Supply Chain Manager

Supply Chain Manager

At Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU), we support real-world aviation missions by delivering NVIS-compatible lighting and filtration upgrades that enable crews to operate safely and effectively in low-light environments. ASU is a small business where supply chain decisions directly impact margin, cash flow, and operational success. This role owns end-to-end supply chain performance and drives measurable improvements in cost, reliability, and data integrity.

The Supply Chain Manager is a hands-on working manager responsible for all aspects of supply chain performance including sourcing, inventory, logistics, and supplier management. This role combines execution with strategic oversight to ensure operational efficiency and alignment with financial objectives. You will manage supplier relationships, oversee inventory accuracy, and ensure ERP/MRP data integrity. Decisions are made using a total cost of ownership approach, with a strong focus on margin, cash flow, and financial impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Directly execute supply chain functions while leading a small team (50–70% hands-on)
• Oversee purchasing, planning, inventory, warehousing, and shipping/receiving
• Establish performance expectations and manage accountability through KPIs

Supplier & Strategic Sourcing

• Manage supplier relationships and negotiate contracts
• Evaluate suppliers based on cost, quality, lead time, and risk
• Analyze bids and implement sourcing strategies to improve cost and reliability
• Drive cost reduction through lifecycle cost analysis

Inventory & Planning

• Maintain inventory levels aligned with demand, service goals, and financial targets
• Oversee forecasting, safety stock, cycle counts, and obsolescence control
• Ensure inventory accuracy and proper valuation

Financial Integration

• Ensure accurate transaction coding and alignment with the general ledger
• Partner with accounting to resolve discrepancies and maintain clean records
• Evaluate decisions based on margin, cost, and cash flow impact

Data & System Integrity

• Maintain accurate ERP/MRP data and disciplined transaction processing
• Improve processes to reduce errors and ensure reliable reporting

Performance Management

• Own KPIs including inventory turns, OTIF, supplier performance, and fill rates
• Use data to identify issues, implement corrective actions, and track results

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with accounting, operations, and leadership to ensure alignment
• Communicate clearly to support informed decision-making

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of end-to-end supply chain experience (purchasing, inventory, logistics, planning)
• Strong financial literacy and understanding of accounting principles
• Experience with inventory costing, margin impact, and cash flow
• Proficiency with ERP systems and Excel; strong data integrity discipline
• Experience managing suppliers and performance metrics
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or related field

Core Competencies

• Financial Acumen: Evaluates decisions based on total cost and business impact
• Operational Execution: Balances hands-on work with leadership responsibilities
• Data Discipline: Maintains accurate, reliable systems and reporting
• Accountability: Owns outcomes and ensures process integrity
• Agility: Thrives in a fast-paced, small-business environment

What Success Looks Like

• Inventory data is accurate and aligned with financial statements
• KPIs show measurable, sustained improvement
• Supplier performance improves through disciplined management
• Supply chain decisions consistently reflect financial outcomes
• The team operates with clarity, discipline, and accountability

Why Join ASU

• High-impact role with direct visibility to leadership
• Opportunity to shape both operational and financial performance
• Environment where execution, accuracy, and accountability matter