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.

About the role

The Supply Chain Manager – Spice is responsible for strategically managing packaging and raw materials procurement, capacity & production planning, and inventory management. The successful candidate will perform strategic procurement utilizing lean manufacturing principles, optimize inventory levels, and identify cost-saving opportunities within the supply chain. Leadership and collaboration with cross-functional peers are essential, along with supporting factory operations and executing special projects.

Responsibilities

• Manages the tactical procurement of raw materials and packaging for optimal factory operations.
• Executes effective production scheduling to support customer demand and meet or exceed Sauer Brands required service levels.
• Strategically identifies cost savings opportunities, including:
  • Identifying alternate sources of supply
  • Demonstrating excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills
  • Identifying waste and seeking opportunities for cost reduction in the supply chain (e.g., optimize freight or order size)
  • Conducting cost analysis on various aspects of the supply chain
• Works cross-functionally with R&D to source and develop new materials/recipes.
• Collaborates with the Packaging Engineering Team and other supply chain staff.
• Supervises and leads staff with a servant leader perspective.
• Manages and controls inventory:
  • Optimizes inventory following lean manufacturing principles.
  • Maintains item attributes to align with planning and company objectives.
  • Participates in physical inventory events (generally year-end).
  • Executes SBI cycle counting initiatives in conjunction with Sauer Brands Corporate Inventory Manager.
• Acts as a servant leader and works in a customer-centric manner.
• Represents the company positively through supplier relations.
• Supports the Sr. Manager, Supply Chain with special projects or necessary research.
• 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 expectations for target days on hand metrics (DSI) and strategically works to extend supplier terms to meet or exceed target Days to Pay Outstanding metrics (DPO).
• Culture Support/Building: Fully supports Safety Initiatives at SBI, participates in safety activities (e.g., meetings, Safety MyVoice, and training), and promotes safety as a condition.
• Organizational Health KPIs: Leadership and contribution to the overall success of SBI, meeting timelines and productivity requirements, and demonstrating effective personal interaction, communication, and teamwork.

Qualifications

• 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 System(s), Oracle (Peoplesoft) preferred.
• Six Sigma Greenbelt Certification preferred.

Skills

• Professional demeanor with a customer-centric mindset.
• Outgoing, energetic, and results-oriented personality.
• Self-confident in abilities and takes responsibility for actions.
• Communicates clear, concise facts comfortably.
• Smart, creative, and inquisitive with integrity.
• Disciplined approach and accountability for KPIs; no excuses mindset.
• Dependable team player with a positive attitude and passion for the organization.
• Detailed-oriented with the ability to reconcile and manage multiple tasks/objectives.
• Personal values that mesh with SBI values.
• Documented history of making improvements in assigned work area/responsibilities.
• Stellar references based on contributions and performance.
• Proficient in Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work and thrive under time constraints and juggle/prioritize responsibilities.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives.
• Highly organized with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Team-oriented, collaborative, and flexible.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Strong warehouse management and production management skills.

Benefits

• 401K
• Medical/Dental/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

Preferred Location: Richmond, VA