The Global Commodity Leader (CTL) – Mechanics is a senior, global role responsible for the strategic management of a broad portfolio of mechanical commodities. The role places strong emphasis on highly complex mechanical and electro-mechanical system assemblies, while also covering classical mechanical components such as sheet metal, machined parts and, where appropriate, plastics and other related sub-commodities.
Job Description
The CTL – Mechanics works closely with global Business Units, R&D, Engineering, Quality and Supply Chain organizations to assess current and future business needs and translate them into differentiated, robust commodity strategies. A key focus of the role is the systematic assessment of the existing supply base, identification of capability and technology gaps, multi-use of technology across businesses and regions, and the development of a global, business-unit-spanning supply base that improves supply chain resilience, scalability and cost efficiency.
The role requires seniority and a strong technical foundation to engage at system level with internal stakeholders and suppliers. While detailed design ownership is not required, the CTL must understand mechanical and electro-mechanical architectures, manufacturing technologies and market dynamics to align sourcing strategies with business priorities, capacity needs and long-term technology roadmaps.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the global commodity strategy for Mechanics, including complex mechanical and electro-mechanical system assemblies and related sub-commodities.
- Perform a structured assessment of the current supply base, including technology requirements, supplier capabilities and gaps, in close alignment with Business Units and regions.
- Develop and execute differentiated strategies per sub-commodity based on business criticality, supply market dynamics, capacity constraints and risk exposure.
- Strengthen supply chain resilience by reducing single-source and regional dependencies and by building a global, cross-business supply base.
- Drive capacity expansion strategies together with suppliers to support business growth, ramp-ups and long-term volume requirements.
- Work closely with R&D and Engineering to understand system architectures, functional requirements and future technology directions.
- Identify, evaluate and develop suppliers capable of supporting current and future mechanical system requirements, including capability development where required.
- Lead or co-lead global negotiations, contracts and commercial frameworks in close collaboration with Supplier Relationship Management.
- Drive supplier development initiatives across quality, cost, delivery, technology and capacity.
- Assess market trends, manufacturing technologies (including additive manufacturing) and alternative solution concepts and translate them into actionable strategies.
- Own and drive global procurement projects delivering sustainable cost improvements, risk mitigation and working capital optimization.
- Build followership and lead through influence in a highly matrixed, global organization.
- Identify gaps in processes, tools or capabilities and take ownership for continuous improvement initiatives within Global Procurement and the CoE.
Scope of Commodities and Solutions
- Complex mechanical and electro-mechanical subassemblies and systems
- Automation and device handling solutions
- Sheet metal parts
- Machined parts
- Additive manufacturing (3D printing) parts
- Associated supplier services including design/prototyping, manufacturing, integration, delivery and repair services
Key Interfaces
- Business Unit leadership, Procurement and Supply Chain teams
- R&D, Mechanical and System Engineering
- Manufacturing, Operations and Quality
- Global supply chain resilience and capacity expansion project teams
- Business Process Re-Engineering / Digitalization and IT
- Strategic and potential suppliers of mechanical systems and components
- Automation and handling solution providers
- Manufacturing and technology partners
Success Metrics (Excerpt)
- Improved supply chain resilience and reduced supply risk for critical mechanical systems
- Successful execution of capacity expansion initiatives aligned with business growth
- Supplier base globalization and consolidation across Business Units
- Year-over-year sustainable cost improvements
- Supplier performance and capability improvements
- Contract coverage and compliance
