Commodity Manager in Ashland, Massachusetts at Kidde-Fenwal LLC

At KiddeFenwal, you’ll shape the next generation of life‑safety technologies that protect people, property, and critical infrastructure around the world. As a global leader in fire detection, alarm, and suppression solutions, we pair deep technical expertise with a culture built on integrity, collaboration, innovation, and customer focus.

As a Product Manager on our Detection & Control team, you’ll work cross‑functionally with engineering, sales, operations, and marketing to drive meaningful product advancements and influence the future of fire protection technology. If you’re energized by solving complex challenges, leading strategic initiatives, and making a tangible impact through products that save lives and ensure business continuity, this role offers the opportunity to thrive and lead.

Our Purpose

We protect lives, livelihoods, and iconic assets through innovative solutions, trusted relationships, and exceptional customer experiences. Guided by integrity and safety, our values—speed, innovation, excellence, and teamwork—shape how we work, lead, and grow.

Position Summary

The Commodity Manager is responsible for leading strategic sourcing across critical direct (Chemicals, Metals & Fabrication, Steel Cylinders, Electronics, PVF, Fasteners, and Hardware) and/or indirect goods and services. This role drives sourcing excellence through strategic supplier management, cost optimization, contract negotiations, and cross-functional collaboration.

Reporting to the Lead Global Commodity Manager, the Commodity Manager plays a key role in delivering measurable savings, improving supplier performance, and supporting operational and business objectives through strategic sourcing initiatives.

This is an hybrid position, requiring that you be onsite 4 days per week in our Ashland, MA office.

Key Responsibilities

Commodity Strategy Development

• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives for assigned direct and/or indirect goods and services.

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies aligned with company objectives, focusing on cost savings, supply continuity, and operational efficiency.

• Identify opportunities for supplier consolidation, value engineering, and total cost of ownership improvements.

• Analyze market trends, supplier capabilities, and risk factors to support category planning and sourcing decisions.

Supplier Management

• Manage relationships with a broad supplier base across key spend categories, ensuring strong supplier performance and strategic alignment.

• Conduct supplier performance reviews utilizing KPIs, scorecards, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Develop and maintain strategic supplier partnerships that support innovation, quality improvement, and long-term business objectives.

• Drive supplier corrective action plans and improvement initiatives for underperforming suppliers while recognizing and expanding opportunities with high-performing suppliers.

Spend Control & Cost Savings

• Deliver annual cost savings targets through strategic negotiations, sourcing optimization, and procurement efficiencies.

• Continuously evaluate procurement data and market intelligence to identify cost reduction opportunities and mitigate supply risks.

• Support budgeting and forecasting activities related to assigned categories.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Purchasing, Engineering, Manufacturing, Finance, and Quality teams to align sourcing strategies with business goals and operational requirements.

• Participate in cross-functional sourcing teams and procurement initiatives to ensure successful project execution.

• Support new product introduction (NPI) activities and supplier involvement in product development initiatives.

Contract Management & Negotiations

• Lead supplier contract negotiations, including pricing, commercial terms, service agreements, and risk mitigation provisions.

• Ensure supplier compliance with contractual obligations and proactively manage contract renewals to avoid supply disruptions.

• Maintain documentation in compliance with company policies and procedures.

Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)

• Develop and implement SRM programs focused on supplier collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

• Facilitate supplier business reviews and performance improvement plans.

• Support supplier diversity, sustainability, and compliance initiatives where applicable.

Continuous Improvement

• Champion continuous improvement efforts that enhance procurement processes, systems, and sourcing tools.

• Support development and maintenance of strategic sourcing management dashboards, procurement analytics, and SRM systems.

• Drive process standardization and operational efficiencies across procurement activities.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or related field required. High school degree with at least 5 years of relevant experience is acceptable.

• Professional certifications such as CPM, CPIM, or CSCP preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or commodity management within manufacturing, industrial, or related industries.

• Demonstrated success managing complex commodities and delivering measurable cost savings.

• Experience leading supplier negotiations, contract management, and supplier performance initiatives.

• Experience with ERP systems, preferably JD Edwards, and source-to-pay systems.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and procurement analytics tools.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic Sourcing and Category Management

• Supplier Relationship Management

• Contract Negotiation and Cost Analysis

• Data Analytics and Procurement Reporting

• Cross-Functional Leadership and Collaboration

• Risk Management and Supply Continuity Planning

• Process Improvement and Operational Efficiency

• Strong Communication, Presentation, and Interpersonal Skills

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Leadership Responsibilities

• May manage junior sourcing professionals and mentor procurement team members.

• Lead cross-functional project teams supporting company-wide procurement and sourcing initiatives.

• Influence stakeholders and drive alignment across departments and supplier networks.

Work Environment

• Fast-paced manufacturing and supply chain environment with a focus on operational excellence and strategic procurement.

• Requires the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across multiple business functions and supplier organizations.