General Motors

Senior Global Commodity Manager, Automation Strategy & Purchasing

General Motors • $120K — $150K *
Warren, MI 48089Hybrid
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
1 month ago
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field.
  • 10+ years of experience in purchasing, supply chain, operations, or manufacturing engineering, particularly with automation.
  • Leadership experience with direct reports and talent development.
  • Proven success in cross-functional and global initiatives in a complex environment.
  • Deep expertise in sourcing and supplier management for automation solutions.
  • Experience with automation programs in manufacturing or logistics contexts.
  • Strong analytical skills and executive communication ability.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and cultivate a team focused on automation strategies and purchasing.
  • Develop a comprehensive automation purchasing vision and multi-year roadmap.
  • Establish and monitor KPIs for automation performance.
  • Formulate and implement global commodity strategies for automation.
  • Collaborate with engineering and plant teams to embed automation early in program planning.
  • Standardize purchasing processes for automation to enhance control and efficiency.
  • Engage with external vendors and leverage industry best practices to optimize automation.
  • Design training and communities of practice to enhance team capabilities.

Benefits

  • Eligible for relocation benefits.
  • Hybrid work arrangement (in-office 3 times a week).
  • Supportive environment focused on safety, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Full Job Description
Job Description

The Role:

This role leads the strategy, sourcing, and deployment roadmap for automation solutions that enable Global Purchasing and Supply Chain's (GPSC) manufacturing and logistics footprint. This leader is accountable for developing and executing an integrated automation commodity and technology strategy that reduces total enterprise cost, improves safety and quality, and increases resiliency across GM's global operations.

This role partners closely with GPSC commodity teams, Manufacturing Engineering, Plant Leadership, GM IT, Finance, Supplier Quality, Logistics & Packaging, and strategic automation suppliers to deliver standard, scalable solutions for equipment, controls, robotics, and related services. The Manager sets clear objectives and owns key performance indicators that directly impact launch readiness, productivity, and capital efficiency, while championing change.

The Manager will lead a team based in Warren, MI, with responsibility for collaboration and influence across regional GPSC and plant locations. Some domestic and international travel is required to engage plants, suppliers, and technology partners.

What You'll Do:

Team & Talent Leadership
  • Lead and develop a team of purchasing professionals and automation strategy leaders supporting equipment, controls, and robotics.
  • Build an inclusive, high-performance culture focused on safety, innovation & disruption, data-driven decision making, and continuous improvement.
  • Ensure the right technical and leadership bench strength through thoughtful staffing, coaching, succession planning, and performance management.


Automation Strategy & Roadmap
  • Develop as part of a team the automation purchasing and strategy vision for GPSC, including multi-year roadmaps for automation platforms, suppliers, standards, and commercial models.
  • Align automation strategy with vehicle and propulsion program cycles, capacity plans, industrialization/automation strategies, and plant network changes.
  • Establish and own KPIs for automation performance (e.g., launch readiness, availability, OEE impacts, cost, quality, safety) and drive improvement against targets.


Commodity & Supplier Strategy
  • Develop and execute global commodity strategies for automation categories (e.g., robotics, controls, material handling systems, vision systems, automated storage/retrieval, MES interfaces, services).
  • Segment the supply base, define preferred/strategic partners, and negotiate commercial agreements that optimize total cost of ownership, lifecycle support, and innovation access.
  • Lead supplier risk, resiliency, and capacity assessments for critical automation technologies; define and implement mitigation plans.


Automation Program & Project Support
  • Partner with Manufacturing Engineering, Logistics & Packaging, and plant teams to ensure automation sourcing and strategy are integrated early in program planning and GVDP milestones.
  • Support development of standardized specifications, design standards, and repeatable solutions that reduce complexity and enable reuse of automation designs.
  • Provide oversight and escalation support for key automation sourcing events, launches, and issue resolution, ensuring alignment to timing, budget, and performance requirements.


Process, Systems & Data
  • Reimagine and standardize purchasing and supplier management processes related to automation (from sourcing through lifecycle management) to improve speed, transparency, and control.
  • Leverage digital tools, analytics, and automation to manage spend, performance, and risk (e.g., standardized RFQ workflows, cost models, should-cost, supplier performance dashboards).


Stakeholder & Change Leadership
  • Influence across functions, plants, and regions to align on common standards, platforms, and suppliers; remove roadblocks and drive adoption of new ways of working.
  • Lead structured change management and communication plans to support deployment of automation standards, new commercial models, and updated processes.


External Engagement & Technology Scouting
  • Maintain strong external connectivity with automation OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, integrators, technology startups, consultants, and industry forums to bring leading practices and innovations into GM.
  • Benchmark GM's automation cost, performance, and commercial models against best-in-class peers and convert insights into actionable strategies and sourcing approaches.


Capability Building
  • Design and implement training, playbooks, and communities of practice to build capability in automation technologies, commercial models, and data-driven decision making.
  • Embed continuous improvement methods (e.g., Lean, OPEX) into how the team manages automation sourcing, negotiations, and supplier performance.


Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications):
  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Manufacturing), Business, or related field.
  • Minimum 10+ years of progressive experience in purchasing, supply chain, operations, or manufacturing engineering, with significant exposure to automation equipment, controls, or robotics.
  • Demonstrated people leadership experience, including direct leadership of teams (typically 4-5+ direct reports) and talent development across diverse technical and commercial skill sets.
  • Proven success leading complex, cross-functional, and global initiatives in a matrixed environment, from strategy through implementation and value realization.
  • Deep knowledge of sourcing, supplier management, and contract/commercial structures for capital equipment and/or automation solutions, including risk and lifecycle cost management.
  • Experience supporting or leading automation programs in manufacturing or logistics (e.g., robotic cells, automated material handling, advanced controls, integrated systems).
  • Strong strategic orientation, analytical capability, and executive communication skills; able to simplify technical complexity and influence senior leaders.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead through ambiguity, drive change, and challenge the status quo while maintaining strong relationships and alignment.
  • High learning agility and comfort operating in a fast-changing environment with evolving technologies and competing priorities.
  • Travel Requirements: Occasional domestic and international travel to GM plants, suppliers, and technology partners up to 50%.


What Can Give You a Competitive Advantage (Preferred Qualifications):
  • MBA or advanced degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations, or Engineering.
  • Hands-on experience with factory automation and digital industrialization (e.g., smart factory, IIoT, digital twins, advanced analytics on equipment performance).
  • Experience in automotive or complex manufacturing, including launch environments and high-volume operations.
  • Proficiency with data and analytics tools (e.g., Power BI, Python, ML or AI Agentic development, cost modelling tools, supplier performance dashboards) to support decision making and performance management.
  • Formal training or certification in AI, ML, Operational Excellence, Lean, Agile, or Change Management.
GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc).This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}.This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

About General Motors

General Motors Company engages in the manufacture and sale of cars and trucks in the United States, China, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy. It offers sedans, crossovers, sport utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, coupes, sports/convertibles and hybrid vehicles, hatchbacks/wagons, and vans, as well as mini cars in India. The company also provides parts and accessories, such as iPod and MP3 compatibility, mobility accessories, performance parts, AC parts and services, and merchandise. In addition, it offers vehicle safety, security, and information services. The company provides used vehicles. It offers its products through dealers and distributors. General Motors Company was formerly known as NGMCO, Inc. and changed its name to General Motors Company in July 2009. The company was incorporated in 2009 and is based in Detroit, Michigan. It operates manufacturing facilities in India, the United States, and Canada. General Motors Company operates as a subsidiary of the United States Department of The Treasury. General Motors led global vehicle sales for 77 consecutive years from 1931 through 2007, longer than any other automaker, and is currently among the world's largest automakers by vehicle unit sales. General Motors acts in most countries outside the USA via wholly-owned subsidiaries but operates in China through 10 joint ventures. GM's OnStar subsidiary provides vehicle safety, security, and information services. In 2009, General Motors shed several brands, closing Saturn, Pontiac, and Hummer, and emerged from a government-backed Chapter 11 reorganization. In 2010, GM made an initial public offering IPOs to date and returned to profitability later that year.

General Motors Careers

Join the dynamic team at General Motors, a global leader in automotive innovation and technology. At General Motors, we offer unparalleled job opportunities that propel your career forward while contributing to a legacy of engineering excellence.

Work You’ll Do

Embark on a career with General Motors to drive the future of mobility. Our team is dedicated to redefining the automotive landscape through innovation and leadership in electric vehicles and sustainable solutions. By joining us, you will be part of a culture that values diversity, teamwork, and continuous professional growth.

Transform Your Career

General Motors is not just a company; it's a community where you can grow your skills alongside the best in the industry. Our leadership is committed to providing every employee—from interns to senior professionals—with opportunities for career advancement, leadership development, and diversity training.

Innovate and Lead

At General Motors, innovation is at the core of everything we do. From research and development to manufacturing, our teams work collaboratively to lead the industry with cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices. We encourage our employees to think big and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Join Our Global Team

As part of our global workforce, you will collaborate with talented individuals who are passionate about shaping the future of transportation. General Motors offers a variety of career paths in engineering, design, IT, marketing, and more. With over 155,000 employees worldwide, our network provides expansive opportunities for networking and professional development.

Internship Programs and Employment Benefits

Start your career journey with a General Motors internship, where you can apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects. Our internships provide a robust foundation in the automotive industry, with mentorship from experienced leaders. Full-time employees enjoy a wealth of benefits, including comprehensive health care, retirement plans, and performance bonuses, ensuring that your hard work is rewarded.

Explore Job Opportunities

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, General Motors offers positions that leverage your unique skills. Our hiring process is designed to identify and nurture talent, focusing on aligning your capabilities with the right opportunities for growth within the company.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. At General Motors, we look for innovative, driven, and solution-oriented team players. Explore the possibilities that await you in a career at General Motors.

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Learn more about General Motors
Size
157,000 employees
Market Cap
$46.9 billion
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
$6.4 billion
Founded
1908
5 Year Trend
-3.2%
Revenue
$122.4 billion
NASDAQ
GM
* Ladders Estimates

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