Supply Chain Manager

About the role

The Supply Chain Manager manages all aspects of direct material supply, including transactions, planning, procurement, trade compliance, and cost to ensure customer orders are filled on time. This role drives continuous improvement activities to enhance inventory accuracy, inventory turns, material costs, and other materials department goals. The manager coordinates with other departments and materials groups to leverage knowledge and best practices, utilizing lean supply management tools to drive efficiency in inventory management, buyer/planner activities, and other transactional aspects of materials management.

Responsibilities

• Provide functional direction, coaching, and process guidance to Buyer/Planners in planning, purchasing, inventory accuracy, supplier follow-up, shortage management, and material availability.
• Offer leadership and guidance to Buyer/Planners and Profit Center Managers to ensure consistent application of materials management processes, supply chain best practices, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage policies related to the procurement of goods and services.
• Establish yearly strategic objectives and support production departments in achieving those goals.
• Assume overall responsibility for the company’s material management goals, such as Material Throughput, Part shortages, Inventory Accuracy, and implement plans to achieve them.
• Monitor and manage KPIs (key performance indicators) and programs to track performance.
• Drive lean transformation throughout the supply chain and continuous improvement in all aspects of the procurement process.
• Oversee the Kanban program with external and internal supply bases.
• Maintain privacy and confidentiality of information, protect organizational assets, act with ethics and integrity, and adhere to all applicable laws and regulations.
• Work with Buyer/Planners to ensure inventory accuracy and drive improvement activities.
• Manage excess and obsolete inventory.
• Develop effective business relationships with suppliers to facilitate improvements in all aspects of the supplier relationship.
• Achieve financial objectives by preparing materials budgets, scheduling expenditures, analyzing variances, and initiating corrective actions.
• Support cross-functional teams to resolve quality issues with internal and external resources.
• Oversee trade compliance activities related to the import and export of goods.
• Establish and monitor standard work, KPIs, and escalation processes for Buyer/Planner activities, including inventory accuracy, part shortages, supplier delivery, open order management, and excess and obsolete inventory.
• Support Profit Center Managers with input on Buyer/Planner performance related to supply chain process execution, KPI performance, collaboration, and continuous improvement contributions.
• Lead regular materials reviews with Buyer/Planners and Profit Center Managers to identify risks, resolve constraints, improve planning discipline, and drive corrective actions.
• Maintain overall accountability for site materials management processes, including material throughput, part shortages, inventory accuracy, and continuous improvement plans.
• Additional duties and projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or a related field.
• Minimum 5-7 years of supply management experience in a high-volume factory environment, with proven negotiation skills.
• Advanced knowledge of procurement and inventory principles, theories, and processes.
• Proven experience dealing with Supply Chain issues like material shortages, quality issues, and pricing in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor a professional team of buyers.

Skills

• Maintain and provide a current understanding of industry best practices and technology developments.
• Identify tools, processes, and metrics to optimize material throughput.
• Lead by example and motivate teams to create a challenging, empowering, and collaborative working environment.
• Strong Lean Manufacturing knowledge.
• Strong critical thinking and analytic skills with the ability to use a structured approach to solve complex problems.
• Ability to multitask and contribute in a cross-functional collaborative environment.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to meet deadlines and a sense of urgency.
• Ability to manage and interact at all levels.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.
• Strong knowledge of ERP systems – JDE preferred.
• Good communication and presentation skills.
• APICS certification is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Paid vacation, sick time, and company holidays.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Life and AD&D insurance.
• Tuition reimbursement and learning and career development opportunities.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Discount portal.
• Recognition, well-being, and employee experience programs.

Reports to the Berlin General Manager with a dotted-line reporting relationship to the Access and Egress Hardware Group Director, Supply Management.