Supply Chain Specialist

About the role

The Supply Chain Specialist is responsible for identifying, developing, and managing a high-performing supply base that meets the organization’s requirements for cost, quality, delivery, innovation, and sustainability. This role combines strategic sourcing, supplier performance management, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure a reliable and competitive supply chain. The Supply Chain Specialist acts as a key liaison between suppliers and internal stakeholders such as Operations, Quality, Engineering, and Finance.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and select suppliers based on capability, capacity, performance history, and alignment with company standards.
• Develop supplier improvement plans focused on cost reduction, quality enhancement, and lead-time reduction.
• Conduct supplier audits (onsite or remote) to assess operational capabilities and compliance.
• Monitor supplier performance using KPIs such as on-time delivery, fill rate, quality defects, responsiveness, and cost competitiveness.
• Drive root-cause analysis and corrective actions with suppliers to resolve performance issues.
• Identify and qualify new suppliers to support business growth, risk mitigation, and cost-down strategies.
• Negotiate contract terms, pricing, service levels, and long-term agreements with suppliers.
• Analyze market trends, commodity price movements, and supply risks to support sourcing decisions.
• Support cost modeling, benchmarking, quoting, and competitive bidding processes.
• Partner with Product Management & Engineering to support new product introductions, material qualification, and manufacturability improvements.
• Collaborate with Quality on supplier audits, PPAPs, certifications, and defect mitigation.
• Work with Operations to ensure uninterrupted supply flow and resolve production-related material issues.
• Identify supply chain risks and implement mitigation strategies (dual-sourcing, inventory buffers, quality gates).
• Responsible for Lead Customs and Trade Foreign aspects from the business.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field. Equivalent experience may be considered.
• 5+ years of experience in purchasing, supplier development, supply chain, or sourcing.
• Experience working in manufacturing, industrial, automotive, aerospace, or similar environments preferred.
• Proven negotiation and supplier management experience.
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies is a plus.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office Suite (Power BI is a plus).
• Ability to read technical drawings and specifications (preferred).
• Travel availability for supplier visits (typically 10–25%).

Benefits

• Competitive base salary with ongoing growth opportunities
• Company-paid HSA Medical plan
• Company-paid Dental
• Company-paid Life
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Retirement with Company contributions
• 20 Paid Time Off days per year, plus 9 holidays
• Subsidized lunch on-site