Electronics Commodity Manager – Passive Components
About the role
The Electronics Commodity Manager (Passive Components) oversees the global strategy, sourcing, supplier performance, and cost roadmap for passive electronic components. This role collaborates closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Planning, and Finance to ensure uninterrupted supply, competitive total cost, robust quality, and strong lifecycle and risk management across the passive supply base.
Responsibilities
Develop and execute a multi-year category strategy for passive components, aligned to product roadmap, cost targets, and risk posture.
Build and maintain category intelligence on capacity trends, lead times, allocation risk, technology transitions, and supplier regional strategies.
Define preferred supplier strategy (global vs. regional), dual/multi-sourcing plans, and standardization opportunities across product lines.
Lead RFI/RFQ/RFP processes, supplier selection, and contract negotiations (pricing, lead times, MOQ/MPQ, NCNR terms, warranties, and liability).
Deliver measurable improvements in PPV, TCO, cash (inventory), and supply assurance through negotiated agreements, VMI/consignment, and optimized commercial terms.
Establish and manage LTAs (Long-Term Agreements) and periodic pricing reviews tied to market indices and commodity movement where applicable.
Own supplier scorecards and performance reviews covering OTD, quality (PPM), responsiveness, cost, and corrective actions.
Partner with Quality and Engineering to drive 8D/CAPA closure, process controls, and continuous improvement at key suppliers.
Lead supplier risk management: financial health, geopolitical exposure, single points of failure, logistics lanes, and business continuity plans.
Collaborate with Engineering to drive component standardization, approved alternates, footprint compatibility, and design-to-availability principles.
Manage AVL/AML governance for passive components; ensure timely qualification and documentation updates (e.g., PCN, PPAP/FAI where required).
Support NPI by aligning sourcing decisions with performance requirements, compliance needs, and manufacturing readiness.
Proactively manage obsolescence (EOL), PCNs, material substitutions, and compliance changes.
Coordinate last-time buys, bridge buys, redesign decisions, and alternate qualifications to avoid production disruption.
Forecast, inventory & allocation management: work with Planning to ensure supplier capacity alignment to forecast, including demand spikes and constrained markets.
Ensure compliance with internal procurement policies and external regulations: RoHS/REACH, conflict minerals, supplier ethics, and trade compliance.
Maintain accurate contracts, supplier records, and sourcing documentation for audit readiness.
Drive VA/VE and should-cost efforts across passives (tolerance/voltage derating, packaging optimization, standard values, alternate materials).
Identify opportunities to reduce cost through spec rationalization, supplier consolidation, and packaging/logistics improvements.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering (Electrical/Electronics), Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Minimum 7 years of procurement/commodity management experience in electronics manufacturing; 2+ years with passive components strongly preferred.
Proven expertise in RFQ execution, negotiations, supplier management, and contract development.
Demonstrated ability to manage shortage/allocation environments and deliver supply continuity.
Strong analytical skills: cost modeling, market analysis, and KPI-driven management.
Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (SAP/Oracle/etc.) and sourcing tools; advanced Excel skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with global passive manufacturers and distribution partners (e.g., direct + franchise channels).
Familiarity with qualification processes and documentation (FAI, PPAP-like processes, PCN handling).
Knowledge of electronics reliability, derating principles, and key passive parameters (ESR, ripple, tempco, dielectric, tolerance, aging).
Six Sigma/Lean exposure; project management certification a plus.
Experience with commodity risk frameworks and structured supplier segmentation (strategic vs. transactional).
Core Competencies
Market & technical acumen (passives supply base, constraints, and specs)
Negotiation & influencing across internal stakeholders and suppliers
Data-driven decision making and strong business case development
Risk management mindset (dual sourcing, lifecycle, compliance)
Executive communication and stakeholder management
Operational rigor: follow-through, documentation, governance
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Cost reduction / PPV / TCO improvements (quarterly & annual)
Supplier OTD, lead time adherence, and allocation performance
Quality performance (PPM, escapes, CAPA closure time)
Percentage of parts dual-sourced / alternate qualified (risk reduction)
NPI sourcing readiness and timeline adherence
Inventory health: turns, excess/obsolete exposure, NCNR risk
Scope (Typical)
Spend: Category spend commensurate with business scale (e.g., $5M–$50M+)
Supplier Base: Global manufacturers, authorized distributors, and regional partners
Cross-Functional Partners: Engineering, Quality, Operations, Planning, Finance, NPI, Regulatory/Compliance
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering (Electrical/Electronics), Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Minimum 7 years of procurement/commodity management experience in electronics manufacturing; 2+ years with passive components strongly preferred.
Proven expertise in RFQ execution, negotiations, supplier management, and contract development.
Demonstrated ability to manage shortage/allocation environments and deliver supply continuity.
Strong analytical skills: cost modeling, market analysis, and KPI-driven management.
Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (SAP/Oracle/etc.) and sourcing tools; advanced Excel skills.