Global Commodity Manager (Indirect)

Zotefoams Plc; Croydon; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in cellular material technology is seeking a Global Commodity Manager for Indirect Spend in Croydon, UK. This role involves strategic sourcing across various indirect categories, driving supplier performance and managing contracts. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Business or a related field, along with 7+ years of experience in procurement. Strong stakeholder engagement and leadership skills are essential for success in this role. Join a dynamic team that values innovation and professional growth.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of indirect procurement processes and supplier management.
• Knowledge of manufacturing or engineering based environments.
• 7+ years’ experience managing indirect procurement or commodity portfolios.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement sourcing strategies for all indirect categories.
• Negotiate commercial terms and long-term contracts for cost savings.
• Develop KPIs and dashboards to track supplier performance.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Commercial skills

Contract negotiation

Supplier performance management

Education

Degree in Business, Engineering or Supply Chain Management

CIPS qualification

Job description

Zotefoams plc is a world leader in cellular material technology, with facilities in Croydon, UK; Kentucky and Oklahoma, USA; Brzeg, Poland; and Jiangsu Province, China (T-FIT).

We produce lightweight foams for a wide range of markets including sports and leisure, aviation, automotive, and healthcare. Zotefoams also owns and licenses patented technology and supplies advanced insulation systems.

The Company is on a strong growth trajectory, with significant revenue and profitability increases in recent years and ambitious plans for the future.

About the Role

The Global Commodity Manager for Indirect Spend will lead strategic sourcing across all indirect categories including capital equipment, engineering services, logistics, IT, professional services and facilities. This role is focused on delivering value through cost optimisation, supplier performance and contract excellence, while ensuring alignment between procurement strategy, operational priorities and future business growth.

You’ll work closely with stakeholders across Finance, Operations, HR, Engineering and wider business functions, driving improvements, strengthening supplier partnerships and ensuring spend efficiency across the global organization.

Role Responsibilities

• Define and implement sourcing strategies for all indirect categories across global operations.
• Lead supplier selection, onboarding and ongoing performance management to ensure strong service levels and commercial value.
• Negotiate commercial terms, framework agreements and long-term contracts that deliver cost savings and support operational requirements.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders to ensure procurement activity supports business priorities.
• Identify opportunities for process efficiency, automation, supplier consolidation and improved ways of working.
• Ensure compliance with ethical sourcing practices and Zotefoams’ sustainability objectives.
• Develop KPIs and dashboards to track supplier performance, cost savings and quality metrics.
• Lead and develop team members, promoting best practice and supporting capability growth.

What you’ll need

Qualifications & Knowledge

• Degree in Business, Engineering or Supply Chain Management.
• CIPS qualification preferred.
• Strong understanding of indirect procurement processes and supplier management.
• Knowledge of manufacturing or engineering based environments.

Experience

• 7+ years’ experience managing indirect procurement or commodity portfolios within manufacturing or industrial sectors.
• Proven experience managing multi-category spend such as IT, logistics, capex and services.
• People management experience with the ability to develop and lead a team.
• Strong background in contract negotiation, supplier performance management and stakeholder engagement.

Skills

• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing ability.
• Strong analytical, financial and commercial skills.
• Able to balance tactical delivery with long-term strategic aims.
• Adaptable, collaborative and pragmatic team player.
• Confident communicator with ability to work across multiple functions and regions.

What we’re looking for

• A commercially driven procurement professional with strong category knowledge.
• Someone who can challenge the status quo and find smarter, more efficient ways of working.
• A strategic thinker who can also deliver hands on results.
• Someone highly credible with strong relationship building skills across technical and non technical stakeholders.
• A leader with integrity, accountability and a continuous improvement mindset.

Why Join Us

At Zotefoams, we believe in fostering a supportive and innovative environment where everybody can thrive. By joining us, you will be part of a dynamic team that values collaboration, continuous improvement, and opportunities for professional growth and development.

Our Values

• Courage – The courage to take bold action to ensure that we succeed in tackling our challenges and opportunities.
• Impact – Dedicated to making a significant and positive impact in everything we do.
• Respect – Cultivate a respectful and inclusive environment where everyone is valued and collaboration is encouraged.

Zotefoams is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.