Global Commodity Manager

About the role

ESAB, a global leader in welding and cutting technologies, is looking for an experienced Global Commodity Manager in Chotěboř, Czech Republic. Within its GCE Division, Global Sourcing builds a competitive, resilient global supply base and partners with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Finance and Supply Chain. The role leads sourcing strategy and supplier management for a global commodity portfolio covering precision components and seals, gauges and instrumentation, hoses and welding accessories, regulated medical devices and trade goods, and externally manufactured finished products. Regular international travel of about 20-25% is required.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute global commodity strategies aligned across GCE businesses and plants.
• Identify, qualify and develop global suppliers; lead RFQs, tenders, negotiations and supplier selection.
• Lead commercial and contract negotiations for competitive pricing, terms and conditions.
• Manage supplier performance on quality, delivery, lead times and commercial results, driving corrective actions.
• Drive cost optimisation through spend analysis, benchmarking, supplier consolidation, global sourcing and value engineering, owning defined savings/PPV targets and managing supplier and standard prices.
• Partner with Quality and Regulatory teams on regulated and CE-marked products, including those under MDR and MDD.
• Support operations with supplier escalations, quality issues and transfer projects.
• Mitigate supply chain risks and build contingency plans.
• Report sourcing KPIs, savings, supplier performance and market developments to sourcing leadership.

Required profile

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, commodity/category management or procurement, preferably in manufacturing.
• Proven experience managing global suppliers and sourcing across multiple sites or businesses.
• Fluency in written and spoken English and Czech.
• Advantages: technical background in mechanical, electronics or electrical engineering; experience with regulated or CE-marked / medical-device products; knowledge of MDR/MDD, ISO 13485, ISO 9001 or FDA requirements; knowledge of an additional language.

Required skills

• Spend analysis, benchmarking, cost optimisation and savings ownership.
• RFQs, tenders and contract negotiation.
• ERP, e-sourcing or supplier-management systems such as M3, PPS040 or Open One.

What we offer

• A global role with direct impact on sourcing strategy and business performance.
• Close collaboration across GCE businesses, plants and functions.
• Professional development within a global organisation.
• Hybrid working with flexible hours.