing strategy with Materials and Logistic department, to ensure freight, duties, tariffs and logistic assumptions are aligned and integrated into the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) quote analysis.
• Routinely negotiate pricing with chemical suppliers, ensuring best TCO value for Woodbridge while mitigating dependency risks.
• Present and justify sourcing recommendations to the VP Global Procurement, prior to awarding business to suppliers.
• Monitor chemicals raw materials feedstock prices and key indices (i.e. ICIS) globally to make informed negotiations and sourcing recommendations.
• Establish contracts and/or side agreements with key chemical suppliers to outline basic rules of engagement in the business, when Woodbridge Global Terms and Conditions are rejected.
• Support cross-functional team analysis on vertical integration opportunities (Make vs. Buy)
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks including capacity constraints, geopolitical exposure, and singlesource dependencies.
• Act as a commercial escalation point when supplier quality or delivery issues threaten production or customer commitments.
• Foster strategic partnerships with suppliers that support long term competitiveness and innovation roadmaps.
• Develop dashboards and KPI reporting tools for leadership visibility on a quarterly basis. Actively engage to support automation and analytic solutions for the Purchasing Department.
• Map purchasing processes and identify non-value-added activities that could be eliminated, replaced or automated to increase the department's efficiency.
• Establish KPI's, annual objectives, governance routines, and escalation mechanisms to ensure operational discipline, transparency, and accountability across the Purchasing team.
• Partner closely with the Global Purchasing Leads at the various WFC regions to obtain and provide support on ongoing global supply topics.
• Lead IATF audits for chemical purchasing

Financial responsibilities

• Manage global chemical spend of up to 300 M USD/y

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and/or Certification

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field. MBA Preferred
• Certified Supply Chain Management Professional Designation (CSCMP) preferred

Working Experience

• 7-10+ years of progressive purchasing experience in automotive manufacturing (OE, T1, T2).
• Experience in Chemical Procurement is an asset

Additional Qualifications

• Expertise in cost analysis, contracts, and commercial dispute resolution.
• Understanding of international supply chains, logistics, and tariff environment.
• Proven ability to manage global suppliers and negotiate complex commercial agreements.
• Data driven decision making and financial literacy.
• Strategic thinking and long-term planning.
• Risk management and problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and cross-cultural collaboration.
• Strong knowledge of APQP, PPAP, IATF 16949, and other automotive core tools and regulatory requirements
• Advanced Excel Skills. Technologically savvy.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders across global teams

Woodbridge is committed to fostering a diverse workplace. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider applicants without regard to race, colour, ancestry, creed, place of origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status, disability, or any other protected status. If you have any accommodation requirements, please let us know, and we will do our best to meet your needs in accordance with applicable local legislation.