Supply Chain Manager

Title - Supply Chain Manager (Manufacturing) Location – Knoxville, TN Occasional overnight travel may be required including internationally. Total required travel is less than 10%. Company is looking for a strategic Supply Chain Manager to oversee our production-driven supply operations. You will function as the “owner” of strategic initiatives, managing day-to-day activities while ensuring our supply chain remains agile and accurate. This role requires a leader who excels in complex equipment manufacturing, balances technical aptitude with proactive risk management, and lives by our global purpose and values. Key Responsibilities Operational Leadership: Manage all day-to-day sourcing, purchasing, planning, and shipping. Ensure timely material master planning and distribution of the schedule. ERP System Mastery (IFS): Serve as the IFS Key User for SCM. Oversee the effectiveness of the entire system, including part master data, purchase pricing, and lead-time accuracy. Vendor Performance: Manage relationships with suppliers, conducting regular audits to ensure quality standards and lead-time reliability. Risk Mitigation: Develop contingency plans for supply disruptions, including identifying alternative sources for critical manufacturing components. Cost Management: Track and report on Total Landed Cost (TLC) and manufacturing variances to maintain healthy profit margins. Inventory & Warehouse Management: Maintain inventory integrity, including shelf life and revision control. Co-own cycle counting and annual physical inventory results. Performance & Reporting: Publish monthly reports on material expense projections and KPIs. Proactively initiate corrective actions for quality, delivery, and cost variances. Process Improvement: Lead Lean and Kaizen projects. Create work instructions and policies to continuously improve and align processes with the Global Skill Group Team. Leadership & Team Management Direct Supervision: Lead and motivate reports by setting clear objectives, identifying training needs, and conducting bi-weekly 1:1s and annual reviews. Accountability: Hold all direct reports to high standards of integrity and accuracy. Administer coaching and corrective action when appropriate. Influence: Effectively engage others to achieve results even in the absence of authority, communicating professionally across all levels of the organization and global partners. Requirements & Qualifications Education: BS Degree in Supply Chain Management or other relevant discipline Experience: 5+ years in a manufacturing-specific supply chain leadership role (e.g., Automotive, Electronics, or Industrial Goods). Soft Skills: Strong organizational skills with the ability to lead effectively under stress. A 'lead by example' mentality regarding company values and USTER standards. Communication: Highly effective at interfacing with global stakeholders and navigating negotiation/problem-solving with third-party vendors. Technical Proficiency: Expert-level skills in ERP (IFS preferred) and MS Office. Ability to analyze complex financial and performance data. Knowledge: Deep understanding of manufacturing workflows, bill of materials (BOM) management, and international freight (Incoterms). Certifications: APICS (CPIM/CSCP) or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt is highly desirable. 401(k) 401(k) matching Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Supervising: 5 years (Preferred) Manufacturing Supply Chain: 4 years (Preferred) Purchasing and inventory control: 5 years (Preferred) #J-18808-Ljbffr