Manager, Supply Chain

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Manager, Supply Chain

Full Time Columbia, SC, US

Position Summary

The Director of Supply Chain is responsible for leading and unifying supply chain strategy and execution across Shakespeare Company's three distinct business units. This role owns end-to-end supply chain performance — procurement, production planning/scheduling, inbound and outbound logistics, 3PL management, and warehouse operations — while driving measurable cost reductions, improving service levels, and strengthening supplier relationships. The Director leads a team of five Buyers/Planners/Schedulers and a Shipping & Receiving Manager who oversees a warehouse team of ten and serves as the primary liaison to third-party logistics (3PL) partners supporting the business.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a unified supply chain strategy across three distinct business units, balancing shared best practices with the unique sourcing, planning, and compliance needs of each.
• Lead, coach, and develop a direct staff of five Buyers/Planners/Schedulers, setting clear priorities for purchasing, materials planning, and production scheduling that keep plants running on-time and in-full.
• Directly manage the Shipping & Receiving Manager and provide oversight, through that role, of a 10-person indirect warehouse team, ensuring safe, accurate, and efficient inbound/outbound operations.
• Own the relationship with the company's third-party logistics (3PL) provider(s), including contract performance, service-level agreements, freight routing, rate negotiations, and issue resolution.
• Identify, lead, and track cost-reduction initiatives across procurement, freight/logistics, inventory carrying costs, and warehouse operations, report savings against annual targets.
• Establish and monitor key supply chain metrics (on-time delivery, fill rate, inventory turns, freight cost as a percentage of sales, supplier performance, cost savings) and drive corrective action where needed.
• Partner with Operations, Quality, Engineering, and Finance leaders at each business unit to align supply chain plans with production schedules, new product introductions, and demand changes.
• Lead strategic sourcing and supplier negotiations, including RFQs/RFPs, supplier selection, contract terms, and ongoing supplier performance management and score carding.
• Manage inventory strategy across raw materials, WIP, and finished goods to balance service levels against working capital targets.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory, contractual, and customer requirements, including ITAR and other export-control obligations tied to the company's military antenna business unit.
• Develop and manage the supply chain department budget, including staffing, freight, and 3PL spend.
• Drive continuous improvement projects (lean, Kaizen, S&OP) to streamline purchasing, planning, and warehouse processes across all three business units.
• Build contingency and risk-mitigation plans for supply disruptions, single-source dependencies, and capacity constraints.
• Support annual physical inventory / cycle counting programs and maintain inventory accuracy standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position directly supervises five (5) Buyers/Planners/Schedulers and one (1) Shipping & Receiving Manager and carries indirect oversight of a ten (10) person warehouse team through the Shipping & Receiving Manager. Responsibilities include hiring, coaching, performance management, scheduling, and professional development for the team.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or a related field; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• 8+ years of progressive supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment, including procurement, planning/scheduling, and logistics/warehouse operations.
• 3+ years of leadership experience managing buyers, planners, or supply chain staff, including managers or supervisors.
• Demonstrated experience managing 3PL relationships and freight/logistics networks.
• Proven track record delivering measurable cost reductions in procurement, freight, or inventory.
• Experience supporting multiple business units, product lines, or plants simultaneously.
• Strong working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems (SAP, ADP, Epicor or similar) and inventory management tools.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and cross-functional communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM, CSCP) or equivalent.
• Experience in a defense, aerospace, or ITAR-regulated manufacturing environment.
• Experience operating in a private-equity-owned or newly acquired company environment.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement certification.

Physical Demands / Work Environment

This position is based primarily in an office setting with regular time spent on the production floor and in the warehouse. Requires the ability to travel periodically between Columbia, Candler, and other business unit locations. Must be able to walk, stand, and move throughout manufacturing and warehouse areas, and occasionally lift up to 25 lbs.

Other Requirements

Due to the nature of the military antenna business unit, this position may require access to information subject to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Candidates must be a U.S. Citizen or otherwise qualify as a U.S. Person under ITAR, or be eligible to obtain the necessary export authorization.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of responsibilities for this position, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of this position. Company management may assign other relevant, business-related duties.