Job Title: Supply Chain Manager Department: Supply Chain

Reports to: Chief Supply Chain Officer Last Revised: 02/18/2025

Location: Onsite, Lafayette, IN

Job Summary:

Antique Candle Co.™ is seeking a detail-oriented and hands-on Supply Chain Manager to lead our procurement and demand planning efforts. This role requires strong analytical skills to forecast demand, optimize inventory levels, and align purchasing with our production and financial goals. You’ll work cross-functionally with Marketing, Operations, and Finance to ensure the right materials are in the right place at the right time.

Beyond strategy, this role is for someone with a boots-on-the-ground mentality—someone who is willing to roll up their sleeves and actively engage in the day-to-day operations of our supply chain. From managing vendor relationships and negotiating costs to working alongside warehouse teams to troubleshoot inventory challenges, you’ll be instrumental in building out and refining our supply chain function as the company scales.

If you thrive in a fast-paced, growing business, love solving complex supply chain puzzles, and are excited to help shape the future of a small-but-mighty operation, we’d love to meet you!

Primary Job Responsibilities:

Lead, manage, and hold the Warehouse Coordinator accountable:

• Completes all People Management main job functions as set by executive leadership including, but not limited to, regular 1x1’s, productive meeting leadership, reviews, and performance management (praises & coaching). 
• Actively initiates team camaraderie & participates in culture building initiatives throughout company.  

Develop and maintain accurate demand forecasts for products across various levels, including by SKU, to drive supply chain planning and decision-making:

• Analyzes historical sales data, sales goals, market trends, and other relevant factors to create reliable and informative forecasts
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to ensure that forecasts align with inventory targets and strategies

Prepares, executes and updates a procurement plan based on sales trends, vendor lead time, transit time and required stock levels to ensure that purchases are planned for as it aligns with the budget:

• Operates with NetSuite regularly to push through purchase orders and utilize its vast reporting system to provide data and information to the appropriate parties. 
• Evaluates spending operations while seeking ways to improve and enhance the quality of products purchased and the timeliness of deliveries.
• Acts as a key point of reference between accounting/finance and the Supply Chain team to keep costs in line with budgets. 
• Communicates timely when there are delays in getting raw materials in house to do to supplier or transit issues. 

Maintains vendor relationships:

• Fosters and maintains positive, productive relationships with key suppliers, ensuring clear communication and mutual understanding of expectations
• Proactively addresses and resolves issues related to supplier performance, delivery, or quality, working collaboratively to find mutually beneficial solutions
• Identifies, negotiates, and implements opportunities for cost savings and process improvements in vendor relationships

Oversees inventory and warehouse management:

• Communicates regularly with the Chief Supply Chain Officer, Operations Managers and Warehouse Coordinator regarding the efficient flow of raw materials affecting production and the storage of finished goods. 
• Tracks daily inbound loads to assure inventory levels are maintained.
• Works in collaboration with the Warehouse Coordinator to assist with inventory counts and capture inventory discrepancies and purchase order variances to assure accurate system inventory at all times. 

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Communication and relationship-building abilities
• Ability to work cross-functionally with operations, finance, and leadership
• Excellent verbal and written communication. 
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times (let’s be honest, we’re talking Q3 and Q4) stressful environment.
• Ability to exhibit the small business mindset, even as the business grows. 

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Business Administration or related field of study OR 3-5 years equivalent experience.
• Proven negotiation and vendor management skills
• Familiarity with ERP systems and procurement software required. Experience working with Netsuite preferred. 
• Data analysis and cost-saving strategies experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including functions such as VLOOKUP, pivot tables, and data analysis tools.
• Experience working with a company that implemented and successfully utilized the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) preferred. 
• Willingness to work in-person at our facility in Lafayette, IN

Physical Requirements:

Prolonged periods sitting at desk and working on a computer.

Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds. 

Environment Requirements:

Working in an environment with various fragrances and scents. 

Travel Requirements:

Light travel may be required. 

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.