The position is responsible for leading the execution of material purchasing and inventory planning, making planning decisions for inventory, placing purchase orders and managing the logistics of the supply chain including managing freight and 3PL warehousing providers. This position will produce meaningful analysis, identify and execute on improvement opportunities within the supply chain
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead material procurement, expediting, and delivery processes to support production needs and customer demand fulfillment. Manage inventory levels closely, swiftly addressing any issues and escalating them internally, with supplier and to management when necessary.
Collaborate with the Finance, Sales, and Operations teams to capitalize on custom and quick-turn sales opportunities. Gather and interpret relevant data such as costs, budget, productivity, and demand to generate insightful analysis for reporting and decision-making. Develop data models tailored to serve as input into financial planning tools such as the SIOP dashboard, 13-week forecast and annual budgets.
Partner with Sales and Finance to implement SIOP, developing procurement strategies and integrating them with inventory plans and service levels targets. Ensure sufficient inventory levels of finished goods and related components (e.g. stiffeners).
Establish, monitor, analyze and report on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to inventory management to align with company goals & objectives. Maintain a centralized knowledge repository for easy access to critical information and provide necessary training to team members.
Manage pricing models and support Finance in updating standard costs in the ERP system. (e.g. commodity prices, exchange rate, tariff, etc.).
Assist in sourcing activities, including vendor identification, selection, negotiation and managing vendor performance. Compare and evaluate offers from suppliers to make cost effective sourcing decisions and identify alternative sources of supply.
Develop and maintain tracking tools for purchased products and logistics information. Train vendors to align their shipment documents with company templates, facilitating database consolidation and ensuring seamless access to vital information for all stakeholders.
Develop and implement a comprehensive transportation strategy for international inbound shipments to ensure smooth execution of logistics operations. Evaluate and select carriers, freight forwarders and logistics partner to meet our business needs.
Manage relationships with freight forwarders to ensure timely deliveries and cost-effectiveness.
Manage relationship and performance of 3rd party warehouse company for inventory and fulfillment of customer orders.
Forecast supplier inventory payments, manage the inventory purchasing budget, and track budget versus actual costs. Collaborate closely with accounting personnel to coordinate the flow of company resources.
Cultivate positive working relationships with suppliers. Provide constructive and consistent two-way communication between the business and vendor. Ensuring vendors meet the terms and conditions in their contract and hold vendors accountable for performance.
Ensure timely vendor payments to maintain good standing with vendors to support improved credit limits and payment terms.
Extract and consolidate data to support various projects and functions outlined in this position summary.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Undergraduate degree in Business, Accounting, Supply Chain, Engineering or a related field.
Certified Production Inventory Management (CPIM), Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), or related certification is preferred.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
Experience operating in a flat organization and fast-paced environment where leadership and influencing skills are necessary to bring about change is desired.
Excel skills at an intermediate to advanced level.
Ability to present findings and recommendations to leadership.
Microsoft Power BI and related ERP system experience preferred.
Energetic with a desire to learn new skills.
Exceptional organizational skills with ability to transition quickly from one project to another.
Ability to problem-solve, think logically, and work independently.
Ability to demonstrate a positive attitude and lead by example consistently.
Works well under pressure and meets established deadlines.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills with a collaborative approach.
Ability to manage time-sensitive projects.
Ability to guide others in a professional manner and serve as a mentor.
Confident and self-driven with the ability to think outside the box.
Negotiation skills and experience working with international suppliers (Asia) preferred
PHYSICAL AND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Some travel required.
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.