Supply Chain Manager

Supply Chain Manager

The Supply Chain Manager is responsible for the planning, procurement, inventory management, supplier performance, and inbound logistics that support MKT Fastening's manufacturing and distribution operations. This position ensures the timely availability of raw materials, components, subcontracted services, and finished goods while optimizing inventory levels, controlling costs, and maintaining supplier performance. The Supply Chain Manager works closely with Sales, Production, Operations, Finance, Receiving, suppliers, subcontractors, and logistics providers to ensure material availability, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities

Supply Planning & Procurement

• Manage MRP planning and purchasing requirements.
• Analyze demand forecasts, inventory levels, open sales orders, lead times, and replenishment requirements.
• Manage domestic and international procurement of raw materials, components, finished goods, packaging materials, and merchandise products.
• Create, manage and monitor purchase orders, blanket orders and supplier stocking programs.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, order quantities, payment terms, and other supplier conditions.
• Manage material flow between suppliers, subcontractors, and MKT facilities.
• Develop sourcing strategies to reduce costs, improve service levels, and mitigate supply-chain risks.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Monitor supplier performance including on-time delivery, quality, responsiveness, capacity, and cost competitiveness.
• Monitor supplier performance and resolve shortages, delays, quality issues, and delivery discrepancies.
• Communicate material availability, shortages, delivery dates, and supply risks to internal teams.
• Maintain supply-chain reports and analyze data to identify risks, cost savings, and process improvements.

Inventory Management

• Manage inventory levels to ensure adequate supply while minimizing excess and obsolete inventory.
• Monitor inventory, and safety stock levels.
• Ensure inventory aligns with forecasted sales and production requirements.
• Oversee cycle-count programs and annual physical inventories.

Logistics & Import Operations

• Coordinate domestic and international inbound transportation activities.
• Oversee freight carriers, forwarders, customs brokers, and logistics service providers.
• Oversee import documentation, customs compliance, tariff classifications, and HS codes.
• Monitor transportation costs and identify opportunities for freight optimization.

Planning & Manufacturing Support

• Partner with Sales and Operations to improve forecast accuracy and production planning.
• Ensure material availability supports manufacturing schedules and customer commitments.
• Promote best practices across purchasing, planning, supplier management, inventory control, and logistics functions.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field preferred.

Experience

• 3 years of progressive experience in supply chain, procurement, purchasing, material planning, inventory management, or manufacturing operations.
• Experience managing a large SKU portfolio and complex purchasing environment.
• Experience working with domestic and international suppliers.
• Manufacturing, industrial distribution, or fastener industry experience preferred.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of:
• MRP and ERP systems
• Purchasing and procurement practices
• Inventory management and forecasting
• Supplier performance management
• Bill of Materials (BOM) maintenance
• Logistics and transportation management
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and data analysis skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central or similar ERP systems preferred.

Core Competencies

• Analytical thinking and problem solving
• Supplier negotiation and relationship management
• Inventory and demand planning expertise
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills
• Attention to detail
• Cost management and financial awareness
• Risk identification
• Effective communication and collaboration
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Leadership, accountability, and hands-on supply chain

Success in This Role

Success in this role is measured by maintaining uninterrupted material availability while balancing inventory investment, supplier performance, logistics costs, and customer service requirements. The successful Supply Chain Manager proactively manages risk, drives continuous improvement, strengthens supplier relationships, improves inventory performance, and supports the overall profitability and operational excellence of MKT Fastening.