What are the responsibilities and job description for the Supply Chain Manager position at JLS Automation?
About JLS®: We supply custom vision-guided primary and secondary robotic packaging systems that are user-friendly, easy to operate, fast to start-up, and ensure both worker and food safety. The most important asset of JLS® is our people, and collaboration and a strong team environment help us pursue our mission to be the best at what we do. We help our employees realize their career goals by providing a healthy work/life balance and supporting personal development. JLS® offers a strong benefits package, including an on-site fitness facility, monthly team luncheons, recreation activities, and 401(k) plan with employer match (see Total Rewards & Benefits for more details).
Role Overview
The Supply Chain Manager oversees and manages all activities related to materials management and inventory control within a production environment. This includes supplier selection, contract negotiations, production scheduling, purchasing, shipping/receiving, inventory control, and capacity planning. The role is responsible for building efficient supply chain strategies that balance cost, quality, delivery, and profitability while ensuring customer satisfaction and organizational growth.
Key Responsibilities:
- Translate customer delivery requirements into material strategies and processes to ensure cost-effective production while optimizing customer satisfaction.
- Oversee ERP and documentation systems related to materials management, scheduling, logistics, and procurement.
- Negotiate supplier contracts, pricing, and lead time to optimize profitability.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with sales, production, engineering, and customer support to meet business goals.
- Develop and execute a strategic inventory plan, including safety stock, economical order quantities, and minimum order quantities.
- Maintain inventory accuracy within ERP/MRP systems.
- Lead purchasing, scheduling, shipping, and receiving teams; set departmental goals and monitor performance
- Drive a strong culture of engagement through effective communications and employee development and skill building.
- Monitor, disposition, and reduce slow-moving and obsolete inventory.
- Implement strategies to improve service quality, lead-times, cost efficiency, and interdepartmental collaboration.
- Develop and implement process improvements in sourcing, logistics, and materials handling.
- Manage supplier performance in cost, delivery, and quality; resolve shortages and quality concerns.
- Generate and analyze weekly/monthly KPIs to improve on-time delivery, utilization, and cost savings.
- Support a strong workplace safety culture through training, mentorship and partnership with site Safety Manager; ensure safety protocols are consistently followed and report workplace incidents appropriately.
- Optimize warehouse functions and ensure proper documentation of supplier performance.
- Support continuous improvement efforts and drive efficiency across all supply chain activities.
- Other duties as assigned.
Skills & Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field (required).
- Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in supply chain management, procurement, or strategic sourcing within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong knowledge of supply chain principles, sourcing strategies, and ERP/MRP systems.
- Ability to negotiate effectively with suppliers and vendors.
- Commitment to safety, integrity, and continuous improvement.
- Strong leadership and team development skills.
- Strategic thinker with excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Experience in managing cross-functional and global teams.
- Effective communicator, both written and verbal.
- Strong organizational, project management, and time management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- High sense of urgency and accountability.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- APICS or other supply chain certification preferred.
Work Environment:
- Typical office and manufacturing environment.
- Up to 10% of domestic and international travel.
- Ability to sit, stand, and move throughout facilities.
- Must be able to manage confidential information with discretion.
Total Rewards & Benefits
- Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision coverage, orthopaedic care, wellness programs, HSA, EAPs, pet Insurance, and much more!
- Retirement & Financial Benefits: 401(k) matching, financial coaching services
- Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, paid volunteer time
- Culture & Engagement: monthly company-sponsored luncheons, recreational activities, family events, organized sports (golf league, softball team, and ice hockey team), a variety of social clubs, and community activities
- Other Perks: Tuition reimbursement, on-site fitness facility, on-site garden open for employee use, and more!
Growth & Development Opportunities
At JLS®, we believe in fostering professional growth and career development for our employees. We offer career advancement paths, training & development programs, mentorship & coaching, leadership development initiatives, and networking & industry exposure. Our commitment to employee growth ensures that you’ll have the tools and resources needed to reach your full potential while contributing to meaningful projects that drive company success.