Commodity Manager- Electrical Components

About the role

Altec is a leading provider of products and services for the electric utility, telecommunications, tree care, lights and signs, and contractor markets. For nearly a century, Altec has been committed to helping customers safely and reliably build and maintain critical infrastructure. Altec’s values guide everything we do: Customer First, Enjoyment of Work, Family, Financial Stability, Integrity, People Are Our Greatest Strength, Quality, Spiritual Development, and Teamwork. The company offers a collaborative environment where associates are empowered to innovate, solve complex challenges, and make meaningful contributions to customers and communities.

Altec is seeking an experienced professional to join the Strategic Sourcing team in St. Joseph, Missouri, as a Commodity Manager – Electrical Components. This role develops and executes sourcing strategies, manages supplier relationships, negotiates agreements, identifies cost reduction opportunities, and ensures continuity of supply for electrical and electronic components supporting manufacturing operations. While electrical components are the primary focus, the Commodity Manager may also support other commodity categories, with assignments adjusted over time based on business needs. The successful candidate will partner closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Materials, and Quality teams to support current production and future business growth.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for electrical and electronic components, harnesses, controls, sensors, automation systems, and related assemblies.
• Create, negotiate, implement, and manage short- and long-term commodity supply agreements.
• Develop and implement cost reduction strategies that deliver measurable results.
• Research and evaluate suppliers, market conditions, technology trends, pricing, availability, obsolescence, and supply chain risks.
• Develop and maintain a supplier network that supports quality, delivery, technology, and cost objectives.
• Lead supplier qualification, development, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to support current production and future business needs.
• Monitor developments affecting component lead times, capacity, pricing, lifecycle, and availability.
• Drive year‑over‑year material cost improvements within assigned commodity areas.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for supplier‑related quality, delivery, and service concerns.
• Support new product development through early supplier engagement and sourcing expertise.
• Coach and support purchasing and materials team members on technology trends, supplier capabilities, and cost‑management opportunities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Six years of applicable experience in procurement, supply chain, manufacturing, engineering, materials management, operations, or a related field.
• Strong supplier‑management and negotiation experience.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to develop sourcing strategies and evaluate supplier performance.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Skills

• Electrical components, wire harnesses, controls, sensors, automation systems, or electronic assemblies.
• Electrical engineering, electronics, or technical product knowledge.
• Electronic manufacturing processes, component specifications, lifecycle management, and quality requirements.
• Supplier development and technology‑focused sourcing.
• Experience working in a manufacturing or engineered‑products environment.
• Experience evaluating supplier capabilities, quality systems, and production processes.
• MBA, APICS certification, or equivalent professional certification.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Prescription Drug Program
• Retirement 401(k) Program
• Vacation and Holidays
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Employee Assistance and Mental Health/Substance Abuse Program
• Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance

As part of our long‑term succession planning and procurement strategy, Altec is recruiting for multiple Commodity Manager disciplines, including: Steel Composites, Electrical Components, MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Operations), Market Pricing & Commodity Intelligence. Candidates whose experience aligns with more than one discipline are encouraged to review and apply for other Commodity Manager opportunities that match their background and interests.