Commodity Manager
About The Position
We are searching for an experienced Commodity Manager at our Plant 4 HQ-Elkhart-IN facility. At Dexter, we manufacture and distribute axles, accessories, and towing components primarily serving the commercial trailer, RV, marine, agriculture, and manufactured housing markets. We’re building products and systems that are rooted in a culture of safety, collaboration, and innovation. Headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana, Dexter has manufacturing and distribution locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. Employing state-of-the-art robotics, precision welding equipment, and automated machining processes, Dexter has achieved over 65 years of success through a commitment to the principles of superior quality, continuous improvement, and unparalleled customer service. For more information about our company, access Dexter's web site at www.dextergroup.com. We are actively seeking an onsite Commodity Manager: Purpose of the Role The Commodity Manager is responsible for strategically managing assigned indirect material and service categories to ensure cost-effective, reliable, and compliant supply that supports Dexter’s manufacturing operations. This role drives value creation through strategic sourcing, supplier management, and cross-functional collaboration with engineering, operations, maintenance, EHS, IT, HR, finance, quality, and suppliers while aligning procurement strategies with Dexter’s Core Values and operational priorities.
Requirements
- Minimum of 3-5 years of related experience in procurement, sourcing, commodity management, or supply chain within a manufacturing environment or an equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the role successfully
- Strong negotiation, commercial, and contract management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver cost savings and supplier performance improvements.
- Ability to influence and collaborate effectively with cross-functional stakeholders.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Experience working with ERP and procurement systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Coupa, Ariba).
- Required: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Finance, or a related field.
Nice To Haves
- Preferred: MBA or advanced degree; professional certifications such as CPSM, CPM, CSCP, or CIPS.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute category strategies for assigned indirect materials and services that support safety, quality, and operational continuity across multiple manufacturing sites.
- Lead sourcing initiatives including RFPs/RFQs, supplier selection, negotiations, and contract execution.
- Deliver measurable cost savings and productivity improvements through demand management, standardization, and total cost of ownership analysis.
- Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, EHS, IT, HR, and Finance to understand business needs and align sourcing strategies accordingly.
- Manage supplier relationships, performance metrics, and continuous improvement initiatives, including regular business reviews.
- Identify and mitigate supply, financial, operational, and compliance risks within assigned categories.
- Ensure sourcing activities comply with Dexter policies, ethical standards, and applicable regulatory requirements.
- Support procurement process improvement, system optimization, and data-driven decision-making initiatives.
- Serve as an escalation point for supplier performance, service disruptions, and contractual issues.
Benefits
- Dexter offers a competitive wage
- Full benefits package including Health, Dental, Vision, Life, STD, LTD, FSA, HSA
- 3% profit sharing in our Safe Harbor program
- 401(k) Plan with company contributions
- Opportunities for internal career development and growth
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
