Description
Who We Are
At nLIGHT, we are constantly extending the cutting-edge of laser technology in multiple dynamic and growing markets. We are a leading provider of high-power semiconductors and fiber lasers for industrial, microfabrication, and aerospace & defense applications, to name a few. Our lasers are changing not only the way things are made, but also changing the things that can be made. Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR).
Job Summary
The Senior Commodity Manager provides strategic leadership across critical commodities, shaping long-term sourcing direction, supplier portfolio governance, enterprise risk mitigation, and sourcing transformation initiatives aligned with corporate growth and compliance requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Defines and executes global, long-term commodity and supplier portfolio strategies aligned with corporate growth plans and technology evolution.
- Develops comprehensive portfolio strategies that shape the organization's supplier base architecture across multiple commodities, geographies, and technology platforms
- Leads executive-level supplier performance reviews and Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) that influence strategic supplier relationships. Conduct high-level supplier governance sessions with executive participation, reviewing strategic alignment, performance against enterprise objectives, and long-term relationship trajectory.
- Negotiates complex, high-value commercial agreements involving multi-year commitments, global capacity planning, and strategic collaboration. Structures sophisticated commercial arrangements that include volume commitments, pricing mechanisms, capacity reservations, technology partnerships, and risk-sharing frameworks.
- Influences make/buy decisions and supplier architecture strategy in partnership with Engineering and Operations leadership. Provides expert input on supply chain implications, supplier capability landscapes, cost structures, and risk considerations for strategic product and manufacturing decisions.
- Anticipates and responds proactively to global market shifts, regulatory changes, and geopolitical developments impacting supply continuity. Maintains sophisticated understanding of global market dynamics, regulatory environments, and geopolitical risks across key sourcing regions and commodity markets.
- Leads multi-commodity diversification and resilience initiatives to reduce systemic risk exposure. Designs and executes enterprise-wide initiatives that reduce concentration risk across suppliers, geographies, or technologies affecting multiple commodity categories.
- Establishes standardized supplier governance frameworks, including scorecards, QBR structures, and compliance verification protocols.
- Drives enterprise-level sourcing process transformation and digital enablement initiatives. Leads organization-wide initiatives to modernize sourcing processes, implement advanced analytics capabilities, deploy digital procurement technologies, or restructure sourcing operating models.
- Develops structured contingency and risk mitigation plans for high-impact supplier dependencies. Creates comprehensive business continuity plans for critical supplier relationships that could significantly impact business operations if disrupted.
- Ensures comprehensive compliance governance aligned with FAR, DFARS, ITAR/EAR, and other applicable regulations.
- Leads enterprise-wide process improvement and optimization initiatives that enhance sourcing efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen compliance controls.
- Mentors and develops sourcing professionals to elevate organizational capability and strategic thinking.
- Serves as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on sourcing risk, cost roadmaps, and supplier innovation opportunities.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or related discipline; MBA strongly preferred and 12+ years of progressive sourcing or commodity management experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated executive-level negotiation experience managing high-value agreements.
- Experience managing multiple complex or global commodity portfolios.
- Advanced financial modeling and cost strategy capability (preferred).
- Deep understanding of government contracting regulations and compliance frameworks (preferred).
- Experience leading enterprise-level sourcing transformation initiatives.
- Strong executive communication and presentation capability.
- Proficiency in ERP systems and advanced analytics tools.
- Demonstrated ability to influence senior leadership and board-level stakeholders.
nLIGHT is proud to offer comprehensive COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Starting pay depends on qualifications: Sr Commodity Manager: $95,000 - $123,000 annually
Other Compensation and Benefits
- Target Cash Bonus of 5% of earned wages
- Eligible for Restricted Stock Unit grants
- 4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year
- 10 paid Holidays
- Eligible for health benefits on the 1st day of the month after your start date
- Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits, including prescription and orthodontia with employee-paid premiums as low as $40.00 per pay period
- Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting
- Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life & AD&D Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Aflac Supplemental Insurance
- Paid Bereavement Leave and Jury Duty
- Tuition Assistance Program
- Pet Insurance
nLIGHT is subject to US Export Control regulations. To qualify for this position, you must be a US Person (that is, a US citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual granted asylum or refugee status). Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or age. For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see this government poster: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (360) 566-4460 or [email protected]. E-Verify Participation: nLIGHT participates in the E-Verify program.
This employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For more information, please review the following notices:
- E-Verify Participation Poster
