Supply Chain Manager

Forward Education; Kitchener; Hybrid; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking educational company in Kitchener is seeking a Supply Chain and Logistics Manager to oversee global production and manage logistics teams. The ideal candidate will have a degree in a related field, purchasing management experience, and strong negotiation skills. This role includes optimizing freight costs, ensuring compliance with quality standards, and driving logistical efficiency. Competitive salary and hybrid work model offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience

15 vacation days plus 2 personal days

Hybrid work model allowing remote work two days a week

Health and dental insurance

Wellness spending account

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years experience in purchasing.
• Experience in the tech industry is an asset.
• Existing relationships with international shipping companies.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and scale overseas production ensuring inventory availability.
• Manage procurement and logistics teams including staff training.
• Build strong relationships with overseas manufacturers.

Skills

Purchasing Management certification

3+ years in purchasing

ERP systems proficiency

Advanced Google Sheets/Excel

Logistics and 3PL management

Negotiation skills

Strong communication

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Education

Degree or diploma in a related field

Tools

ERP systems

Google Sheets

Job description

Supply Chain and Logistics Manager

About Forward Education

Do you want to help inspire future generations to make the world a better place? We’re bringing creativity, coding skills, and inspiring lessons to the forefront of learning in K-12 classrooms around the world! We believe that technology will unlock a brighter future for us all and that these young generations will help lead the way.

At Forward Education, we develop classroom learning systems that make it easy to teach coding with context. Students learn about issues like forest fires and then build or code their own automated tree seeding vehicles while exploring similar projects in the Amazon rainforest. We bring real-world applications into the classroom to educate, inspire, and open up endless opportunities for students to contribute to making the world better.

Join us in our mission to make a brighter tomorrow.

The Role

We are seeking a Supply Chain Manager to oversee and scale our overseas production, ensuring the right inventory is available worldwide to serve our customers and partners. This role requires experience working with manufacturers in Canada, the US, Europe, and China to ensure high-quality, cost-effective manufacturing of our robotics kits and STEM products for educational institutions. The Manager will oversee the logistics team, ensuring efficient operations from manufacturing to delivery.

Job Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary contact with suppliers and internal teams, translating requirements into specifications.
• Manage procurement and logistics teams, including staffing, training, and performance evaluations.
• Utilize technical expertise to source and research services, parts, supplies, and equipment.
• Lead the RFP process, analyze proposals, and create comparison tables.
• Negotiate costs, resolve issues, and ensure timely supply.
• Assist in sourcing and vendor selection, obtaining quotations and rates.
• Collaborate with the fulfillment team to manage global inventories and ensure product availability.
• Coordinate with finance on spend analysis and inventory reconciliation.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and quality standards.
• Follow safety guidelines and regulations.
• Uphold the company's mission, vision, and values, along with current policies and practices.
• Manage international logistics, including freight forwarding, customs, and documentation.
• Optimize freight costs and transit times through negotiations and strategic planning.
• Build strong relationships with overseas manufacturers and suppliers.
• Identify and mitigate risks in the global supply chain.
• Drive continuous improvement in logistics processes to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Perform other related duties as needed.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in a related field.
• Purchasing Management certification or working towards it.
• Minimum of 3 years experience in purchasing.
• Experience in the tech industry is an asset.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and advanced Google Sheets/Excel skills.
• Experience with eCommerce and B2B fulfillment platforms.
• Experience managing logistics and 3PL contracts.
• Existing relationships with international shipping companies.
• Knowledge of incoterms and negotiation skills with shippers.
• Experience negotiating with international partners.
• Understanding of procurement and MRP principles.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Initiative and ability to work independently.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Innovative mindset to challenge and improve traditional approaches.

Perks and Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• 15 vacation days plus 2 personal days.
• Hybrid work model allowing remote work two days a week.
• Health and dental insurance, plus Employee Assistance Program.
• Wellness spending account.