POSITION SUMMARY

The Supply Chain Manager leads strategic sourcing, procurement operations, and inventory management to ensure uninterrupted material flow supporting manufacturing operations of a small organization. This role requires dual capability: maintaining operational excellence with current systems while championing transformation initiatives. The successful candidate will modernize legacy purchasing processes, implement predictive analytics, and build scalable supply chain infrastructure while ensuring production continuity. This position manages the purchasing team and serves as a key cross-functional partner with Production, Engineering, Quality, Sales, Finance, and international operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead transformation of manual purchasing operations into modern, supply chain function through ERP optimization, process redesign opportunities, and system automation initiatives
• Identify and remediate MRP/ERP system limitations; partner with IT to implement sustainable solutions that eliminate manual workarounds and improve data integrity
• Develop and implement supply chain strategies aligned with business objectives, focusing on cost reduction, lead time compression, and inventory optimization
• Document and systematize purchasing decision frameworks to reduce dependency on tribal knowledge and enable team scalability

Predictive Analytics & Inventory Management

• Implement/Support forecasting models integrating historical consumption patterns, sales pipeline visibility, production schedules, and extended international lead times
• Implement inventory optimization algorithms balancing lead time variability, storage constraints, working capital efficiency, and supplier capacity limitations
• Develop automated replenishment strategies for high-runner materials based on analysis
• Create real-time inventory monitoring and automated alerting systems for stock-outs, quality issues, and supply disruptions
• Establish KPIs and dashboards providing supply chain visibility to leadership and cross-functional stakeholders

Supplier Management & Strategic Sourcing

• Drive critical supplier performance management through scorecards, collaborative improvement initiatives, and strategic partnership development
• Negotiate multi-year agreements enabling flexible capacity arrangements, consignment inventory, and vendor-managed inventory where appropriate
• Develop multi-tier supply chain visibility and risk mitigation strategies
• Maintain strategic relationships at multiple organizational levels (inside sales, management, technical experts) with key suppliers
• Monitor and report market trends, commodity pricing fluctuations, and supply chain risks for assigned categories

Cross-Functional Integration

• Partner with Production, Quality, Engineering, Sales, and Finance to integrate supply chain planning with demand planning, production scheduling, and financial forecasting
• Participate in new product development initiatives
• Collaborate with Quality on material specifications, supplier quality issues, and DMR (Defective Material Report) resolution
• Coordinate with Accounting on three-way match requirements, invoice discrepancies, and payment terms optimization
• Interface with Engineering on material specifications, ECO impacts, part number setup, and revision level management

Team Leadership & Development

• Manage, mentor, and develop purchasing team including Buyers and support staff
• Assign commodity responsibilities by part class to optimize workload distribution and enable specialization

Operational Execution

• Oversee daily MRP review and PO suggestion analysis, ensuring team validates system recommendations against business reality
• Manage crisis response for production emergencies including material shortages, quality rejections, and stock losses with rapid prioritization capability
• Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies, stock losses, and negative inventory situations through root cause analysis
• Ensure timely material receipts, inspection coordination, and three-way match compliance to support supplier payment
• Maintain awareness of shop floor inventory levels through gemba walks and visual management
• Coordinate international shipments including container logistics, customs clearance, and freight optimization

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field
• APICS, CPM, CPSM, or equivalent supply chain certification strongly preferred

Experience

• Minimum 7-10 years progressive experience in purchasing/supply chain management, with at least 3 years in leadership role
• Manufacturing environment experience required; metals industry (stainless steel, carbon steel, wire products) strongly preferred
• Proven track record transforming manual, legacy purchasing operations into data-driven supply chain functions
• Demonstrated experience with ERP optimization projects, business process redesign, and change management initiatives
• Experience managing international supply chains with extended lead times
• Background working with non-U.S. based suppliers and international operations preferred

Technical Skills

• Expert-level knowledge of MRP/ERP systems (Epicor experience highly valued) including limitations, configuration, and optimization opportunities
• Strong data analysis capabilities with Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, macros)
• Familiarity with SQL, database queries, or ability to work with IT on system enhancements

Core Competencies

• Strategic Negotiation: Sophisticated negotiation skills balancing cost, quality, delivery, and relationship objectives
• Technical Acumen: Sufficient material/product knowledge to engage credibly with engineering and quality teams while building systems to capture and leverage technical specifications
• Financial Acumen: Understanding of cost analysis, budgeting, working capital management, and total cost of ownership
• Organizational Excellence: Strong project management and prioritization skills with attention to detail
• Collaborative Leadership: Ability to build consensus across functions while driving accountability

Material Knowledge

• Understanding of material specifications, quality standards, and testing requirements for wire, metal strip, and fabricated components
• Familiarity with metallurgy principles preferred (ability to discuss material properties, heat treatment, formability with engineers and suppliers)
• Knowledge of industry standards and regulatory compliance requirements

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) Matching
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Discount Program
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Referral Program 
• Relocation Assistance
• Retirement Plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• ESOP (Employee Stock Option Program)

Schedule

This is a Monday thru Friday dayshift position. There will be occasions when working on a weekend may be required for this position. 

Work Location

In-Person

EEO Statement

Ashworth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our policy is clear: there shall be no discrimination , including harassment, because of race, color, sex, gender, age, religion or religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are an inclusive organization and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills and potential. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone.

Please apply using our job board below