Senior Manager Manufacturing Supply Chain
The Senior Manager, Supply Chain – Manufacturing is responsible for leading the strategic sourcing, procurement, supplier management, and purchasing functions that support manufacturing operations. This role develops and executes comprehensive supply chain strategies to ensure the cost-effective, reliable, and timely procurement of direct and indirect materials, components, MRO supplies, equipment, and services required to meet business objectives.
The position provides leadership in supplier relationship management, contract negotiations, category management, risk mitigation, cost optimization, inventory management, and procurement governance. Working closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Logistics, Finance, Legal, and other business functions, the Senior Manager drives operational excellence through strategic supplier partnerships, continuous improvement initiatives, and the implementation of enabling technologies and analytics.
This role is accountable for achieving key performance objectives related to cost, quality, delivery, inventory, working capital, supplier performance, and customer service while ensuring compliance with company policies, ethical business practices, and applicable regulatory requirements. The Senior Manager leads and develops a high-performing supply chain organization focused on supporting manufacturing operations, advancing organizational capabilities, and delivering sustainable business results.
1. Lead all sourcing, procurement, supplier management, and purchasing activities supporting manufacturing operations, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives for cost, quality, delivery, inventory, working capital, and risk management.2. Develop and execute strategic sourcing strategies, category plans, supplier segmentation models, and multi-year procurement roadmaps that optimize total cost of ownership while supporting business growth and operational excellence.3. Establish and maintain strategic supplier partnerships through executive engagement, supplier performance reviews, supplier development initiatives, and continuous improvement programs to drive innovation, quality, service, and cost competitiveness.4. Lead the negotiation, administration, and management of supplier contracts, commercial agreements, pricing arrangements, and service agreements to secure favorable business terms while minimizing risk and ensuring compliance.5. Develop and implement supplier risk management and business continuity strategies, including supply continuity planning, dual-sourcing initiatives, geopolitical risk assessments, and contingency planning to mitigate operational disruptions.6. Ensure efficient execution of procurement and purchasing operations by establishing effective processes, controls, systems, and performance standards that support uninterrupted manufacturing operations and material availability.7. Analyze enterprise spend and market intelligence to identify sourcing opportunities, supplier rationalization initiatives, and cost reduction programs that achieve annual productivity and margin improvement objectives.8. Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Quality teams to improve supplier quality performance, support supplier qualification efforts, resolve chronic supply issues, and facilitate successful product launches and operational initiatives.9. Drive inventory optimization, supplier lead-time improvements, replenishment strategies, and payment term negotiations that balance customer service, inventory investment, and working capital objectives.10. Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of procurement technologies, automation tools, analytics platforms, and digital processes that enhance supply chain visibility, efficiency, compliance, and decision-making.11. Establish, monitor, and report key performance indicators including supplier quality, on-time delivery, inventory turns, procurement savings, customer service levels, working capital metrics, and supplier risk measures.12. Collaborate closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Logistics, Finance, Legal, and Operations teams to support business objectives and drive enterprise-wide process improvements.13. Lead, develop, and mentor supply chain and procurement personnel through coaching, performance management, succession planning, and professional development initiatives.14. Develop and maintain procurement policies, procedures, supplier standards, and governance practices that promote operational consistency, ethical sourcing, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement.15. Communicate supplier performance, sourcing initiatives, inventory status, supply chain risks, cost savings achievements, and strategic priorities to senior leadership on a regular basis.16. Perform other duties consistent with the nature and level of responsibility of the position.
Background and Experience
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Operations Management, Finance, or a related field required.
Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), Supply Chain Management, Engineering Management, or a related discipline preferred.
Professional certifications such as CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management), CPM (Certified Purchasing Manager), CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional), CPIM (Certified in Planning and Inventory Management), or equivalent are preferred.
Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in supply chain, strategic sourcing, procurement, purchasing, or supplier management within a manufacturing environment.
Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience managing procurement, sourcing, supply chain, or purchasing teams.
Demonstrated experience developing and executing sourcing strategies, supplier management programs, and category management initiatives that deliver measurable cost, quality, service, and productivity improvements.
Proven track record of negotiating complex commercial agreements, supplier contracts, pricing arrangements, and long-term supply agreements.
Experience managing both direct and indirect spend categories, including raw materials, components, MRO supplies, capital equipment, and professional services.
Strong background in supplier relationship management, supplier development, performance management, and risk mitigation.
Experience supporting manufacturing operations in a multi-site and/or global sourcing environment.
Demonstrated success leading cross-functional initiatives involving Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Logistics, Finance, and Operations teams.
Experience implementing procurement technologies, ERP systems, sourcing tools, analytics platforms, and process improvement initiatives.
Proven ability to analyze spend, market trends, supplier capabilities, and operational data to drive strategic decision-making and business results.
Experience managing inventory optimization, working capital improvement initiatives, and supply continuity programs.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Demonstrated success leading organizational change, developing talent, and building high-performing teams.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities• Advanced knowledge of strategic sourcing, procurement, category management, contract administration, supplier management, and supply chain best practices.• Strong commercial acumen with exceptional negotiation, influencing, and relationship management skills.• Comprehensive understanding of manufacturing operations, inventory management, material planning, logistics, and supplier quality processes.• Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate data into actionable business strategies.• Knowledge of total cost of ownership methodologies, cost modeling, supplier risk assessment, and market analysis techniques.• Experience with ERP and procurement systems such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft• Dynamics, Infor, Coupa, Ariba, Jaggaer, or equivalent platforms.• Ability to effectively lead through influence across multiple business functions and organizational levels.• Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate effectively with senior leadership, suppliers, and cross-functional stakeholders.• Demonstrated commitment to ethical business practices, compliance, and supplier governance.
- Professional), CPIM (Certified in Planning and Inventory Management), or equivalent are preferred.