Senior Commodity Manager

First for a reason

First Student is the largest school transportation provider in North America with more than a century of experience providing safe and reliable transportation. We work with 1,250 school districts in 39 states and 8 Canadian provinces carrying approximately five million students in 21,000 schools daily.

About the Position

Responsible for all facets of procurement (understanding of market, supply chain, negotiations, order fulfillment) of assigned commodity materials, equipment, services, and supplies from suppliers. The position is responsible for the entire procurement process from source selection to contract implementation, data maintenance, new supplier identification, portfolio optimization and engagement in the development and implementation of the commodity strategy. Cost reduction activities are a significant element of this role. The overall expectation is that this position requires the individual to deliver tangible business results. This role reports to a director management position.

Responsibilities:

• Strategic leadership of the commodity -

• Develop expertise in the target commodity and a thorough understanding of demand/supply market dynamics

• Demonstrate a good understanding of the total cost of ownership and various savings levers applicable to drive cost savings

• Lead a cross functional effort to develop and implement commodity strategies for assigned commodities

• Prepare for and conduct contract negotiations

• Monitor supply markets and industries including pricing trends, new suppliers and alternative solutions and supply risks

• Manage day to day relationship with suppliers, including but not limited to:

• Monitor business transactions for commodity

• Develop and understand supply chain life cycle as requested by internal and external customers, validating business transaction flow

• Monitor purchase-order life cycle including: system entry and maintenance, partner confirmation, ensuring order and audit receipts

• Customer Support -

• Respond and resolve order, delivery and service-related inquiries from internal and external customers within specified time-frames

• Responsible for administration and upholding the integrity of Procurement's centralized programs

• Educate and communicate with all stakeholders, as a key Advocate of all programs to clearly communicate benefits of commodity programs to stakeholders

• Business Analysis -

• Coordinate continued actions ensuring conformance to CPA supplier contract and practices by suppliers

• identify and work with stakeholders ensuring compliance to CPA policies and procedures

• Use of tools and data to identify and implement additional opportunities for savings and growth of the business

• Maintain internal records of location commodity requirements, contacts, and other pertinent information related to purchasing agreements

• Transition and Project Support -

• Assist with all stakeholders as related to procurement actions

• Assist with special projects as required, such as creating and maintaining asset inventories, pricing set-ups and requirements

• Support changes to existing commodity suppliers as needed

• May mentor/train other Commodity Specialists

• Perform other duties and take direction as assigned by director, within specified time-frames.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent

• Master's Degree preferred

• History of proven performance in a Commodity Manager role or equivalent experience

• Minimum 10 years experience in purchasing or equivalent experience

• Strong analytical, organizational, and computer skills

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic business environment

• Quick thinker with excellent problem solving ability

• Able to work independently and in a group setting

• Ability to learn and adapt to varied work assignments

• Strong oral and written communication and inter-personal skills needed for dealing effectively with all customers and suppliers

First for a Reason

Benefits

We offer competitive compensation and benefits (which vary based on role, location, and business), including physical and mental health initiatives, medical/dental/vision, 401(k), and paid holiday/vacation.

Professional Advancement

Start here. Go far. We believe in promoting from within which means tremendous opportunities for you, thanks to our strong presence across North America. In addition, our 3 to 5 month Manager-In-Development program prepares future leaders at First Student.

Extensive Training

Build skills and knowledge in such areas as safety and security, injury prevention, technology and equipment, and job efficiency.

Diversity & Inclusion

Because we're stronger together, we aspire to have a culture where all people are First. We're committed to providing an inclusive and diverse working environment for everyone every day.

Community Service & Impact

Go where opportunity meets community. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. As the face of First in your community, you'll have a positive impact on others.

Apply today and get your career on the road with First Student!

In the state of Washington, all technician and driving positions, including but not limited to van drivers and any other position requiring employees to drive a company-owned vehicle, are considered safety-sensitive and are therefore subject to drug and alcohol testing, including cannabis.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. First is also committed to providing a drug-free workplace. First will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, and any other fair chance law. Philadelphia's Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance Poster is at this link or upon request ~~~ .