Supply Chain Manager

Roles and Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Plan, develop, organize, direct, manage and evaluate the personnel, operations and budget of supply chain
• Understand business unit needs, service those needs, and maintain and develop positive business relationships with a customer’s key personnel involved in or directly relevant to supply chain activities.
• Manage vendor relationships (e.g., third party logistics)
• Collaborate with staff, other departments, senior management, and decision makers to share information, problem solve, and to clarify management objectives.
• Oversee organization wide management of the strategic sourcing, procurement, contracting, and evaluation of services.
• Manage / coordinate the sales and operations planning process including supply / demand forecasting, inventory management, and on time delivery.
• Develop annual plans with prioritization and resourcing.
• Develop the supply chain strategy for the organization.
• Manage and execute procurement related functions (e.g., develop and implement contract management and procurement frameworks, sourcing strategies, negotiate agreements, draft and manage contracts, etc.).
• Monitor and analyze current trends in the marketplace.
• Direct and manage corporate governance and regulatory compliance.
• Identify and manage risk within the supply chain.
• Address tactical and strategic supply chain issues.
• Stay informed of advances in supply chain technology and approaches, and apply within the organization to improve supply chain processes.
• Establish key performance indicators, monitor ongoing performance, and improve performance against set goals.
• Develop and implement new systems, best practices, inventory control, demand planning, and other optimizations in order to grow the business.

Other Responsibilities

• Develop and implement profit improvement plans and change management plans.
• Communicate values, business goals, and represent the organization to internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage contractor and subcontractor activities, reviewing proposals, developing performance specifications, and serving as a liaison with the organization.
• Identify potential projects to deliver changes and improvements to the supply chain and commission.

Desired Candidate Profile

1. Logistics Management

• Transportation Coordination: Managing the movement of goods from suppliers to warehouses and from warehouses to customers, optimizing routes, and selecting the best transportation methods.
• Shipping and Distribution: Overseeing shipping procedures, ensuring products are delivered on time and in good condition. This includes managing third-party logistics providers (3PLs).
• Inventory Management: Ensuring that inventory levels are optimized to prevent overstocking or stockouts, implementing systems for tracking inventory, and reducing excess inventory.

2. Procurement and Sourcing

• Supplier Relationship Management: Developing and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers and vendors, negotiating contracts, and ensuring timely delivery of materials or products.
• Strategic Sourcing: Identifying reliable suppliers, evaluating their performance, and negotiating competitive pricing while ensuring the quality of materials.
• Cost Reduction: Identifying opportunities to reduce procurement costs without compromising quality, through bulk buying, supplier negotiations, or process improvements.

3. Demand Planning and Forecasting

• Forecasting: Using historical data, market trends, and sales projections to predict demand and ensure that the right amount of inventory is available at the right time.
• Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP): Collaborating with sales, marketing, and finance departments to align inventory levels with expected customer demand, ensuring smooth operations.
• Capacity Planning: Ensuring that the organization’s supply chain can meet demand fluctuations, whether it involves increasing production, improving logistics, or sourcing new suppliers.

4. Supply Chain Optimization

• Process Improvement: Analyzing current supply chain processes and identifying inefficiencies, then implementing improvements to reduce costs, enhance productivity, and improve delivery times.
• Technology Implementation: Using supply chain software (such as SAP, Oracle, or other ERP systems) to streamline processes, improve visibility, and increase automation in procurement, inventory management, and order processing.
• Lean Management: Implementing lean principles to eliminate waste, reduce inventory, and improve operational efficiency across the supply chain.

5. Risk Management

• Supply Chain Risk Assessment: Identifying potential risks in the supply chain, such as supply shortages, natural disasters, geopolitical factors, or transportation disruptions, and developing strategies to mitigate those risks.
• Business Continuity Planning: Developing contingency plans to ensure that operations continue smoothly in the face of supply chain disruptions.
• Vendor Risk Management: Assessing and managing risks associated with suppliers, including financial stability, capacity, and compliance with quality and safety standards.

6. Financial Acumen

• Budgeting and Cost Control: Managing the supply chain budget, controlling costs, and tracking expenses related to procurement, warehousing, transportation, and logistics.
• ROI and Profitability: Analyzing and calculating the return on investment (ROI) for supply chain improvements or investments, ensuring that decisions contribute to the overall profitability of the organization.
• Cost-benefit Analysis: Evaluating potential supply chain changes, considering both short-term and long-term costs, and benefits to ensure that they align with the company’s financial goals.

7. Data Analysis and Reporting

• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Defining and tracking KPIs (such as delivery times, order accuracy, inventory turnover, and transportation costs) to measure supply chain performance.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Analyzing data related to supply chain operations and making informed decisions based on key metrics and insights.
• Reporting: Creating regular reports for senior management on supply chain performance, inventory levels, supplier performance, and any issues or challenges.