What are the responsibilities and job description for the Supply Chain Specialist - External Suppliers (Manufacturing) position at Heraeus Incorporated?
Company Overview
Heraeus is a global leader in diverse industries, including Metals & Recycling, Healthcare, Semiconductor & Electronics, and Industrials. Committed to shaping progress for future generations, Heraeus fosters an open-minded and purpose-driven environment that values curiosity, creativity, and continuous learning.
Summary:
The Supply Chain Specialist (for External Suppliers) handles operational execution with subcontract manufacturing partners, including purchase order management, work-in-process coordination, and supplier performance tracking. Acting as the primary point of contact for assigned subcontractors, the role collaborates cross‑functionally to ensure timely delivery, quality compliance, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement across the supply chain.
Key Responsibilities
- Own purchase order (PO) management for subcontracting vendors, including creation, tracking, revisions, and closure to ensure accurate execution against demand and schedules.
- Coordinate and monitor work‑in‑process (WIP) sent to and received from subcontractors, ensuring visibility, traceability, and timely flow through the manufacturing network.
- Act as the single point of contact for assigned subcontractors, handling all operational, commercial, and performance‑related communication.
- Align with cross‑functional stakeholders (Planning, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Logistics, Finance, Costumer Service, Logistics) to gather, validate, and communicate all information required for subcontractor execution.
- Collect, validate, and integrate subcontractor feedback (capacity, constraints, lead times, issues, and improvement opportunities) and shared this with planning team for input in ERP/MRP systems.
- Manage supplier compliance and risk tools, ensuring suppliers meet company requirements for quality, delivery, regulatory, and ethical standards.
- Lead supplier onboarding activities for new suppliers, including system setup, documentation, compliance approval, and readiness for production.
- Develop, track, and review key performance indicators (KPIs) for subcontractors (e.g., delivery, quality, responsiveness, WIP accuracy), driving corrective actions and continuous improvement.
- Identify and escalate supply risks, delays, or performance gaps, proposing mitigation plans in coordination with internal teams and suppliers.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives related to subcontracting processes, cost, lead time, and operational efficiency.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management, or related field preferred.
- 1 – 2 Years of experience on Procurement or planning setting preferred
- Strong communication skills, interpersonal, and leadership skills to handle collaboration with internal and external partners a must.
- SAP experience strongly preferred.
- Microsoft tools (excel, power point etc..) knowledge a must.
- Understanding of purchasing and inventory concepts, practices, and procedures
- Travel may be required.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you have experience in Procurement in a Manufacturing environment?
- Desired compensation range?
Education:
- Bachelor's (Preferred)
Experience:
- Procurement or Planning: 2 years (Preferred)
- SAP: 2 years (Preferred)
- Inventory concepts, practices, and procedures: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $61,893 - $84,897