Supply Chain Manager

About the role

The Supply Chain Manager – Spice provides leadership for supply chain functions and fully supports factory operations for the Spice Business Unit while embracing, promoting, and building Sauer Brands. The role is responsible for strategically managing packaging and raw materials procurement, capacity and production planning, and inventory management, leveraging lean manufacturing principles to optimize inventory levels and identify cost-saving opportunities. Collaboration with cross-functional peers and leadership of special projects are required, alongside a commitment to safety and the growth of Sauer Brands.

Responsibilities

• Manages tactical procurement of raw materials and packaging to support optimal factory operations.
• Executes effective production scheduling to meet customer demand and Sauer Brands service level requirements.
• Identifies cost-saving opportunities through alternate supply sources, negotiation, waste reduction, freight optimization, and cost analysis.
• Works cross-functionally with R&D to source and develop new materials and recipes.
• Collaborates with the Packaging Engineering Team and other supply chain staff on shared initiatives.
• Supervises and leads staff with a servant-leader perspective.
• Maintains and optimizes inventory following lean manufacturing principles; participates in physical inventory events and executes SBI cycle counting initiatives.
• Acts as a servant leader and represents the company positively in supplier relations.
• Supports the Sr. Manager, Supply Chain with special projects and research as needed.
• Conducts risk management analysis.

Performance Standards

• Full Production Line Support: No unplanned line shortages or shutdowns.
• Cost Control/Cost Savings: Meets or exceeds defined KPIs for cost control savings and COGS reduction.
• Inventory Optimization: Meets or exceeds target days on hand (DSI) metrics; strategically extends supplier terms to meet or exceed Days to Pay Outstanding (DPO) targets.
• Culture Support/Building: Fully supports safety initiatives at SBI; participates in safety activities, meetings, and training; promotes safety as a condition.
• Organizational Health KPIs: Contributes to leadership and overall success of SBI; meets timelines and productivity requirements; demonstrates effective communication and teamwork consistent with Sauer Brands values.

Requirements

• Professional demeanor with a customer-centric mindset.
• Outgoing, energetic, and results-oriented personality; self-confident in abilities.
• Takes responsibility for actions; communicates clear, concise facts comfortably.
• Smart, creative, and inquisitive with integrity; does the right thing even when unobserved.
• Disciplined approach and accountability for KPIs; no-excuses mindset; dependable team player with a positive attitude.
• Passion for the organization and attention to detail; personal values aligned with SBI values.
• Documented history of making improvements in assigned areas; stellar references based on contributions and performance.

Qualifications

• Proficient in Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work under time constraints and juggle/prioritize multiple responsibilities.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives across diverse stakeholders.
• Highly organized with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Team-oriented, collaborative, and flexible; strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Strong warehouse and production management skills.
• College degree required (Business, Finance, Economics, or Engineering preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in Planning (ERP) and Procurement preferred.
• Proven management and/or supervisory experience a plus.
• Experience with ERP systems, Oracle (Peoplesoft) preferred.
• Six Sigma Greenbelt Certification preferred.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Vacation, sick days, and holidays
• Parental leave
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee and dependent life insurance
• Voluntary disability insurance
• Other voluntary insurance options