Commodity Manager

We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced individual for the position of Commodity Manager to join our Procurement team reporting to the Sourcing Manager. As part of the Satellite Platform team, you will help us define and execute the sourcing activities required to obtain the materials and services needed to build spacecraft within our purpose-built facility in Glasgow and support the growth of our supply chain in new geographical locations.

Role Responsibilities: 

• Representing Supply Chain, the Commodity Manager will be responsible for activities relating to Spire’s sourcing needs, predominantly in Electronics, with ad-hoc support to any other given commodity tasks. 

• Investigate and quantify the commodity needs of our business through collaboration with our Engineers, Project Buyers, Quality Department and Project Managers. 

• Define and execute the strategy for your commodity including market analysis, cost management, technology road map and vendor selection. 

• Identify, communicate and mitigate supply risks including supplier capacity, component availability and obsolescence, lead times, commercial volatility and quality. 

• Introduce and develop long term agreements with key vendors to secure preferential pricing, lower inventory holding, reduce lead times and make cost savings. 

• Build excellent relationships with, and interrogate, our existing supply base to understand their capabilities, dependencies, gaps and ability to grow with us. 

• Proactively research and engage with potential new suppliers from initial introduction, capability analysis, commercial suitability and on-boarding. 

• Prepare and lead internal meetings to communicate our strategy, give a forum for Engineering input, capture actions, take ownership and drive resolution. 

• Seek every opportunity for cost savings while maintaining first class service levels, technical compliance and quality standards. 

• Hold vendors accountable to their contractual commitments. 

• Support the development and reporting of departmental KPIs, monitoring the successes and challenges with your category, with a relentless focus on continuous improvement. 

• Support the wider Procurement team to manage department workload as necessary. 

Preferred Skills/Experience:  

• Relevant Commodity Management experience, preferably in the electronics industry. 

• Proven track record of leading sourcing projects or initiatives. 

• Analytical and strategic skills with proficiency in analysing market data, supplier performance, and commercial offers. 

• Technical knowledge and understanding of PCBAs, electronic components and systems - including specifications and manufacturing processes is highly advantageous. 

• Risk management skills with the ability to assess and mitigate risks within the supply chain. 

• Excellent negotiation and contract management skills. 

• Experience with building and maintaining effective professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders. 

• Robust working knowledge of all Purchasing related activities and processes. 

• Ability to translate data into actionable tasks. 

• Good team player with strong inter-personal skills. 

• Professional communication, both written & verbal. 

• Ability to multi-task and prioritise work. 

• Competent in MS Office, including Word, Excel & Power Point. 

• Able to work on your own initiative and self-motivated with a positive approach. 

• Results-driven with a focus on achieving and exceeding targets. 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills and confidence to communicate at all levels within a culturally diverse workforce. 

Spire operates a hybrid work model, and this position will require you to work a minimum of three days per week in office.

Access to US export-controlled software and/or technology may be required for this role. If needed, Spire will arrange the necessary licenses—this is not something candidates need to have before applying. _#LI-MI1