Commodity Manager III, Strategic Sourcing

What to expect

The Commodity Manager – Metal Fluid Power at Gates Karviná is responsible for strategically managing steel-based raw materials and components to support business growth and operational excellence. This role drives cost optimization, supplier performance, and supply continuity through robust commodity strategies and cross-functional collaboration. Based in Karviná, the position operates within a global sourcing network and plays a key role in delivering value across the Gates organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, and oversee all sourcing activities for Metal Fluid Power commodities (e.g., steel raw materials, tubes, SCR components) to meet cost, quality, delivery, and reliability targets.
• Develop and execute commodity and category strategies aligned with business objectives and new product initiatives.
• Lead sourcing events, negotiations, and contract lifecycle management to optimize total cost, working capital, and commercial terms.
• Ensure continuity of supply by managing supplier capacity, material flow, and risk mitigation for assigned categories.
• Own supplier performance within the commodity scope, including KPI definition, performance monitoring, and corrective action plans.
• Conduct regular business reviews with suppliers and drive supplier development, including improvement of underperforming suppliers.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, operations, finance, and other stakeholders to build alignment and deliver value initiatives.

Keys to Success

• Requires in-depth knowledge and experience
• Requires conceptual and practical expertise in own area and general knowledge of related areas
• Has knowledge of best practices and how own area integrates with others; is aware of the competition and the factors that differentiate the company in the market
• Excellent negotiating capability
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and MRP/supply chain systems
• Excellent verbal and written communication across regions, functions, and levels

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None
• Acts as a resource for other team members; may lead projects with limited risks and resource requirements
• Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience

Requirements and Preferred Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Finance, or a related scientific discipline.
• 5-7 years of experience in commodity management, strategic sourcing, or category management, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical, project management, and data-driven decision-making capabilities.
• Excellent negotiation skills with proven ability to influence suppliers and internal stakeholders in a matrix organization.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills across regions and organizational levels; fluent in English.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office and MRP / supply chain management systems; willingness to travel up to 50%.
• Preferred qualifications include CPSM (ISM) or CSCP (APICS) certification, experience leading large-scale VA/VE or transformation projects, and a mechanical engineering background

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