Supply Chain Improvement Manager

At Southern Design Group, we provide a unique selection of architectural hardware to suit a variety of styles and budgets. We are a family-owned business and for over 40 years, our specialists have been providing design conscious consumers with quality products. Southern Design Group is the parent company to three architectural hardware brands sold in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States:

Iver (iver-life.com)

Bankston (bankston.com)

We have almost 100 employees across Australia, New Zealand and the US and foster an innovative, results focused, and flexible work environment. Southern Design Group works with external partners to undertake production on our behalf. The quality and effectiveness of relationships with external production partners is a core determinate of our ability to achieve our ambitions. Our company vision is to offer the best consumer experience in the architectural hardware industry.

We have a long history of retaining dedicated and experienced staff who reflect our strong values.

About the Role

Reporting to the Global Head of Product & Supply, this role will have influence across Southern Design Group and work closely with the Product Development, Operations, Marketing, and Sales teams. The Supply Chain Improvement Manager will engage with external production partners to introduce new products and lead project execution to improve the effectiveness of Southern Design Group’s supply chain. Given the cross-functional nature of the role, there may be opportunities to identify and drive improvement in other parts of the organisation after an initial focus on supply chain.

Duties & Responsibilities

1. Lead the planning for, coordination, and execution of projects to introduce new products to external production partners.
2. Take an active role in investigating and implementing projects to improve supply chain effectiveness and responsiveness.
3. Use data to inform recommendations and make the case for change in pursuit of Southern Design Group’s objectives.
4. Keep senior management and other departments informed of project progress to build confidence and trust.
5. Nurture and strengthen relationships with key external production partners through effective communication and the identification of opportunities to introduce mutually beneficial improvement projects.
6. Oversee the introduction of new policies to external production partners.
7. International travel to suppliers as required.

How can I tell if this is for me?

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in manufacturing.
• Strong experience designing and implementing improvement projects.
• Excellent communication and influence skills across cultures and functional specialties.
• An inquisitive mind and interest in growing with a rapidly evolving organisation.
• Experience scoping and leading cross-departmental improvement projects.
• Relevant tertiary qualification.
• Ability to travel internationally; up to one week per quarter.

Desirable/highly regarded experience

• An interest and experience in metal fabrication.
• Previous experience working with Chinese and/or Indian manufacturing.
• Experience in new product development and introduction.

Benefits and Perks:

• Opportunity to develop and add value to a long standing and growing business.
• Work within a culture that rewards innovation, strategic thinking and adherence to values.
• Great company culture with strong adherence to values.
• Continued professional development and training opportunities.
• Quarterly social events and weekly Friday evening gatherings.
• Friendly and supportive team environment.
• Flexible working hours and arrangements.
• Rewards & Recognition system.

If this sounds like you then click Apply now with your Cover Letter and CV.