Supply Chain and Inventory Specialist

Americhem Inc.; Cuyahoga Falls (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the supply chain industry is seeking a Supply Chain and Inventory Specialist to manage vendor relationships, oversee inventory processes, and ensure supply continuity. The ideal candidate should have strong analytical skills, experience with major inventory systems, and a proven track record in supply chain management.

Qualifications

• Five years of progressive supply chain/process manufacturing experience.
• Direct industry experience in color, color additives, or related fields is a plus.
• APICS certification (CPIM or CSCP) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage key vendor and logistics relationships while supporting inventory processes.
• Coordinate with multiple departments to drive process improvements.
• Perform analyses to support supply chain compliance and decision making.

Skills

Analytical skills

Vendor management

Logistics coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Technical, Supply Chain, or related field

Advanced degree of relevance

Tools

Oracle

IBM Cognos BI

Microsoft Office

Job description

Summary

Position Summary:

The Supply Chain and Inventory Specialist is responsible for managing key vendor and logistics relationships while supporting critical inventory and procurement processes within a data-driven supply chain organization. This role includes oversight of raw material suppliers to ensure high service levels, supply continuity, and alignment with cost targets and KPI metrics. It also encompasses coordination with both import/export and inland freight logistics providers and execution of operational processes related to inventory management and capital procurement compliance. Additional responsibilities include ownership of the obsolescence mitigation process, capital expenditure purchasing compliance, bi-monthly inventory routines, and maintenance of pricing updates across multiple internal systems. The role also supports indirect procurement for packaging, pallets, facility services, and other site-level consumables, working cross-functionally to align supplier capabilities with operational needs, optimize total cost, and ensure consistent service.

The ideal candidate will collaborate closely with Operations, Quality, Accounting, Logistics, and Regulatory and Material Science teams to proactively resolve challenges and drive process improvement. Strong analytical skills and ability to create and navigate large datasets particularly in Excel are essential, as is the ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and contribute positively within a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Position Requirements/Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Technical, Supply Chain, or related field required

Advanced degree of relevance a plus

Experience: Five (5) years of progressive, supply chain/process manufacturing

Direct industry experience (color, color additives, polymers, resins, paints, inks, plastics, etc.) a plus

Skills: Working knowledge and experience using Oracle, IBM Cognos BI, Microsoft Office Platform, AI

software; APICS certification (CPIM or CSCP) a plus

Essential Duties

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The duties listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or abilities required.

Vendor & Material Management

• Develop and manage Tier II raw material vendor relationships.
• Negotiate pricing, rebates, consignment agreements, and payment terms as needed.
• Support the Commercial Team in sourcing new materials for existing formulations, new business opportunities, and R&D initiatives.
• Implement strategies to ensure Americhem remains competitive in total raw material costs (terms, consignment, rebates, PFEP).
• Monitor open PO reports daily to identify overdue deliveries or missing acknowledgments; proactively communicate delays or stock-out risks.
• Receive sales and production forecasts and translate them into forecasted demand for suppliers.
• Provide insight into strategic materials and assess the impact of trends and global events on supply continuity.
  
  

Supplier Evaluation & Cost Management

• Facilitate the semiannual Vendor Evaluation and Scorecard process; distribute delivery performance feedback and collaborate with underperforming suppliers on improvement plans.
• Partner with regional and global sourcing teams to drive-cost-reduction initiatives.
• Calculate the impact of raw material changes and coordinate price increase communications with the Product Management and Commercial Teams.
• Analyze material cost trends (e.g., YoY and sequential inflation/deflation, etc.) to inform internal planning and decision making.
  
  

Inventory & Logistics Operations

• Manage corporate raw material inventories in collaboration with Plant Managers and Schedulers, with strong focus on obsolescence mitigation.
• Support the achievement of inventory targets by coordinating with the Director and VP of Supply Chain, Commercial Leaders, Plant Managers, R&D, and Buyers.
• Coordinate with third-party logistics (3PL) providers to evaluate freight rates, delivery performance, claims, and cost savings opportunities.
• Interface with primary import/export partner to ensure timely raw material shipments and compliance with regulatory documentation (e.g., Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes, country of origin, etc.).
  
  

Compliance, Capital, and Reporting

• Facilitate and maintain the Capital Purchasing approval process, including final negotiations and purchase execution.
• Sudit supply chain compliance with corporate buying strategies alongside the Director and VP of Supply Chain; recommend adjustments to optimize pricing, availability, lead times, and sourcing geographies.
• Manage vendor claims resolution processes.
• Maintain the USMCA database/system to support and classify finished goods.
• Maintain and enhance IBM Cognos Business Intelligence reports used by the Supply Chain team.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives and systems to reduce inventories, minimize cost, and optimize working capital.
• Perform ad hoc analyses to support evolving business objectives and monthly reporting needs.
  
  

Additional Position Responsibilities

• Communicate effectively and professionally across all levels of the organization to meet weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual goals and deadlines.
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills, working both independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams.
• Contribute to organizational success by achieving team and company objectives.
• Follow all quality system and safety protocols, including wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE) as required, completing all relevant safety training, and maintaining a clean, organized work environment.
• Actively support the achievement of established safety goals and promote a culture of safety throughout the organization.
  
  

Required Qualities/Attributes

• Exceptional organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize, plan, and manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
• Strong bias for action and the ability to operate with a sense of urgency.
• Customer-centric mindset with the ability to balance internal priorities against external supply chain dynamics.
• Adaptability and resilience in managing changing priorities and evolving business needs.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Self-starter with a proactive, ownership-driven approach to work.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, relationship-building, and conflict management skills; able to collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization (e.g., executive, director, manager, staff).
• Results-driven mindset with the ability to see projects through from initiation to completion.
• Proven problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze issues, identify root causes, and implement solutions.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
• Embraces a continuous improvement mindset in daily work.
• Professional demeanor and willingness to develop vendor-facing etiquette through external engagements (e.g., conferences, meetings, dinners).
• Willingness to travel up to 5-10% as required.
  
  

Safety Compliance

• The safety of our employees takes precedence over all other initiatives and considerations. All employees are required to comply with established safety protocols as outlined in our policies, procedures, and corporate communications. Following the COVID-19 outbreak, Americhem expanded its safety policies and procedures to include travel restrictions, temperature testing, and rigorous sanitation practices, as well as social distancing and face covering protocols. This experience has taught us that safety practices are evolutionary in nature and will continue to change. All employees are responsible for complying with the most current safety practices as communicated by the Company.