Supply Chain Manager
Job Overview:
We are seeking an experienced Supply Chain Manager to build, lead, and optimize the supply chain operations for a growing company that produces electromechanical products for the military and law enforcement sectors. This role will be responsible for developing and scaling the supply chain department, including defining processes, implementing systems, and assembling a high-performing team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in procurement, inventory management, logistics, and supplier relations, as well as experience in departmental development and strategic planning.
Key Responsibilities:
Department Development & Process Implementation:
- Build and structure the supply chain department, defining roles and responsibilities for key functions such as procurement, inventory management, and logistics.
- Develop and implement supply chain policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and best practices to support efficiency, scalability, and compliance.
- Identify and implement ERP/MRP systems and automation tools to streamline operations, improve material visibility, and enhance planning accuracy.
- Establish a performance-driven culture, setting key performance indicators (KPIs) and benchmarks for continuous improvement.
- Ensure cross-functional collaboration by integrating supply chain processes with engineering, manufacturing, finance, and quality assurance.
Team Leadership & People Management:
- Recruit, train, and mentor a team of supply chain professionals, fostering career development and performance excellence.
- Establish clear team goals, accountability structures, and career progression paths for supply chain personnel.
- Promote a collaborative, problem-solving culture, ensuring effective communication across departments.
- Conduct regular performance evaluations, provide coaching, and implement professional development programs.
Supply Chain Strategy & Operations:
- Develop and execute a comprehensive supply chain strategy to optimize cost, lead times, and risk mitigation.
- Manage the end-to-end procurement process, ensuring reliable sourcing of critical materials while maintaining cost efficiency.
- Establish and maintain strong supplier relationships, conducting performance reviews, negotiating contracts, and mitigating risks.
- Implement demand forecasting and supply planning methodologies to ensure production continuity and reduce excess inventory.
- Drive cost-saving initiatives, including supplier consolidation, strategic sourcing, and lean inventory management.
Inventory & Logistics Management:
- Ensure optimal inventory levels and material availability to meet production demands while minimizing waste and excess stock.
- Oversee logistics, warehousing, and distribution, optimizing storage solutions, material handling, and shipping operations.
- Develop and implement supply chain risk management strategies, identifying and mitigating potential disruptions.
- Work with logistics partners to streamline shipping and receiving operations, ensuring on-time delivery and regulatory compliance.
Compliance & Risk Management:
- Ensure full compliance with industry regulations, including ITAR, DFARS, FAR, ISO 9001, and AS9100.
- Implement supplier qualification and audit programs to maintain quality, security, and reliability of the supply base.
- Lead contingency planning and risk assessment initiatives, developing alternative sourcing strategies and supply chain redundancies.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Partner with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to align supply chain strategies with product development and production needs.
- Collaborate with finance to develop and manage supply chain budgets, cost analyses, and investment strategies.
- Support new product introductions (NPIs) by ensuring supply chain readiness for prototype and full-scale production.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or a related field.
- 7+ years of experience in supply chain management, procurement, or logistics, preferably in defense, aerospace, or high-reliability manufacturing.
- 3+ years of experience managing and developing a team in a supply chain function.
- Proven experience building and scaling supply chain teams, processes, and infrastructure.
- Strong knowledge of procurement, inventory control, logistics, and supplier management.
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems for supply chain planning and execution.
- Familiarity with ITAR, DFARS, and defense-related regulatory compliance.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills.
- Excellent leadership and communication skills, with a proven ability to drive team performance.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or Operations Management.
- Certifications such as Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), or Six Sigma certification.
- Experience with lean supply chain principles, logistics optimization, and supplier risk management.
- Background in government contracting, defense procurement, and compliance management.
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- The opportunity to build and lead a supply chain department in a rapidly growing company.
- Work on mission-critical products that support military and law enforcement agencies.
- A dynamic and hands-on work environment with room for leadership growth and strategic impact.