Supply Chain Manager

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the supply chain strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Lead Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes to balance demand, capacity, and inventory.
• Ensure continuity of supply and timely delivery of materials required for production.
• Establish and monitor key supply chain performance indicators (KPIs).
• Drive improvements in inventory management, material flow, and supply chain efficiency.
• Develop contingency plans to mitigate supply disruptions and business risks.
• Purchase strategic sourcing initiatives for direct and indirect materials.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing agreements, and supplier performance expectations.
• Manage supplier relationships and conduct regular business reviews.
• Identify and implement cost-reduction opportunities through competitive sourcing, standardization, and supplier collaboration.
• Evaluate supplier risks and develop mitigation plans.
• Ensure compliance with company purchasing policies and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee demand forecasting, material planning, and inventory control processes.
• Optimize inventory levels while maintaining operational readiness.
• Monitor inventory turns, safety stock levels, and working capital performance.
• Collaborate with production, engineering, quality, and finance teams to support operational goals.
• Manage transportation, warehousing, and distribution activities.
• Improve logistics performance, freight optimization, and transportation costs.
• Ensure compliance with domestic and international shipping regulations.
• Coordinate import/export activities where applicable.
• Lead, mentor, and develop supply chain, planning, purchasing, and logistics personnel.
• Establish performance objectives and conduct regular evaluations.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Support employee training and succession planning initiatives.
• Data driven improvements to Lean, Six Sigma, and operational excellence initiatives.
• Implement digital tools and automation opportunities to improve supply chain visibility and efficiency.
• Lead cross-functional projects focused on productivity, cost reduction, and service improvement.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering, or related field. Master's degree (MBA or Supply Chain discipline) preferred.
• Experience: 8+ years of progressive supply chain experience. Minimum 5 years of purchasing/procurement management experience. Experience in manufacturing, industrial, aerospace, defense, automotive, battery, or other complex production environments preferred. Proven success in supplier negotiations, contract management, and cost reduction programs. Experience managing teams and cross-functional initiatives.
• Technical Skills: S&OP, MRP, and ERP systems experience (SAP, Oracle, NAV, QAD, M3, Microsoft Dynamics, etc.). Strategic sourcing and supplier relationship management. Inventory optimization and warehouse management. Supply chain risk management. Financial analysis and total cost of ownership (TCO) evaluation. Advanced Excel and data analytics skills.