Supplier Operations Manager

Supplier Operations Manager

The Supplier Operations Manager serves as the primary operational partner to a portfolio of approximately 5-10 supplier facilities, driving performance excellence, operational efficiency, and execution consistency across the supplier network. This role combines hands-on operational consulting with strategic oversight to optimize production outcomes, support new product launches, and establish best-in-class operational standards. The position requires regular on-site engagement through monthly or quarterly facility visits and continuous performance monitoring to identify improvement opportunities and implement sustainable solutions that enhance supplier capabilities and business results.

Key Duties And Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary operational liaison for assigned portfolio of supplier facilities, building strategic partnerships that drive accountability, performance improvement, and operational excellence
• Conduct monthly or quarterly on-site visits to evaluate production processes, assess operational standards, identify execution gaps, and provide hands-on consulting to improve facility performance
• Provide operational consulting and technical guidance across production flow optimization, line efficiency improvements, capacity planning, and labor and staffing model design
• Partner with suppliers to support successful new product launches, ensuring production readiness, execution capability, scalability, and adherence to quality specifications
• Drive continuous quality improvement initiatives by identifying root causes of defects, implementing corrective actions, and establishing preventive measures to sustain quality standards
• Develop, operationalize, and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) including yield, waste, service levels, labor efficiency, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE)
• Monitor supplier performance through comprehensive scorecards and reporting systems, ensuring alignment with company standards, targets, and strategic objectives
• Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, field merchandising, quality assurance, and supply chain teams to identify performance gaps, benchmark execution across facilities, and support in-market product launches
• Lead continuous improvement efforts across the supplier network by standardizing best practices, facilitating knowledge transfer, and driving measurable results through Lean and Six Sigma methodologies
• Analyze operational data and production metrics to translate insights into actionable improvement plans that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service levels
• Facilitate problem-solving sessions with supplier leadership teams to address operational challenges, remove barriers, and implement sustainable solutions
• Develop and deliver training programs to build supplier capabilities in operational excellence, quality management, and performance measurement systems

Education And Experience

Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or related field required

Years Of Relevant Work Experience: 5+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, supply chain management, or operations consulting roles

2+ years of experience working directly with production environments, supplier networks, or vendor management in a distributed network

Years Of Management Experience: 2+

Certifications / Licenses: Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt) or continuous improvement certification strongly preferred

Specific Knowledge And Skills:

• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, production systems, and supply chain management principles
• Proficiency in industrial engineering concepts including workflow optimization, time studies, capacity analysis, and labor modeling
• Advanced analytical skills with ability to interpret operational data, identify trends, and translate insights into actionable improvement strategies
• Excellent problem-solving and root cause analysis capabilities using structured methodologies such as 5 Whys, fishbone diagrams, and Pareto analysis
• Experience with Lean manufacturing principles including value stream mapping, 5S, kaizen events, and waste elimination techniques
• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills with proven ability to influence and partner effectively with external stakeholders
• Excellent communication and presentation skills for both field-level operational discussions and executive-level reporting
• Ability to manage multiple facilities and competing priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) with advanced Excel skills for data analysis, pivot tables, and dashboard creation
• Experience with production planning systems, quality management systems, and performance management tools
• Strong project management capabilities with ability to drive initiatives from concept through implementation and sustainment
• Willingness to travel up to 50% to conduct on-site facility visits and support operational improvement initiatives