Commodity Specialist (Raw Materials and Special Processes)

Purpose: The Supply Chain Commodity Specialist manages sourcing for raw materials, subcontracted manufacturing, and surface treatment services. The role ensures supply continuity, drives cost competitiveness, strengthens supplier capabilities, and supports in‑house manufacturing through strategic commodity management and risk mitigation across the supplier base.

Key Area of Responsibilities

Manage procurement and sourcing of raw materials including steel (sheet, plate, extrusion) and aluminum (block, plate, extrusion).

Lead sourcing and supplier management for machining, fabrication, and surface treatment/cleaning services, including CNC milling, turning, sheet metal, and welding.

Track and analyze global commodity trends, cost drivers, and supply risks.

Work closely with in‑house manufacturing to ensure material availability for production schedules.

Support supplier qualification, process capability evaluation, and cost modeling for subcontracted operations.

Lead commercial negotiations and continuous improvement initiatives with subcontractors.

Monitoring capacity, turnaround time, and process throughput to avoid delays impacting in‑house manufacturing.

Develop category‑specific and multi‑year commodity strategies across services, raw materials, subcontracting, and surface treatment/cleaning, incorporating dual‑sourcing approaches, supplier capability upgrades, and structured cost‑reduction initiatives.

Conduct cost benchmarking, should‑cost analysis, and supplier competitiveness assessments.

Implement risk mitigation actions such as alternative sourcing, supplier localization, and capacity planning.

Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality and Engineering on supply continuity, cost improvement, and production readiness.

Resolve supply issues, technical deviations, or surface treatment quality concerns in a timely manner.

Participate in engineering change processes and supplier development initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or related discipline.

3–5 years of experience in procurement or commodity management within manufacturing environment.

Strong experience in at least one of the following: raw materials sourcing, machining/fabrication subcontracting, surface treatment or chemical process suppliers.

Understanding of surface treatments (anodizing, plating, passivation), chemical processes, and their impact on product performance.

Knowledge of machining and fabrication processes, cost drivers, and manufacturing flow is preferable.

Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications.

Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills.

Strong communication and supplier relationship management.

Ability to handle technical discussions with engineering and process specialists.

Analytical, proactive, and comfortable dealing with supplier performance challenges.

Detail‑oriented with strong problem‑solving capabilities.

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VDL ETG Singapore is a supplier of system integrations of mechatronic (sub)systems and modules for 'Original Equipment Manufacturing' (OEM) companies. These companies are leaders in manufacturing technically sophisticated equipment. One of the key markets in which VDL ETG Singapore operates is the semiconductor industry, where it specialises in Wafer Fab Equipment.

Our value proposition as a system supplier consists of providing total lifecycle management: from (co-)design to cost analysis, repair & refurbishment, R&D support, prototyping, first runs, volume manufacturing. We can do this because we have in-house facilities for machining, high-speed milling, precision grinding, mechanical and electrical (cleanroom) assembly, testing, product certification and on-site installation.

We are a diverse, multicultural team working towards the same goal: meeting the demands of our customers and partners. Our location in Singapore makes us a strategic partner for many of our customers and allows us to offer our clients competitive services and values. The company has been evolving with its employees for more than 50 years. This enables us to meet the ever-changing world we live in. The team works together to stay relevant and ahead of change. The company also makes a difference to all stakeholders, including the local community, by giving back to society. We combine Dutch and modern Asian cultures, making the most of both worlds. Our strength lies in our diversity of people, customers and cultures.