Position Summary:
The Supply Chain Manager is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating all supply chain activities, including procurement, production planning, inventory control, warehousing, and logistics. This role ensures the efficient flow of materials and finished goods to meet customer demand while optimizing cost, quality, and service levels. In a manufacturing environment, the position plays a key role in cross-functional coordination, supplier performance management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop and execute supply chain strategies aligned with company goals for cost, service, and inventory optimization
- Oversee procurement activities, including supplier selection, negotiation, and performance management
- Lead production planning and scheduling to ensure on-time delivery and efficient capacity utilization
- Manage inventory levels to balance working capital objectives with customer service requirements
- Monitor and improve key supply chain metrics (OTD, inventory turns, lead times, supplier performance)
- Collaborate with operations, engineering, quality, sales, and finance to align supply chain activities with business needs
- Identify and implement process improvements using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies
- Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships; mitigate supply risks and ensure continuity
- Oversee logistics and transportation strategies to optimize freight cost and delivery performance
- Manage ERP/MRP system utilization for planning, purchasing, and inventory control
- Lead, coach, and develop supply chain team members (buyers, planners, warehouse/logistics staff)
- Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, and regulatory requirements
- Support new product introduction (NPI) efforts with sourcing and supply chain readiness
- Prepare forecasts and participate in S&OP (Sales & Operations Planning) processes
- Coordinate with shop supervisors to properly align staffing resources to meet production demand
Additional Duties, Responsibilities and Activities:
- Other duties as may be necessary to fulfil the responsibilities of this position.
Education and Experience Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, Engineering, or similar field required; or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
- 3-5 years of supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment preferred
- 3+ years in a leadership or supervisory role preferred
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., Epicor Kinetic, SAP, Oracle, or similar); Epicor Kinetic preferred
- Strong understanding of procurement, production planning, inventory control, and logistics
- Proven experience in supplier negotiation and cost reduction initiatives
- Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement practices preferred
- APICS certifications (CPIM, CSCP) or similar credentials are a plus
Key Competencies
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong leadership and team development abilities
- Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration
- Financial acumen related to cost control and inventory management
- Ability to operate in a hands-on, fast-paced manufacturing environment
- Ability to demonstrate strong decision-making skills under pressure