Supply Chain Manager

Wenger Manufacturing, located in Sabetha, Kansas, is a global leader in extrusion cooking and drying systems for food, pet food, and aquatic feed industries. Founded in 1935, Wenger pioneered innovations in extrusion technology and offers advanced twin-screw systems and customized solutions. Today, Wenger is part of JBT Marel, a global provider of innovative food processing solutions. Together, we combine Wenger’s specialized extrusion expertise with JBT Marel’s worldwide resources and integrated technologies to deliver sustainable, efficient, and high-quality solutions for the evolving food industry.

The Supply Chain Manager is a key leadership position within the Wenger Group and an exciting opportunity to shape strategic sourcing and supply chain strategies as the company continues to grow through new products, market expansion, and acquisitions.

The role offers global scope within a multi-billion-dollar international organization, while execution happens at the business unit level, requiring flexibility and an entrepreneurial mindset.

The Wenger Group operates four manufacturing and service locations and spends over $70 million annually on direct and indirect materials.

The successful candidate will lead initiatives and strategies related to equipment and machining component manufacturing. This area of spend is growing in scope through efforts such as make-or-buy decisions, new product development, acquisitions, and global/regional expansion.

This is a highly visible leadership role and an excellent opportunity for an experienced supply chain professional to make a strategic impact and advance their career.

The position is based at the Wenger Group manufacturing facility in Sabetha, KS.

This role reports to the Director of Operations and works closely with the JBT Marel division and global supply chain teams. The successful candidate will lead supply chain initiatives, manage multiple projects, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive improvements and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead procurement process improvements and negotiate strategic supplier agreements.

• Support category and supplier development plans.

• Oversee and organize key functions:
  Procurement, Materials Management, Receiving, Transportation, and SIOP (Sales, Inventory & Operations Planning).

• Ensure maximum production at optimal total cost.

• Manage a team of 36 employees and influence other operations and materials personnel across manufacturing facilities.

Specific Responsibilities

• Drive supply chain strategies and cost improvement programs for major spend categories.

• Implement supplier programs for direct and indirect materials, including transportation.

• Build strong internal and external relationships to support strategic sourcing.

• Develop data-driven processes, productivity plans, and long-term supply chain strategies.

• Lead and coach high-performing teams while managing key departmental functions.

• Apply advanced sourcing tools such as category management, risk mitigation, and supply base development.

• Negotiate strategic supplier agreements and strengthen global supply chain resilience.

• Enhance SIOP processes to improve material flow, capacity planning, and inventory management.

• Support make-or-buy decisions and technical assessments to reduce risk and optimize performance.

• Deliver cost savings, working capital improvements, and supplier performance enhancements.

• Monitor KPIs through dashboards and implement corrective actions for continuous improvement.

• Ensure financial controls and full budget accountability.

Compensation

A competitive compensation package including base salary, management bonus, and benefits will be offered to the right candidate.

Education

• Requires a bachelor’s from an accredited university

• An advanced degree (MBA) or commensurate experience is a plus.

• Lean Certification or Minimum of Lean Six Sigma Green Belt is desirable

Experience

• Minimum 8–10 years of progressive experience in supply chain management, procurement, or operations within a manufacturing environment.

• Proven leadership experience managing teams and influencing cross-functional stakeholders.

• Demonstrated success in strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, and cost reduction initiatives.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of SIOP (Sales, Inventory & Operations Planning), materials management, and transportation logistics.

• Proficiency in advanced sourcing tools (category management, risk mitigation, supply base development).

• Excellent analytical and data-driven decision-making skills.

• Ability to lead change, drive continuous improvement, and implement best practices.

• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.

• High level of business acumen and financial accountability.