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Commodity Manager – Packaging Components

Milwaukee Tool · Milwaukee, WI · Full time

Posted Aug 5, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a negotiation with a key supplier that saved real money without hurting the relationship.

What they are checking: Whether they can deliver cost results while keeping strategic suppliers as long-term partners.

Tell me about a time you had to influence Operations or Finance on a sourcing decision they disagreed with.

What they are checking: Whether they can build support across functions using data rather than relying on their title.

Tell me about a time you found savings that others had missed. Where did you look?

What they are checking: Whether they dig into specifications, freight and usage rather than only pushing suppliers on price.

What would you do

A major domestic packaging supplier warns you they can't meet volume next quarter. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can protect supply quickly and think about resiliency, a stated priority for this role.

How would you work with Engineering to bring new packaging ideas, like less plastic or new materials, into production?

What they are checking: Whether they can drive innovation with suppliers and influence engineering, both named in the posting.

You support the domestic supply base but partner with an international network. How do you decide what should be sourced where?

What they are checking: Whether they think about total landed cost, lead time and risk when comparing domestic and overseas supply.

About the work

Walk me through how you would build a sourcing strategy for corrugated, clamshells and other packaging components across several business units.

What they are checking: Whether they can build a category strategy that balances cost, supply risk and business unit needs.

What drives the cost of packaging like corrugated and plastic, and how do you use that knowledge in negotiations?

What they are checking: Whether they understand material indexes and cost drivers well enough to negotiate from facts.

What compliance issues do you watch in packaging, like recycled content laws or chemical restrictions?

What they are checking: Whether they know packaging regulations that affect sourcing, since compliance is a key priority.

How do you decide when to consolidate suppliers and when to keep more than one source?

What they are checking: Whether they weigh leverage and cost against the risk of depending on a single supplier.

How do you measure supplier performance, and what do you do with a supplier who is slipping?

What they are checking: Whether they track scorecards on quality, delivery and cost and act on them.

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The full job description

As published by Milwaukee Tool.

Job Description: Innovate without boundaries! At Milwaukee Tool we firmly believe that our People and our Culture are the secrets to our success — so we give you unlimited access to everything you need to provide support to your business unit. Behind our doors, you’ll be empowered every day to own it, drive it, and do what it takes to support the biggest breakthroughs in the industry. Meanwhile, you’ll have the support and resources of the fastest-growing brand in the construction industry to make it happen. Your Role on Our Team Reporting to the Sr. Commodity Manager, this role supports the development and execution of sourcing strategies for the US packaging component portfolio. The Commodity Manager – US Packaging will lead strategy, supplier relationships, and execution across all Milwaukee Tool business units, providing leadership for the domestic supply base while collaborating with the broader international supply network. Key priorities include cost competitiveness, innovation, resiliency, and compliance. Success in this role requires a highly motivated, analytical, and collaborative self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and can influence Engineering, Operations, Finance, and Supplier Partners to drive growth, reduce risk, and deliver results. You’ll be DISRUPTIVE through these duties and responsibilities: Category & Sourcing Leadership • Own end-to-end management of the US packaging component portfolio. • Develop and execute global sourcing strategies, including tariff mitigation, dual sourcing, and capacity expansion to keep pace with double-digit growth. • Partner with US site leadership (Engineering, Plant Management, Project Leaders) to align sourcing with operational needs. Supplier & Vendor Management • Oversee relationships across domestic supply base, driving accountability for quality, delivery, and innovation. • Seek out opportunities to collaborate with our international counterparts within the packaging space. • Manage supplier scorecards, KPIs, and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure consistent performance. • Lead RFPs & RFQs, contract negotiations (MSA), and execution to secure optimal terms while maintaining compliance and risk management. Innovation • Lead new product development in the packaging space from a procurement perspective • Partner with Engineering and Product Management to ensure suppliers meet technical, safety, and regulatory requirements. Financial & Operational Ownership • Own financial reporting and analysis for the US packaging category, including VFS, PPV, ideation savings, and cash flow. • Identify cost savings opportunities through process improvements, supplier negotiations, and design-to-value efforts. • Serve as owner of Operations reviews, ensuring transparency, accountability, and cross-functional alignment. • Conduct research on market dynamics, cost drivers, supplier business models, and historical spend to enhance negotiations for assigned categories and contract. The TOOLS you’ll bring with you: • Requires a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related technical field. Specific coursework in purchasing, materials management, engineering or quality assurance is desirable. An advanced degree is a plus. • 5+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, commodity management, or supply chain leadership. • Demonstrated experience managing supply bases and high-growth product categories. • Must exhibit strong negotiating skills and demonstrate proven success negotiating, implementing and managing supply contracts, along with delivering savings and mitigating risk. • Results-driven, deadline-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple projects simultaneously. • Ability to develop strong cross-functional partnerships and influence stakeholders across multiple functions. • International sourcing/supply chain development is a plus. • Seeking an aggressive, determined individual with excellent organizational skills. • Outstanding interpersonal, verbal, written, and presentation skills are required. • Willingness to travel domestically (up to 25%). We provide these great perks and benefits: • Robust health, dental and vision insurance plans • Generous 401(k) savings plan • Education assistance • On-site wellness, fitness center, food, and coffee service • And many more — check out our benefits site HERE. Milwaukee Tool is an equal opportunity employer.

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