Commodity Manager

• Ensures that all procurement activities comply with relevant public law requirements, such as Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations (DFAR), as well as internal company policies. 
• Identifies and develops suppliers to support current commodities and technology advancements for business opportunities.  
• Conducts thorough market research to identify potential suppliers who can meet nLIGHT's quality and technological standards.  
• Acts as the primary point of contact for suppliers, addressing any issues promptly and maintaining a positive and productive partnership.  
• Conducts regular meetings and site visits to understand supplier capabilities and challenges, ensuring alignment with company goals and standards. Works closely with suppliers to develop joint strategies for continuous improvement, innovation, and risk management.  
• Establishes and maintains strong supplier relationships through open lines of communication, trust, and collaboration ensuring ongoing compliance with contractual obligations.  
• Engages directly with engineering teams on technology and supply development for emerging programs 
• Acts as a liaison between suppliers and engineering teams to facilitate communication, address any issues, and support the successful development and implementation of new technologies. 
• Manages complex supplier qualifications through effective project management. This includes planning, coordinating, and overseeing the qualification process for new suppliers and technologies.  
• Develops detailed project plans, sets milestones, and ensures that all stakeholders are aligned and informed throughout the process.  
• Solicits bids and proposals from a diverse range of suppliers to ensure competitive pricing and high-quality offerings. Reviews and evaluates each quotation and proposal to assess alignment with nLIGHT's requirements and standards.  
• Conducts thorough cost-benefit analyses, considering factors such as price, quality, delivery timelines, and supplier reliability.  
• Collaborates with internal stakeholders to ensure that the selected suppliers meet the company's strategic goals and operational needs. 
• Leads supplier negotiations and resolves commercial and quality issues to secure the best possible agreements for nLIGHT.  
• Addresses any commercial disputes or quality concerns promptly and effectively, working closely with suppliers to find mutually beneficial solutions.  
• Develops and implements strategies to manage and mitigate risks associated with supplier relationships.  
• Identifies opportunities to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and manage risk through targeted negotiations and analyses of current supplier contracts and market conditions to uncover potential cost-saving measures.  
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to streamline processes, eliminate inefficiencies, and enhance overall supply chain performance.  
• Proactively identifies and mitigates risks associated with supplier relationships by establishing contingency plans and maintaining a diversified supplier base.  
• Issues purchase orders and manages their performance, ensuring compliance with all public law requirements as well as company policies.  
• Monitors the performance of purchase orders by tracking delivery schedules and addressing any discrepancies or issues promptly.  
• Maintains thorough documentation and records to ensure transparency and accountability.  
• Provides mentoring to supply chain team members by offering guidance and support.  

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in supply chain management, engineering, or related field and 10+ years of experience in purchasing or supply chain management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.  
• Self-motivated, highly organized, able to deal with ambiguous requirements. 
• Communicates quickly and thoughtfully through integrated team structures. 
• Strong interpersonal skills with a best-in-class customer service mindset. 
• Expertise using software like Excel and Power BI to perform data analysis. 
• Experience with ERP systems. Preferably Microsoft D365. 
• Knowledge of government contracting requirements and regulations (e.g. FAR, DFARS, ITAR, etc.)  
  possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills,
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills,
• Demonstrated deep understanding of supply chain management principles.
• Proactive and strategic thinker, capable of driving results in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. 

• Commodity Manager: $90,000 - $120,000 annually
• Senior Commodity Manager: $115,000 - $160,000 annually

• Target Cash Bonus with potential payout of 6% to 8% of your wages, depending on level.
• Eligible for Restricted Stock Unit grants  
• 3 weeks of Paid Time Off per year, increasing by 1 day each year up to 4 weeks 
• 10 paid Holidays 
• Eligible for health benefits on the 1st day of the month after your start date
• Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits, including prescription and orthodontia with employee-paid premiums as low as $40.00 per pay period
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts  
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan  
• 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting  
• Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life & AD&D Insurance 
• Employee Assistance Program
• Aflac Supplemental Insurance
• Paid Bereavement Leave and Jury Duty
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Pet Insurance 

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or age. For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see these government posters: “EEO is the Law” and its accompanying temporary supplement. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (360) 566-4460 or Hr@nlight.net.