Supply Chain Technical Specialist

divh2Supply Chain Technical Specialist/h2pMUST RESIDE IN ILLINOIS/pp*Work authorization required. IMEC is unable to sponsor visas for this role./ppThe Supply Chain Technical Specialist works directly with Illinois manufacturers to assess, optimize, and strengthen supply chain operations including supplier scouting. This role provides consultation on supply chain strategy, operational efficiency, and digital supply chain solutions, helping manufacturers identify gaps, optimize processes, and implement solutions that enhance supply chain performance. The Specialist engages in extensive outreach to determine supply chain needs, particularly within priority sectors, including automotive, industrial equipment, and emerging quantum supply chain solutions./ppThe Specialist also collaborates closely with IMECs field team through mentoring, job shadowing, and cross-functional teamwork, supporting the adoption of innovative supply chain practices, developing actionable roadmaps, and helping manufacturers achieve measurable operational improvements./ppEssential Responsibilities: Responsibilities include:/pulliProvide direct consultation to manufacturers on supply chain strategy, including capacity and capability assessments, gap analysis, process optimization, supplier network development, and operational improvements./liliConduct supplier scouting methodologies to identify, qualify, and connect suppliers to new supply chain opportunities./liliPrepare proposals, deliver sales presentations, and support business development efforts to expand the adoption of IMEC supply chain services across Illinois manufacturers./liliManage project engagements, which may include: ulliAssessing manufacturers supply chain operations, identifying constraints, bottlenecks, and opportunities for improvement/liliAnalyzing supplier networks, inventory management, and logistics to recommend actionable improvements/liliSupporting the implementation of digital supply chain tools, analytics, and process improvements/liliDeveloping roadmaps to enhance operational efficiency, agility, and resilience/liliTracking and reporting outcomes, insights, and metrics to measure the impact of supply chain solutions/li/ul/liliDevelop and manage Third Party Resources including suppliers, technology providers, and logistics partners that support client engagements./liliParticipate in IMECs solution development and process improvement teams to enhance and expand supply chain solutions offerings for Illinois manufacturers./li/ulpAdditional Requirements/Qualifications:/ppEducation/Experience:/pulliBachelors degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field. Masters degree preferred./lili3+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, supply chain management, logistics, or industrial consulting./liliExperience working in automotive, industrial equipment, and/or quantum supply chain environments is highly preferred./liliStrong analytical, problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making skills./liliExcellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with experience consulting with manufacturers or leading cross-functional initiatives./liliExperience with digital supply chain tools, ERP/MRP systems, and performance metrics tracking is a plus./liliAbility to work with small and mid-sized manufacturers and guide them through operational improvements with tact and diplomacy./liliExperience working with small and mid-sized manufacturers is a plus./li/ulpCandidates should be sincerely interested in helping manufacturers implement new manufacturing techniques and processes. Must have good computer skills and be a strong written and verbal communicator. An IMEC Technical Specialist will need tact and diplomacy in dealing with manufacturers, professional associations, government stakeholder representatives, and other service providers./ppConsideration will be given to candidates with the proven ability to lead companies down a path of continuous improvement, with the demonstrated capacity to diagnose company needs and effectively communicate value to all levels of the company, from production personnel to top management./ppPosition requires a combination of virtual work and regular travel with occasional extended travel to remote facilities across the state. Driving is an essential function of the job. Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the U.S. This position has a lifting requirement of up to 70 pounds. Applicants must be capable of accessing manufacturing facilities which may not be ADA accessible./ppPlease submit an electronic application, including (1) cover letter, (2) resume, and (3) the names and contact information for three references. IMEC, The University of Illinois, Northern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University, and Bradley University conduct background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of contingent offer of employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. IMEC and its Subrecipient organizations, including Bradley University, SIU, NIU, and UIC are EOE/AA/M/F/Disabled/Veteran Employers./ppAbout IMEC/ppIMEC is a team of improvement specialists dedicated to providing manufacturers in Illinois with the tools and techniques to excel and compete globally. The experienced hands-on team at IMEC works closely with its clients to plan critical business improvements in all areas of their organization from: Leading their Company, Planning for Success, Growing their Business, Improving their Operations, Focusing on their People, and Deciding with Data./ppWith more than 50 full-time staff and partners positioned statewide, IMEC delivers the local expertise to not only plan and strategize, but to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of client improvements. In fact, IMEC assists more than 3,000 companies each year with successful business improvement projects./ppAs a result, IMEC has demonstrated a return on investment that exceeds 19:1. This is made possible as organizations become more effective and efficient./p/div