Supply Chain Specialist

Company Overview

Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI), recognized as one of the nation's top companies to work for, is a global leader specializing in chemicals, fibers, and resin production. With advanced research and manufacturing facilities and a worldwide supply network, Kuraray excels in specialty dental, fiber, resin, and elastomer products. Based in Tokyo, Japan, Kuraray operates in 32 countries, employing over 12,000 people, including more than 800 in the U.S.

Kuraray fosters a culture valued on integrity, excellence, teamwork, and accountability with a focus on expanding business sustainably. New team members quickly gain significant responsibilities and benefit from competitive salaries, incentive programs, comprehensive benefits, and a positive work environment.

Role Overview

The Supply Chain Specialist manages production scheduling, inventory control, and supply plan execution for designated manufacturing and tolling assets. Collaborating with Manufacturing, Customer Service, Logistics, and Master Scheduling, this role strives to fulfill customer demands efficiently while optimizing production, inventory, and service quality. Key duties include monitoring schedule execution, troubleshooting supply issues, advancing continuous improvements, and maintaining clear communication across supply chain functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain production schedules for assigned manufacturing and tolling assets.
• Collaborate with Master Schedulers to balance supply, demand, and production priorities.
• Optimize production schedules to enhance asset utilization and reduce transitions.
• Track production performance and inventory to support customer requirements.
• Act as the main liaison among Manufacturing, Customer Service, Logistics, and Supply Chain teams.
• Communicate production challenges, supply constraints, and recovery strategies to stakeholders.
• Coordinate inventory transfers and assist shipping operations with toll manufacturers.
• Manage system transactions and maintain accurate planning data.
• Investigate missed orders and schedule deviations, perform root cause analyses, and apply corrective measures.
• Ensure material availability for smooth operations and identify risks and improvement opportunities in the supply chain.
• Maintain metrics, reporting tools, and visual aids to track scheduling performance.
• Participate in Kaizen events, Six Sigma projects, and other continuous improvement efforts.
• Comply with safety, environmental, quality, and company policy standards; engage in mandatory safety training.
• Attend global planning meetings and support special projects as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, Operations Management, Engineering, or related fields with at least one year of relevant experience; or
• High school diploma plus five years' experience in supply chain, production planning, scheduling, logistics, manufacturing operations, or related areas.
• Proficient with ERP systems (SAP preferred) for managing production planning, inventory, and orders.
• Experienced in collaborating cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Customer Service, Logistics, and Supply Chain.
• Strong skills in Microsoft Excel and other Office applications.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, organizational, verbal, and written communication abilities.

Core Competencies

• Customer focus through building strong relationships and delivering solutions centered on customer needs.
• Business insight to advance organizational goals.
• Innovative thinking to improve business success.
• Proactive attitude with energy and a sense of urgency.
• Accountability for meeting commitments.
• Goal-driven results even in challenging conditions.
• Collaborative teamwork to achieve shared objectives.
• Appreciation for diversity in perspectives and cultures.
• Effective, multi-channel communication tailored to varied audiences.
• Courage to address difficult issues honestly.
• Trust-building through integrity and authenticity.
• Adaptability to meet changing demands and situations effectively.

Compensation and Benefits

Kuraray offers a competitive salary paired with an annual incentive plan designed to reward individual and team performance aligned with corporate success. Employee benefits include a comprehensive healthcare package with wellness reimbursements, three weeks of paid time off, ten company holidays, paid parental leave, education reimbursement, and a 401k matching program among other perks.

Additional Information

Candidates must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. Kuraray America, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to disability and protected veteran status inclusion. No third-party applications are accepted.