Commodity Manager – Plastics & Chemicals

Commodity Manager - Plastics & Chemicals

Industry: Plastics, Chemicals & Advanced Manufacturing

Location : Greater Knoxville, TN Commodity Focus: Resins, Titanium Dioxide (TiO2), Carbon Black & Chemical Additives Travel: As Needed to Suppliers and Manufacturing Facilities

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Commodity Manager to oversee strategic sourcing, procurement, and supplier management activities for raw materials and indirect materials supporting U.S. manufacturing operations.

This position will be responsible for developing and executing purchasing strategies that improve cost efficiency, supplier performance, material availability, and supply chain reliability . The Commodity Manager will manage supplier relationships, lead contract negotiations, evaluate market conditions, and identify opportunities to reduce costs while maintaining material quality and continuity of supply.

The ideal candidate will have strong procurement experience within the plastics and chemicals industries , particularly involving resins, titanium dioxide (TiO2), carbon black, and chemical additives. This individual will collaborate with Procurement, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Quality, Sales, Technical Services, and Operations to align sourcing strategies with manufacturing requirements and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Commodity Management

• Manage purchasing requirements for raw materials and indirect materials across U.S. manufacturing facilities • Develop and execute commodity sourcing strategies that improve purchasing leverage, cost efficiency, and supply continuity • Oversee procurement activities involving resins, TiO2, carbon black, chemical additives, and related manufacturing materials • Identify and evaluate suppliers based on pricing, quality, service, capacity, and supply reliability • Lead supplier selection, quotation processes, competitive bidding, and sourcing evaluations • Conduct Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis to support purchasing decisions • Evaluate opportunities to consolidate purchasing volumes and improve supplier agreements • Align sourcing strategies with production requirements, business objectives, and long-term supply chain needs

Supplier Relationship Management & Negotiations

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with domestic and international suppliers • Lead supplier negotiations involving pricing, commercial terms, contracts, and service expectations • Conduct supplier visits, audits, and performance evaluations • Establish supplier performance expectations and monitor compliance with purchasing requirements • Identify supplier performance issues and coordinate corrective action plans • Lead supplier cost reduction workshops and continuous improvement initiatives • Evaluate supplier capabilities, production capacity, and long-term supply reliability • Collaborate with suppliers to identify opportunities for improved pricing, quality, and operational efficiency