Supply Chain Manager

Position Overview

This opportunity is for an experienced Supply Chain Manager to support a global manufacturing business in Knoxville, Tennessee. The role is centered on improving production-focused supply chain performance through a mix of day-to-day execution, process optimization, and strategic planning. The ideal candidate is a practical leader who can manage complex manufacturing supply chains, anticipate risks, and keep materials flowing reliably to meet production targets and customer expectations.

Core Responsibilities

The role covers sourcing, purchasing, production planning, inventory control, warehousing, and logistics. You will be responsible for making sure materials are available when needed, production schedules are met, and supply chain disruptions are handled quickly and effectively.

• Direct daily activities across sourcing, buying, production scheduling, inventory oversight, and shipping.
• Maintain accurate material plans and ensure production schedules are carried out on time.
• Track supply chain performance and resolve delays, shortages, or other operational issues before they affect output.
• Keep manufacturing supplied with the right materials and components to support production commitments.

ERP and Systems Ownership

This position acts as the main user and internal expert for supply chain systems. Strong ERP knowledge is essential, along with the ability to use data and reporting tools to improve efficiency and strengthen controls.

• Serve as the lead user and go-to resource for the supply chain system.
• Maintain part master data, supplier cost records, lead times, and inventory settings.
• Use ERP tools and reporting capabilities to streamline processes and improve performance.

Supplier Management

Supplier performance is a major part of the role. The manager is expected to build reliable vendor partnerships, evaluate performance, and negotiate commercial terms that support quality, delivery, and cost goals.

• Build and sustain productive relationships with suppliers.
• Review supplier performance to ensure standards for quality, delivery, and cost are being met.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and service terms while tracking supplier results against key measures.

Risk and Strategic Planning

The role also includes identifying risks across the supply chain and creating backup plans to protect operations. Long-term planning and support for business growth are important parts of the job.

• Spot supply chain risks early and put contingency plans in place to reduce disruption.
• Develop alternate sourcing options for critical materials and components.
• Contribute to long-range supply chain planning and growth initiatives.

Cost, Inventory, and Control

You will monitor landed costs, inventory health, and manufacturing variances while ensuring stock accuracy through disciplined control practices. The position also involves managing revision control and items with shelf-life considerations.

• Analyze total landed cost, inventory performance, and manufacturing variances.
• Maintain inventory accuracy through cycle counts, physical counts, and control procedures.
• Oversee revision control, shelf-life requirements, and inventory optimization efforts.

Reporting and Continuous Improvement

A key expectation is to build visibility into performance and lead improvement initiatives across supply chain operations. This includes KPIs, procedures, and corrective action follow-through.

• Prepare and share KPI reports, forecasts, and operational performance updates.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and other continuous improvement activities.
• Create and update standard operating procedures, work instructions, and supply chain policies.
• Drive corrective actions related to quality, delivery, and cost outcomes.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will bring a strong academic background, several years of supply chain leadership experience in manufacturing, and the technical and analytical skills needed to operate in a complex production environment.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of progressive supply chain leadership experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Background in industrial equipment, electronics, automotive, machinery, or similarly complex manufacturing environments is preferred.
• Proven experience with purchasing, planning, inventory control, logistics, and supplier management.
• Good understanding of manufacturing processes and Bill of Materials (BOM) management.
• Experience handling international logistics, freight, and Incoterms.
• Advanced ERP experience; familiarity with IFS is an advantage.
• Strong analytical and financial judgment, with the ability to interpret operational data and metrics.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, especially Excel.

Additional Information

This is a full-time, on-site role based in Knoxville, TN, within a stable and growing manufacturing organization. The position offers the chance to influence operational performance, support strategic decision-making, and contribute to process improvement in a collaborative team environment. Compensation includes a competitive package with bonus potential and comprehensive benefits.

Important Notes

No stipend or salary amount was provided in the source information.