Commodity managers play a critical role in an organization’s supply chain process, overseeing the logistics related to the procurement of general inventory or a specific category of products. They create and oversee a plan for managing supplies, and seek opportunities to negotiate better deals or improve the process. These managers oversee a logistics team and support staff. They also establish and cultivate relationships with partners, clients, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
Commodity managers typically have a bachelor’s degree in a business field, such as supply chain management, but an advanced degree such as an MBA is an asset. They must be highly organized with strong negotiating skills and able to manage multiple complicated projects simultaneously. These roles require data analytics skills and familiarity with supply chain management programs.