JOB DESCRIPTION: SUPPLY CHAIN LEAD

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS: The supply chain lead reports to the General Manager. The inventory coordinator reports to the supply chain lead.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Procurement Strategy:
• Develop and implement procurement strategies to meet the company’s operational goals, ensuring a cost-effective and reliable supply chain.
• Lead the procurement process, from supplier selection and negotiation to purchasing and vendor management.
• Lead material sourcing, including evaluating potential suppliers, conducting market analysis, and negotiating terms and contracts.
• Supplier Relationships:
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and vendors, ensuring that they meet quality, delivery, and cost requirements.
• Monitor supplier performance and resolve any issues related to quality, delivery schedules, or pricing.
• Conduct regular supplier audits and evaluations to ensure compliance with company standards and industry regulations.
• Inventory and Supply Chain:
• Ensure sufficient materials are available for production while minimizing excess inventory and associated carrying costs.
• Coordinate with the production team to forecast material requirements and ensure timely procurement of raw materials and components.
• Develop and implement strategies for inventory control, including optimizing reorder points and lead times to prevent stockouts or overstocking.
• Cost Control and Budgeting:
• Monitor procurement budgets, ensuring that purchasing costs align with company financial objectives.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, negotiate discounts with suppliers, and implement cost-reduction strategies.
• Conduct cost analysis on materials and components to ensure the best value for the company.
• Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams:
• Work closely with the production, engineering, and quality teams to understand material requirements and resolve any issues related to material specifications, quality, or lead times.
• Collaborate with the design and engineering teams to evaluate new materials or components for product development and future projects.
• Provide ongoing support to the production team by ensuring that materials are available to meet production schedules and deadlines.
• Compliance and Documentation:
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, company policies, and environmental standards when sourcing materials and components.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date procurement records, including purchase orders, contracts, and supplier agreements.
• Track and report on procurement performance metrics, such as supplier performance, cost savings, and material availability.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in procurement, supply chain management, or purchasing, preferably in a manufacturing or wire harness industry.
• Strong knowledge of sourcing, supplier negotiation, and supply chain management.
• Experience with ERP systems.
• Familiarity with industry standards, materials, and components used in wire harness manufacturing.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on cost optimization and efficiency.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks and deadlines.

The Supply Chain Lead oversees the sourcing, purchasing, and management of materials and components. This role is essential to ensuring that production runs smoothly by maintaining a reliable supply chain, optimizing costs, and building strong relationships with suppliers. The supply chain lead will work closely with production, engineering, and quality teams to meet company objectives, maintain inventory levels, and ensure the timely delivery of high-quality materials.