We are seeking an experienced Supply Chain Manager to lead end-to-end supply chain execution for our OEM equipment manufacturing operations. In this pivotal role, you will own the entire lifecycle of our materials—from strategic sourcing and purchasing to inventory control and final shipping. Your mission is to ensure material availability, maintain cost competitiveness, and guarantee on-time delivery to support our production floor and customer commitments.
This is a "hands-on" leadership role ideal for a professional who thrives in a small-to-mid-sized manufacturing environment and enjoys the challenge of optimizing complex, discrete manufacturing supply chains.
Key Responsibilities Purchasing & Strategic Sourcing
- Lead all direct and indirect purchasing activities.
- Source, evaluate, and onboard high-quality suppliers.
- Manage RFQs, develop cost models, and lead aggressive supplier negotiations.
- Drive cost-reduction initiatives without compromising quality.
- Implement dual-sourcing and risk-mitigation strategies to ensure business continuity.
Inventory Control & Planning
- Define and manage inventory strategies, including safety stock levels and reorder points.
- Optimize inventory turns and manage working capital effectively.
- Oversee accurate transactions, cycle counts, and BOM (Bill of Materials) accuracy.
- Utilize MRP-driven planning to synchronize material flow with production schedules.
Supplier Management & Logistics
- Own the relationship with our supplier base; conduct regular performance reviews and monitor KPIs.
- Oversee inbound/outbound logistics, managing relationships with freight carriers to optimize costs.
- Ensure all shipping, receiving, and packaging documentation is compliant and efficient.
Leadership & Systems
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team including Buyer-Planners, Inventory Control, and Shipping/Receiving staff.
- Serve as the subject matter expert for our ERP/MRP system (IFS), maintaining item master data and lead times.
- Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, and Finance to support new product introductions (NPI) and engineering changes.
Qualifications Required:
- Experience: 10–20 years of progressive experience in supply chain, purchasing, or materials management within an OEM or discrete manufacturing environment.
- Technical Proficiency: Deep hands-on experience with ERP/MRP systems (IFS preferred; Epicor, SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite also valued).
- Negotiation Skills: Proven track record of negotiating cost reductions and managing complex supplier contracts.
- Core Skills: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (specifically Excel) and a strong grasp of logistics and freight management.
- Problem Solving: Excellent organizational skills with the ability to solve complex material shortages or logistical bottlenecks.
Preferred:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Operations, Business, or Engineering.
- Certification: APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM or CSCP) is a significant plus.
- Domain Knowledge: Experience in Engineer-to-Order (ETO) environments and familiarity with machined, fabricated, or welded components.
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
- Ability to work extended hours as needed to meet production deadlines.
- Physical activity includes walking the production floor, sitting, lifting (up to 50 lbs occasionally), and climbing.
- Frequent communication with employees and visitors; must be able to regularly talk and hear in a manufacturing environment.