| Location | Chicago, IL |
| Salary | $80,000–$100,000 |
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced, results-driven Supply Chain Manager to oversee and continuously improve supply chain operations across two manufacturing facilities. This leadership position is responsible for procurement, strategic sourcing, inventory management, warehouse operations, shipping, logistics, and supply chain planning.
The ideal candidate will bring a strong combination of strategic planning, analytical expertise, and hands-on operational leadership. This individual will work closely with cross-functional teams to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, optimize inventory, strengthen supplier relationships, and ensure timely delivery of materials and finished products.
This is a hands-on leadership role requiring a significant presence on the production floor, direct engagement with employees and supervisors, and a proactive approach to resolving operational challenges.
Key Responsibilities Supply Chain Planning & S&OPLead the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process, collaborating with Sales, Operations, and other departments.
Align demand forecasts, production schedules, inventory levels, and material availability with customer requirements.
Identify supply chain constraints, evaluate risks, and implement corrective action plans.
Improve forecasting accuracy, production planning, and overall supply chain responsiveness.
Support sourcing and procurement activities for new product introductions and evolving operational needs.
Oversee purchasing, strategic sourcing, supplier selection, and vendor relationship management.
Identify cost-saving opportunities through supplier negotiations, contract management, and purchasing strategies.
Evaluate supplier performance based on pricing, quality, delivery, service, and reliability.
Negotiate supplier agreements, pricing structures, and purchasing terms.
Collaborate with Operations, Quality, and Product Development to ensure material availability.
Address supplier performance issues and implement corrective actions to improve service and delivery.
Develop inventory strategies that balance production requirements, customer demand, and working capital.
Improve inventory accuracy, turnover, replenishment, and material availability.
Minimize stockouts, excess inventory, obsolete materials, and expired products.
Establish appropriate safety stock levels, reorder points, and inventory controls.
Partner with Finance and Operations to improve inventory reporting and financial performance.
Oversee receiving, storage, inventory control, material handling, and order staging across two manufacturing facilities.
Implement consistent warehouse procedures and operational standards.
Improve warehouse organization, space utilization, labor productivity, and material flow.
Ensure proper storage and handling of raw materials, packaging, and finished goods.
Identify opportunities to streamline processes, reduce errors, and increase operational efficiency.
Manage inbound and outbound transportation, shipping operations, freight costs, and logistics performance.
Optimize carrier selection, freight rates, shipment consolidation, and transportation routes.
Monitor delivery performance, freight expenses, and carrier reliability.
Develop strategies to reduce transportation costs while maintaining customer service standards.
Resolve shipping delays, transportation challenges, and delivery-related issues.
Develop and implement cost-saving initiatives across purchasing, inventory, warehousing, and transportation.
Analyze operational data, spending trends, and performance metrics to identify improvement opportunities.
Collaborate with Finance to measure and validate cost savings.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing waste, improving productivity, and increasing efficiency.
Standardize processes and establish measurable performance expectations across facilities.
Partner with Operations to align material availability, labor resources, and production schedules.
Identify operational challenges affecting production efficiency, inventory availability, and customer commitments.
Coordinate solutions to supply chain disruptions and production constraints.
Improve on-time, in-full (OTIF) delivery performance and production schedule adherence.
Collaborate with departmental leaders to establish priorities, resolve issues, and improve overall performance.
Ensure supply chain activities comply with applicable food safety, quality, traceability, and regulatory requirements.
Participate as a member of the HACCP team.
Collaborate with Quality teams to address supplier, material handling, warehouse, and transportation concerns.
Maintain appropriate documentation, inventory controls, and standard operating procedures.
Promote safe operating practices, accountability, and regulatory compliance.
Provide leadership and operational oversight across supply chain functions at both manufacturing locations.
Establish clear performance expectations, priorities, and accountability.
Maintain an active presence on the production floor to monitor operations and support employees.
Coach and develop team members while promoting problem-solving and continuous improvement.
Communicate operational performance, risks, cost-saving opportunities, and resource requirements to leadership.
Make informed decisions that support operational efficiency, financial objectives, and customer satisfaction.
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, Logistics, or a related field preferred.
Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in supply chain management, procurement, logistics, inventory control, or manufacturing operations.
Experience overseeing multiple supply chain functions, including purchasing, warehousing, inventory, and transportation.
Multi-site manufacturing leadership experience strongly preferred.
Experience in food manufacturing or another regulated manufacturing environment preferred.
Demonstrated success in strategic sourcing, cost reduction, supplier management, inventory optimization, and freight management.
Working knowledge of Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP), demand forecasting, and production planning.
Strong analytical skills with experience utilizing ERP systems and supply chain reporting tools.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and operational performance analysis.
Strong negotiation, leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
Ability to manage competing priorities, resolve operational challenges, and collaborate across departments.
Willingness to maintain a hands-on presence within manufacturing and warehouse operations.
Success in this role will be measured by the ability to:
Deliver measurable cost savings across procurement, inventory, warehousing, and transportation.
Improve inventory accuracy, availability, turnover, and working capital efficiency.
Reduce stockouts, excess inventory, and obsolete materials.
Strengthen supplier relationships, reliability, and delivery performance.
Improve transportation efficiency and reduce freight expenses.
Enhance S&OP processes and alignment between supply chain and manufacturing operations.
Increase on-time, in-full delivery performance and customer satisfaction.
Establish consistent, efficient supply chain processes across multiple facilities.
Demonstrate effective, hands-on leadership and a commitment to continuous improvement.
The successful candidate will be a proactive, results-oriented supply chain professional who combines strategic thinking with practical, hands-on manufacturing experience. This individual must be comfortable working directly with production and warehouse teams while also managing supplier relationships, analyzing operational performance, and developing long-term supply chain strategies.
Strong financial awareness, sound decision-making, and the ability to drive measurable improvements in cost, efficiency, quality, and service are essential to success in this position.