Supply Chain Specialist

**Position Overview**:
We are seeking a detail-oriented Supply Chain Specialist to optimize our end-to-end supply chain operations, from supplier management and procurement to inventory planning and logistics coordination. This role is critical to ensuring efficient material flow, cost optimization, and reliable delivery performance while supporting business growth and operational excellence.

**Key Responsibilities**:
**Procurement & Supplier Management**
- Source and evaluate suppliers for materials, components, and services to meet quality, cost, and delivery requirements
- Develop and maintain strategic supplier relationships through regular performance reviews and partnership initiatives
- Negotiate contracts, pricing agreements, and terms with suppliers to optimize total cost of ownership
- Monitor supplier performance metrics including quality, delivery, and service levels
- Manage supplier onboarding, qualification processes, and continuous improvement programs

**Inventory Planning & Management**
- Develop and maintain optimal inventory levels across raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods
- Utilize demand forecasting tools and historical data to create accurate procurement plans
- Monitor inventory turnover rates, obsolescence risks, and carrying costs to optimize working capital
- Coordinate with production planning and sales teams to align inventory strategies with business demands
- Implement inventory control procedures and cycle counting programs to ensure accuracy

**Demand Planning & Forecasting**
- Collaborate with sales, marketing, and operations teams to develop accurate demand forecasts
- Analyze market trends, seasonality patterns, and customer behavior to improve forecast accuracy
- Monitor forecast performance and adjust planning parameters to minimize forecast error
- Support new product launches and promotional activities with appropriate supply planning
- Provide scenario planning and risk analysis for demand variability

**Logistics & Distribution Coordination**
- Coordinate inbound and outbound logistics to ensure timely and cost-effective material movement
- Work with freight carriers and logistics providers to optimize transportation costs and service levels
- Manage shipping schedules, delivery coordination, and customer fulfillment requirements
- Track shipments and resolve logistics issues to minimize delivery delays and customer impact
- Evaluate and implement improvements in packaging, routing, and distribution strategies

**Supply Chain Analytics & Reporting**
- Develop and maintain key performance indicators for supply chain operations
- Create regular reports on supplier performance, inventory metrics, and cost analysis
- Analyze supply chain data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities
- Support management decision-making with data-driven insights and recommendations
- Implement process improvements based on performance analysis and benchmarking

**Risk Management & Continuity Planning**
- Identify and assess supply chain risks including supplier disruptions, capacity constraints, and market volatility
- Develop contingency plans and alternative sourcing strategies to ensure business continuity
- Monitor geopolitical, economic, and environmental factors that may impact supply chain operations
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams during supply chain disruptions and crisis situations
- Maintain supplier diversity and redundancy to minimize single-source dependencies

**Required Qualifications**:
**Education & Experience**
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field
- 3-5 years of experience in supply chain, procurement, logistics, or operations roles
- Experience with ERP systems and supply chain planning software
- Demonstrated knowledge of supply chain principles, best practices, and industry standards

**Technical Skills**
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, modeling, and reporting
- Experience with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) and supply chain planning tools
- Knowledge of procurement processes, contract management, and supplier evaluation methods
- Understanding of inventory management principles, demand planning, and forecasting techniques
- Familiarity with logistics operations, transportation management, and international trade

**Core Competencies**
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
- Excellent communication and negotiation abilities for supplier and internal stakeholder management
- Project management capabilities with ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously
- Cross-functional collaboration skills to work effectively across departments
- Adaptability to manage changing priorities and urgent supply chain issues
- Customer service orientation to support internal and external customer needs

**Personal Attributes**
- Results-driven mindset with focus on continuous improvement
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