Supply Chain Manager

Confidential Retained Search | Metal Fabrication Manufacturing

A privately held metal fabrication manufacturer is seeking an experienced Supply Chain Manager to lead end-to-end supply chain operations in a high-mix, low-to-mid volume manufacturing environment. This role oversees production planning, purchasing, inventory management, warehousing, logistics, and supplier performance, with accountability for material availability, cost control, on-time delivery, and compliance.

The ideal candidate brings manufacturing turnaround experience, strong ERP/MRP capability, and the ability to operate effectively at both strategic and hands-on levels within a fabrication-driven operation.

Role Scope & Responsibilities

Planning & Execution

• Plan and coordinate purchasing, production planning, inventory, warehousing, and distribution to support fabrication schedules and customer commitments.

• Direct the movement and control of raw materials, WIP, and finished goods, including plate, sheet, tube, bar, and fabricated components.

• Align demand forecasting and production planning with fabrication capacity and customer requirements.

• Optimize inventory levels to reduce excess, scrap, and obsolescence while maintaining uninterrupted production flow.

Procurement & Supplier Management

• Lead strategic and tactical purchasing for metals, outsourced processing, MRO, and freight.

• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and commercial terms with steel mills, service centers, and key suppliers.

• Monitor supplier performance across cost, quality, delivery, and certification requirements.

• Partner with engineering and quality on supplier qualification, material specifications, and sourcing alternatives.

Systems, Metrics & Process Improvement

• Manage MRP, inventory control, warehousing, and receiving functions with a focus on accuracy, traceability, and lot control.

• Leverage ERP systems (IFS, SAP, Epicor, Oracle, Infor) experience to improve planning, purchasing, costing, and reporting.

• Establish and track supply chain KPIs related to cost, delivery, inventory accuracy, and supplier reliability.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, engineering, quality, finance, sales, and IT to improve processes and system utilization.

Candidate Profile

• 7+ years of progressive supply chain, materials management, or procurement experience in metal fabrication or industrial manufacturing.

• Demonstrated success managing purchasing, inventory, MRP, and suppliers in a high-mix manufacturing environment.

• Hands-on ERP experience required; (SAP, Oracle, Epicor, Infor, Plex acceptable).

• Strong understanding of MRP logic, BOMs, routings, lead times, capacity constraints, and inventory control best practices.

• Proven negotiation experience with steel mills, service centers, and outsourced processing suppliers.

• Familiarity with ISO-based quality systems and regulated manufacturing environments preferred.