What are the responsibilities and job description for the Supply Chain Manager position at Thaler Defense Systems (Thaler Machine Company)?
Position Summary:
The Supply Chain Manager is a leader at Thaler Defense Systems responsible for the end-to-end planning, procurement, and management of materials essential to our aerospace and defense production. This role will oversee the efficient flow of materials while ensuring strict adherence to ISO 9001 and AS9100 quality management systems. This role carries significant regulatory responsibility, requiring diligent oversight of FAR/DFARS contract flow-downs and rigorous compliance with ITAR/EAR export controls. By fostering high-level supplier partnerships and executing precise pricing negotiations, as well as balancing optimal inventory levels with production schedules, the Supply Chain Manager will drive operational excellence in a highly regulated and high-consequence environment.
Essential Job Duties:
- Strategic Procurement & Inventory: Develop and implement material procurement strategies that ensure 100% availability to support production schedules while maintaining strict cradle-to-grave material traceability.
- Quality Management System Adherence: Maintain rigorous supply chain alignment with AS9100 and ISO 9001 standards, focusing on verification of supplier and customer requirements.
- Production Planning & Configuration Control: Leads production scheduling to optimize resource utilization. Work closely with multiple departments to manage changes and ensure that only the latest approved revisions are procured and utilized.
- Supplier Risk & Performance Management: Build and audit a supplier base. Negotiate terms, monitor KPIs, and mitigate single-source risks to protect the integrity of the defense supply chain.
- Leadership & Mentorship: Direct and develop a high-performing team of materials and production control professionals, fostering a culture of operational excellence and safety-first mindset.
- Data-Driven Continuous Improvement: Manage reports on material costs, inventory accuracy, and production performance. Utilize data to drive Lean initiatives that enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
- Cross-Functional Synergy: Act as a bridge between internal manufacturing, program management, and external partners to ensure shared operational goals and contractual obligations are met.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field. Relevant certification (e.g. APICS, CPSM) is a plus.
- 10 years of experience in materials management, production control, or a similar role.
- Strong knowledge of production planning, inventory control, and supply chain management principles.
- Excellent problem-solving abilities and analytical skills, with a demonstrated ability to make data-driven decisions.
- Proven leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a high-performing team.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and ERP systems; experience with Infor Syteline a plus.
- Proven ability to foster cross-functional synergy by driving communication between internal departments and external supply chain partners to achieve shared operational goals.
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.