Commodity Manager - Polymer

Job description

Part of the Genuit Group, we combine long-term stability with a culture built on teamwork, accountability and continuous improvement. We encourage fresh ideas, invest in development and are committed to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone feels like they belong. This role sits within the Water Management Division of Genuit Group, encompassing a portfolio of well-established businesses including Polypipe Building Products, Polypipe Civils, and Polypipe Building Services. We welcome applications from candidates based locally or within a central proximity to our key sites, which include Doncaster, Horncastle and Kent. Role Overview: This role is responsible for developing and delivering category strategies across a defined portfolio of spend, ensuring security of supply, cost competitiveness, and robust contractual frameworks across multiple sites. It plays a key part in driving procurement value by managing supplier relationships, leading commercial negotiations, and influencing stakeholders to align with broader business objectives. With a focus on polymer resins and additives, the position requires active management of commodity market volatility, key raw material cost drivers, and supply risks. The role ensures procurement strategies are closely aligned with production requirements, product formulations, and operational performance. Operating within a strategic, multi-site environment, the role demands strong commercial judgement, in-depth market insight, and the ability to work effectively within a matrix organisation. What you'll be doing: Category Strategy and Ownership Develop and implement short, medium, and long-term category strategies Understand market dynamics, cost drivers, and supply risks Track and analyse relevant commodity indices to inform pricing strategies, supplier negotiations, and forward cost visibility Lead sourcing decisions aligned to business requirements and technical needs Maintain a clear supplier segmentation and sourcing roadmap Commercial & Contract Management Lead all commercial negotiations, including pricing, payment terms, and contractual protections Ensure all suppliers operate under robust contractual frameworks (Genuit T&Cs / agreements) Drive total cost of ownership improvements (not just price) Manage contract lifecycle, renewals, and re-tendering activity Supplier Management & Performance Develop and manage strategic supplier relationships Implement structured supplier performance management (QCD – Quality, Cost, Delivery) Lead supplier reviews, improvement plans, and escalation where required Identify and onboard alternative suppliers to reduce dependency and risk Risk & Supply Chain Resilience Identify and mitigate supply, financial, and operational risks Ensure continuity of supply across all sites Develop contingency plans for key suppliers and commodities Monitor market volatility (e.g. raw materials, logistics, capacity constraints) Stakeholder Management & Influence Act as the commercial lead across multiple sites Influence senior stakeholders (Operations, Finance, Engineering, SLT) Challenge demand, specifications, and sourcing approaches where appropriate Drive compliance to procurement processes and governance Performance & Delivery Deliver against agreed KPIs: - Cost savings / cost avoidance - Payment term improvements - Supplier performance - Contract coverage - Provide clear reporting and insight on category performance Continuous Improvement Identify and implement process improvements and efficiencies Support standardisation across sites and categories Contribute to broader procurement strategy and transformation initiatives Your experience: Proven experience in commodity or category management within a manufacturing environment Strong track record in commercial negotiation and contract management, delivering value and mitigating risk Experience managing multi-site or regional spend portfolios Exposure to complex supply chains and critical materials or services Strong commercial acumen with the ability to develop and execute effective sourcing strategies Solid understanding of procurement and supply chain principles Good knowledge of contract law and commercial frameworks, including negotiating and managing supplier agreements Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret cost drivers and market trends Understanding of manufacturing processes and cost structures Ability to influence and build relationships across a matrix organisation without direct authority Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment High level of autonomy with strong decision-making capability Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems (IFS preferred) Willingness to travel across multiple UK and international sites Highly motivated, self-driven, and results-oriented Here at the Genuit Group we recognise and develop the contribution our people make to the Group’s success and are committed to attracting talent from the widest pool. We have a role to play in making the built environment more sustainable, building a low carbon business ourselves as well as delivering sustainable solutions at scale.