Global Commodity Leader

As our Global Commodity Leader, you will own the end-to-end strategy for building a competitive, resilient, and compliant supply base across our commodities. You will lead global category strategy, negotiate and implement supplier agreements, and partner with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Finance to accelerate growth and innovation. This is a high-impact role for a proven sourcing professional who thrives on turning market intelligence into decisive action.

This role offers a hybrid arrangement, with an agreed-upon portion of work time spent at our office in Archbold, Ohio.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Global Sourcing Strategy

• Develop and lead the global sourcing strategy aligned with business objectives, cost targets, and growth plans
• Identify and evaluate global supply markets to optimize cost, quality, lead time, and risk
• Drive regional and global supplier footprint optimization (nearshoring, reshoring, diversification)

Supplier Management & Development

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key global suppliers
• Lead supplier negotiations, contract development, and long-term agreements
• Implement and monitor supplier performance management (quality, delivery, cost, sustainability)
• Drive supplier development initiatives to improve capability, capacity, and innovation

Cost Management & Value Creation

• Lead cost reduction and value engineering initiatives across direct and indirect spend
• Identify total cost of ownership (TCO) opportunities, including logistics, duty, and inventory impacts
• Support new product development and cost modeling for product launches

Risk Management & Compliance

• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks related to geopolitical, financial, operational, and regulatory factors
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations (e.g., trade compliance, ESG, conflict minerals, sustainability standards)
• Develop contingency and business continuity plans for critical suppliers and materials

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Partner closely with Engineering, Product Management, Operations, Quality, Finance, SGS, and Logistics teams
• Support SIOP, demand planning, and inventory strategy through sourcing insights
• Act as a key contributor to executive-level decision-making related to supply strategy

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop the global sourcing/procurement team
• Establish clear goals, KPIs, and accountability across the sourcing organization
• Promote best practices, standard processes, and continuous improvement

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

• A clear category and supplier strategy is in place across regions, with an optimized footprint and reduced supply risk
• Documented savings and TCO improvements are delivered through disciplined sourcing, negotiation, and value engineering
• Supplier performance is stable and improving (quality and on-time delivery), supported by an active scorecard and governance cadence
• Critical materials have robust continuity plans

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field preferred
• 5+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain, with demonstrated ownership of supplier strategy and negotiations
• Strong working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems (SAP preferred) and sourcing/procurement tools
• Advanced Excel and strong analytical capability (cost models, TCO, dashboards, and data-driven storytelling)
• Executive-level communication skills—able to influence, align stakeholders, and drive decisions
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives, resolve conflict, and deliver results through influence and accountability
• Demonstrated project/program management skills, including prioritization, stakeholder management, and change leadership

PAY SUMMARY

Expected offer range: $98,000 - $130,000. The actual salary will be based on factors such as location, relevant experience, and skills. The Max salary listed is not the top of the salary band.

If you have a track record of building supplier strategies that win on cost, performance, and risk—and you are ready to drive decisive sourcing outcomes—we want to hear from you.

We believe that all people are capable of great things. Because of this, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all of the requirements that are listed within this job description.

Sauder is a family company, so we believe in a healthy work-life balance for our employees. We want employees to know their time here is more than just a job--they can build a life-long career at Sauder. We have a culture of continuous improvement and internal advancement. We provide 3 weeks of vacation and a full benefit package beginning at 30 days. Other perks include 401(k), a company-funded health savings account, free counseling, furniture discounts, and tuition reimbursement.

Sauder Woodworking Co. is North America's leading producer of ready-to-assemble (RTA) furniture and one of the top five residential furniture manufacturers in the United States. An authentic American original, a majority of Sauder furniture is manufactured in Archbold, Ohio--right where we were founded in 1934. We have thrived for 90 years because we have led with integrity and respect, were great stewards of our resources, found better ways, and remained flexible.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/Disabled/Veteran