The Supply Chain Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing all supply chain operations—from raw material sourcing to production planning, inventory control, logistics, and distribution. The role ensures that materials and components flow smoothly through the manufacturing process to meet production schedules, quality standards, and customer delivery requirements. The manager drives cost efficiency, process optimization, and supplier performance while aligning supply chain operations with the company’s strategic goals.
Key Responsibilities / Job Scope
Supply Chain Strategy and Planning
- Develop and implement supply chain strategies that support production efficiency, minimize costs, and meet business objectives.
- Forecast material requirements based on production plans, sales forecasts, and inventory targets.
- Design and implement supply chain models that optimize raw material availability and manufacturing capacity.
- Collaborate with production, engineering, and finance teams to align supply and demand plans.
Production and Materials Planning
- Coordinate closely with production planners to ensure timely availability of materials and components.
- Monitor and adjust material flow to minimize production downtime or bottlenecks.
- Implement Material Requirements Planning (MRP) and other manufacturing resource planning systems.
- Work with engineering and operations to support new product introductions and production changes.
Inventory and Warehouse Management
- Oversee inventory control systems to maintain optimal stock levels of raw materials, work‑in‑progress (WIP), and finished goods.
- Implement lean inventory and Just‑In‑Time (JIT) practices to reduce waste and improve working capital.
- Manage warehouse operations, ensuring efficient storage, handling, and accuracy of inventory records.
- Monitor cycle counts, stock audits, and reconcile inventory discrepancies.
Logistics and Distribution
- Manage inbound logistics for raw materials and outbound logistics for finished goods distribution.
- Negotiate transportation contracts and ensure cost‑effective, timely delivery to customers and distributors.
- Optimize logistics routes and packaging to reduce costs and improve delivery performance.
- Ensure compliance with shipping, export, and safety regulations.
Quality, Compliance, and Continuous Improvement
- Ensure that supply chain activities adhere to ISO standards, safety regulations, and environmental policies.
- Collaborate with the quality assurance team to address supplier quality issues and implement corrective actions.
- Identify and drive continuous improvement initiatives in supply chain processes using Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen methodologies.
- Implement sustainability initiatives within the supply chain (e.g., responsible sourcing, waste reduction).
Data Analysis and Reporting
- Analyse supply chain data to identify trends, cost drivers, and performance gaps.
- Track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time delivery, supplier reliability, inventory turnover, and cost savings.
- Prepare reports and dashboards for management review and decision-making.
Leadership and Team Management
- Lead and mentor a cross-functional team covering procurement, logistics, warehouse, and planning.
- Foster collaboration between supply chain, production, sales, and finance departments.
- Promote a culture of accountability, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications & Requirements
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field. Master’s degree or professional certification (e.g., APICS CPIM, CSCP, CIPS) is an advantage.
Experience:
- Minimum 5–10 years of experience in supply chain or operations management within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, MRP/ERP systems, and lean production principles.
- Excellent analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional coordination abilities.
- Proficiency in ERP software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar).
- Knowledge of import/export regulations and logistics management.