Supply Chain Manager

Job Title: Supply Chain Manager

Company: Acela, Inc.
Location: Bozeman, MT
Reports To: Director of Supply Chain or Designated Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time, Hourly
Compensation: $75,000 annually, depending on experience
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8-hour shifts
Work Arrangement: On-site

Company Overview

Acela, Inc. is a growing manufacturer and refurbisher of vehicles and trailers, including specialized on- and off-highway trucks. We operate in a fast-paced, process-driven environment focused on lean manufacturing, clear communication, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Employees are encouraged to take ownership of their responsibilities and contribute to operational efficiency and company growth.

Position Summary

The Supply Chain Manager oversees inventory management, procurement, supplier relationships, material planning, and logistics to ensure uninterrupted production and timely delivery of products. This position works closely with production, engineering, purchasing, and other departments to maintain material availability, control costs, improve supply chain efficiency, and support business objectives.

The ideal candidate is organized, analytical, and proactive, with strong communication and problem-solving skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Inventory & Material Management

• Maintain accurate inventory records for materials, components, and supplies across company facilities.
• Establish appropriate inventory levels to support production schedules and prevent shortages.
• Monitor material usage, lead times, and replenishment requirements.
• Coordinate with production teams to forecast demand and ensure timely material availability.
• Investigate inventory discrepancies and implement corrective actions.
• Identify excess, obsolete, and slow-moving inventory and recommend improvements.

Procurement & Supplier Management

• Coordinate purchasing and sourcing of raw materials, components, equipment, and production supplies.
• Negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, and purchasing terms with suppliers.
• Evaluate supplier performance based on cost, quality, reliability, and delivery.
• Identify and qualify new suppliers to improve availability, reduce costs, and mitigate supply risks.
• Maintain strong supplier relationships and resolve purchasing or delivery issues.
• Ensure purchasing activities align with production requirements and company standards.

Logistics & Supply Chain Optimization

• Coordinate inbound and outbound transportation, shipping, receiving, and material transfers.
• Identify opportunities to improve transportation routes, shipment consolidation, and freight costs.
• Optimize warehouse layouts, material handling, storage, and distribution processes.
• Evaluate equipment, staffing, and workflow requirements to improve operational efficiency.
• Monitor shipment schedules and resolve delays or disruptions affecting production or customer deliveries.
• Develop and maintain standardized supply chain procedures across facilities.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with production, engineering, procurement, finance, and sales to align material availability with business priorities.
• Coordinate material requirements for engineering changes, product updates, and new product launches.
• Identify operational gaps and implement solutions to improve workflow and production readiness.
• Communicate supply chain risks, shortages, and delivery concerns to relevant stakeholders.
• Provide guidance and training to team members and reinforce safe material handling and warehouse practices.

Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor key performance indicators related to inventory accuracy, supplier performance, material availability, freight costs, and delivery timelines.
• Prepare reports on supply chain performance, cost management, operational efficiency, and improvement opportunities.
• Analyze purchasing, inventory, and logistics data to identify trends and reduce waste.
• Implement lean manufacturing and continuous improvement practices throughout supply chain operations.
• Develop processes that support scalability, accountability, and sustainable business growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or a related field required; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• At least one year of experience in procurement, logistics, inventory management, or supply chain operations.
• Strong organizational, analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with suppliers, carriers, and internal teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Experience with material requirements planning (MRP), ERP systems, or Fishbowl inventory software preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to ethical conduct, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to bend, stoop, stand, walk, and move throughout warehouse and production areas.
• Ability to work safely around materials, equipment, and active manufacturing operations.
• Follow established safety procedures and wear required personal protective equipment.

Work Environment & Culture

Acela promotes a detail-oriented, quality-focused, and growth-driven culture built on structured processes, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. This position is primarily on-site and requires regular coordination with production facilities, suppliers, and internal departments.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $75,000 annually, depending on experience.
• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement: 401(k) with company matching.
• Paid Time Off: PTO in accordance with company policy.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking a dependable, results-driven professional who can balance inventory availability, supplier performance, cost control, and production demands. The successful candidate will take ownership of supply chain operations, build strong supplier relationships, identify process improvements, and help ensure Acela has the materials and logistics support needed to meet production schedules and customer commitments.