ABOUT THE ROLE
As a Supply Chain Specialist, you will assume a pivotal role within the Manufacturing and Supply Chain Team, tasked with overseeing component procurement, vendor qualification, production scheduling, and fostering robust communication channels with essential vendors and manufacturing partners. This role demands a strategic mindset, meticulous attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and a demonstrated history of adeptly managing supply chains to bolster manufacturing and production efforts.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Strategic Procurement:
- Manage and maintain procurement of qualified components/materials to support ongoing production.
- Develop and execute procurement strategies to ensure timely acquisition of quality components while optimizing costs and mitigating supply chain risks.
- Proactively identify alternative sourcing options and develop contingency plans to mitigate supply chain risks, such as shortages or disruptions.
- Vendor Management:
- Lead vendor selection and evaluation to establish and maintain productive relationships with suppliers, ensuring adherence to quality standards, delivery schedules, and cost targets.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including engineering and quality assurance teams, to facilitate supplier qualification and approval processes.
- Establish clear communication channels and cultivate strong relationships with key suppliers, fostering collaboration and resolving issues in a timely manner.
- Inventory Optimization:
- Analyze historical demand patterns and forecast accuracy to establish optimal inventory levels and safety stock buffers for raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods.
- Implement inventory control policies and procedures, such as ABC analysis and cycle counting, to optimize inventory turnover rates and minimize carrying costs.
- Budget Management:
- Develop annual supply chain budgets in alignment with business objectives, incorporating input from cross-functional stakeholders and financial forecasts.
- Monitor actual spending against budgeted targets, analyzing variances and identifying opportunities for cost savings or expenditure reallocation.
- Risk Management:
- Identify and assess potential supply chain risks, including geopolitical instability, natural disasters, supplier financial instability, and regulatory compliance issues.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop business continuity plans and crisis management protocols, ensuring readiness to respond effectively to supply chain disruptions.
- Production Planning and Scheduling:
- Collaborate with Manufacturing, Sales Operations, and Commercial Teams to develop accurate production plans and schedules based on demand forecasts, capacity constraints, and inventory targets.
- Coordinate with material planners to ensure timely availability of raw materials and components, minimizing production disruptions and inventory holding costs.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Finance, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Minimum 3 years of progressive experience in supply chain management, procurement, or operations management role within manufacturing or related industries.
- Demonstrated track record of success in managing complex supply chains, driving cost reductions, and improving operational efficiency.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
- Proficiency in supply chain management principles, including procurement, production planning, inventory management, and logistics.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze data, identify trends, and develop actionable insights to optimize supply chain performance.
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and drive initiatives to completion on time and within budget.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
- Ability to adapt to a fast-paced and dynamic environment, with a proactive and results-oriented approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
- Willingness to travel occasionally, as needed, to visit suppliers, attend industry conferences, or support global supply chain activities.
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in the manufacturing industry, particularly in sectors such as medical device, Consumer goods, or electronics, is highly desirable.
- Knowledge of international trade regulations, customs compliance, and import/export procedures is a plus.
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, or other process improvement frameworks.