Supply Chain Manager

Supply Chain Manager (Manufacturing)

Location: Knoxville, TN (On-Site)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Overview

Our client, a well-established global manufacturer, is seeking an experienced and strategic Supply Chain Manager to lead and optimize its production-driven supply chain operations. This role is ideal for a hands-on leader who thrives in a complex manufacturing environment and combines strong operational expertise with strategic thinking, risk management, and continuous improvement. The successful candidate will oversee sourcing, purchasing, production planning, inventory management, warehousing, and logistics while ensuring materials are available to support manufacturing objectives and customer commitments.

Key Responsibilities:

Supply Chain Operations

• Lead day-to-day sourcing, purchasing, production planning, inventory control, and shipping activities.
• Ensure accurate material planning and timely execution of production schedules.
• Monitor supply chain performance and proactively resolve disruptions or bottlenecks.
• Support manufacturing operations by maintaining a reliable flow of materials and components.

ERP & Systems Management

• Serve as the primary supply chain system user and subject matter expert.
• Maintain and optimize part master data, supplier pricing, lead times, and inventory parameters.
• Drive continuous process improvements through effective utilization of ERP systems and reporting tools.

Supplier & Vendor Management

• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Conduct supplier evaluations and performance reviews to ensure quality, delivery, and cost objectives are met.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and service agreements while managing supplier performance against key metrics.

Risk Management & Strategic Planning

• Identify supply chain risks and develop contingency plans to minimize operational disruptions.
• Establish alternative sourcing strategies for critical materials and components.
• Support long-term supply chain planning and business growth initiatives.

Cost & Inventory Management

• Track and analyze total landed costs, inventory performance, and manufacturing variances.
• Ensure inventory accuracy through cycle counting, physical inventory processes, and inventory control procedures.
• Manage revision control, shelf-life requirements, and inventory optimization initiatives.

Performance Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Develop and publish KPI reports, forecasts, and operational performance metrics.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Create and maintain standard operating procedures, work instructions, and supply chain policies.
• Drive corrective actions related to quality, delivery, and cost performance.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business, Engineering, or a related discipline.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of progressive supply chain leadership experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in industrial equipment, electronics, automotive, machinery, or other complex manufacturing operations is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing purchasing, planning, inventory control, logistics, and supplier relationships.

Technical Knowledge

• Strong understanding of manufacturing workflows and Bill of Materials (BOM) management.
• Experience with international logistics, freight management, and Incoterms.
• Advanced ERP system experience; IFS experience is considered an asset.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen with the ability to interpret operational data and performance metrics.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Join a stable and growing manufacturing organization with a strong reputation in its industry.
• Lead critical supply chain initiatives that directly impact operational performance and business growth.
• Work within a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• Opportunity to drive process improvements and influence strategic decision-making.
• Competitive compensation package, bonus potential, and comprehensive benefits.