OverviewThe Manager, Strategic Commodities & Energy is a leadership role within Buzzi Unicem USA's Corporate Purchasing Department, responsible for developing and executing commodity strategy across the company's highest-impact input spend categories: energy, solid fuels, and raw materials. This role serves as a key deputy to the Director, Corporate Purchasing and is identified as a potential pathway in the department's succession plan. In addition to directly managing the Energy & Power purchasing function, this individual provides strategic oversight and people leadership to two Commodity Managers. The role requires deep analytical capability, strong supplier negotiation skills, and the ability to operate effectively across Buzzi Unicem USA's multi-plant environment.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute multi-year commodity strategies for energy (electricity, natural gas) and input materials across all Buzzi Unicem USA plant locations
- Directly manage and mentor the two Commodity Managers, providing strategic guidance, performance oversight, and professional development
- Own the Energy & Power purchasing function directly, including electricity and natural gas contract strategy, PJM/ERCOT market analysis, renewable energy evaluation, and demand management
- Lead enterprise-wide supplier negotiations for energy and fuel contracts, leveraging consolidated volume across plant locations to maximize commercial outcomes
- Serve as primary escalation point for commodity supply disruptions, contractual disputes, and market volatility events affecting the input commodities portfolio
- Partner with plant operations, finance, and senior leadership to align commodity strategies with production planning and budget objectives
- Support the Director, Corporate Purchasing in department-wide initiatives, policy development, and organizational projects
- Monitor commodity market trends, regulatory changes, and supply chain risks; develop contingency plans and present recommendations to leadership
- Ensure Oracle contract and purchase order workflows are maintained in accordance with company approval thresholds and compliance requirements
- Act as department lead in the Director's absence and represent Corporate Purchasing in cross-functional leadership forums
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, Engineering, or a related field; or equivalent relevant professional work experience; or a combination of education and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge and skills
- 10+ years of progressive procurement or commodity management experience, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership or supervisory role
- Demonstrated experience negotiating and managing large-scale commodity contracts in energy, fuels, or industrial raw materials
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to model market scenarios, evaluate contract structures, and quantify financial risk
- Proficiency with ERP systems; Oracle experience strongly preferred
- Ability to travel to multiple plant locations across the United States
- Experience in the cement, mining, aggregates, or heavy manufacturing sector
- Familiarity with PJM, ERCOT, or other ISO/RTO electricity market structures
- Experience with renewable energy procurement (PPAs, RECs, on-site generation)
- Advanced degree (MBA or MS) or professional certification (CPM, CPSM, CIPS)
- Experience managing direct reports in a geographically dispersed organization
