Supply Manager

The Global Metals Supply Manager role directly impacts nVent’s financial performance by developing and executing strategic sourcing initiatives for the Global Metals categories including Carbon Steel, Copper and Aluminum. You will be instrumental in supporting our growth plans and achieving crucial cost savings and supplier performance targets. 

As a key member of the Supply Chain and Operations team, you will drive sourcing strategies through thorough market research, proactive risk mitigation, supplier quality initiatives, and supplier development programs. You will build, manage, and enhance critical strategic sourcing partnerships that support long‑term business objectives. 

This role collaborates closely with regional sourcing teams and cross‑functional partners across supply chain, manufacturing, engineering, marketing, and finance. You will serve as the subject matter expert for global metals categories, leading or supporting complex, cross‑functional initiatives that advance manufacturing performance, materials management, and customer fulfillment.

WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE IN THIS ROLE:

• Identify market and industry trends to support and develop commodity lock strategies in accordance with nVent lock policy.
• Establish and maintain a robust and reliable global supply base to ensure the timely procurement of goods and commodities. 
• Implement and manage long-term supplier agreements that deliver best-in-class quality, on-time delivery, terms, and optimal total cost. 
• Lead cross-functional teams to achieve year-over-year company financial objectives, providing recommendations for alternate suppliers, designs, and materials to drive cost reductions. 
• Generate and meticulously analyze quotations and bids, championing the use of cost breakdown analyses to enhance negotiation strategies. 
• Rigorously evaluate existing and potential suppliers based on their technical/manufacturing capabilities, quality systems, cost competitiveness, and responsiveness. 
• Monitor global commodity indexes and macro-environment trends to ensure an uninterrupted flow of product at current or improved costs. 
• Proactively research and qualify alternate sources of supply, coordinating the selection and qualification process. 
• Collaborate closely with New Product Development, Quality, and Engineering to assess and ensure robust supplier capabilities. 
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers utilizing methodologies such as VA/VE, Kaizen and VMI / Stocking Agreements. 
• Initiate and manage all necessary correspondence and direct contact to expedite purchased goods, revise purchase orders, effect cancellations, improve terms, resolve rejected goods and rework costs, adjust invoice discrepancies, and rectify other related issues. 
• Meet ambitious timelines and performance objectives by consistently driving task completion.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations or Finance required.
• Ideally 10+ years of experience sourcing carbon steel, copper and aluminum metals.
• Ideally 2+ years of leading and mentoring others within the industry. 
• Knowledge of carbon steel, copper and aluminum cost drivers and commodity market intelligence. 
• Proven experience in establishing and maintaining strong business relationships with suppliers to achieve organizational goals, with expertise in contract development and advanced negotiation techniques.  
• Comprehensive knowledge of manufacturing processes, material and production control, material specifications, and lean manufacturing/continuous improvement principles.  
• A resourceful and proactive approach to make decisions and take action to prevent material shortages or losses, staying abreast of market trends, alternative processes, new technologies, and costs.  
• The ability to work independently and manage multiple projects in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, with exceptional oral, written communication, and presentation skills.  
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and communicate effectively across all levels of the organization and globally, with flexibility to accommodate differing time zones.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% both to domestic locations in the U.S. and international locations in Mexico, India, or Europe as well.