Supply Chain Manager
Precision manufacturing and engineering
On-site: Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire
Salary circa £45,000 plus benefits
Are you ready to lead the charge in optimising supply chain operations? As a Supply Chain Manager, you'll be the strategic force driving the supply chain to meet and exceed business needs. This role is all about ensuring a seamless flow of materials and products, guaranteeing that the business stays ahead of the competition and deliver excellence every time.
Position in the Organisation
As a key player in our organisation, the Supply Chain Manager is the expert in planning, expediting, and supplier control. You'll be at the forefront of managing and refining our production planning processes, ensuring every material is managed efficiently and every step meets the highest quality standards. This role demands sharp strategic thinking, exceptional analytical skills, and the ability to work effectively across teams to push boundaries and drive results.
Key Responsibilities:
Supply Chain Production Planning:
Develop and Implement Cutting-Edge Production Schedules:
Craft detailed, strategic production plans that align with our business goals, customer demands, and available resources.
Collaborate with production planners, purchasing teams, and subcontractor managers to ensure flawless execution of these plans.
Master Capacity Planning:
Analyse production capacities and adjust plans dynamically to meet fluctuating demands.
Identify potential bottlenecks and implement innovative solutions to streamline production flow and enhance efficiency.
Demand Forecasting Like a Pro:
Work closely with sales and internal teams to generate accurate, data-driven demand forecasts.
Use advanced statistical tools and historical data to predict future demand, keeping our production schedules on point.
Material Control:
Elevate Material Stock Management:
Develop and enforce robust policies and procedures to ensure efficient material control throughout the supply chain.
Keep meticulous records of material status at every stage to ensure accuracy and prevent contamination.
Leverage MRP for Superior Planning:
Utilize Manufacturing Requirements Planning (MRP) systems to maintain optimal material availability and align production schedules and procurement plans.
Ensure timely availability of materials and components to meet production deadlines without a hitch.
Conduct Rigorous Supply Chain Audits:
Perform regular audits to verify the accuracy and integrity of material records.
Quickly identify and resolve any discrepancies to maintain seamless operations.
Supply Chain Quality:
Champion Quality Assurance:
Develop and implement top-tier supply chain quality standards and procedures.
Ensure full compliance with industry regulations and company policies to maintain our reputation for excellence.
Drive Supplier Management Excellence:
Partner with the Purchasing Manager to evaluate and manage suppliers, focusing on quality, delivery, cost, risk, and management criteria.
Work with the Quality team to conduct regular supplier audits, ensuring adherence to our stringent standards and continuous improvement.
Lead Continuous Improvement Initiatives:
Spearhead initiatives to refine supply chain processes, enhance quality, and reduce costs.
Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and other methodologies to drive relentless improvement.
Collaboration and Communication:
Foster Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Collaborate closely with Quality, Sales, Purchasing, Production, Engineering, and other departments to ensure cohesive and efficient supply chain operations.
Facilitate open communication to swiftly address and resolve any supply chain challenges.
Deliver Insightful Reporting and Analysis:
Prepare comprehensive reports on production performance, material control, and supply chain quality.
Analyse data to uncover trends, identify issues, and seize opportunities for improvement.
Engage and Inform Stakeholders:
Communicate effectively with senior management and other key stakeholders, providing updates on supply chain performance and strategic initiatives.
Measurable Areas:
Technical Knowledge: Apply your skills and experience to enhance performance and drive cost savings across the supply chain.
Reliability & Accountability: Be a dependable force, achieving goals and contributing to team and company objectives.
Interpersonal Skills: Build strong relationships with suppliers and mentor team members to achieve their full potential.
Proactive Attitude: Embrace additional responsibilities, adapt to change, and always look for ways to improve processes and self-development.
Requirements for the Position:
- Proven experience in a commercial role within a manufacturing environment.
- Excellent commercial acumen.
- CIPS qualified or part-qualified and willing to pursue further studies.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Superior analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
- Exceptional organizational skills to juggle multiple tasks, maintain precise records, and prioritize effectively.
- Proficiency in computer skills; famil