Supply Chain Manager

Primary Work Location

Lincoln, NE

Overview

The Supply Chain Manager will lead, direct, and manage all activities for all categories in the Supply Chain department (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, etc.) including:

• Developing and implementing supply strategies

• Providing direction, oversight, and management of supply contracts and all supplier relations

• Directing Supply Chain activities within the scope of New Product Teams

• Managing the support of production operations through a high level of collaboration with Manufacturing and Engineering personnel

• Driving continuous improvement activities and cost reduction initiatives with Suppliers

Professional Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Technical field or equivalent is required.

Experience

• Minimum five (5) years of experience in a Sourcing, Purchasing, Supply Chain, Project Management and/or Engineering role.

• Demonstrated proficiency with standard computer applications.

• Some evidence of successfully directing others to complete assigned tasks within the framework of project management milestones and timelines.

• Systems understanding of ERP (NetSuite preferred), MRP, Quality Control, and Finance.

• Demonstrated analytical skills (Market analysis, Risk Management, Supplier evaluation and selection, and Supplier Performance Management).

General

• Ability to meet the Physical Requirements of the position.

• Ability to work well with people. This requires fairness, tact, firmness, ability to manage conflict, and disciplinary action as required.

• Must possess proven critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent communication (verbal/written), interpersonal, organization, and presentation skills.

• Ability to work independently and/or as a member of a larger team.

• Must be dependable, cooperative, and have good attendance.

• Possess sound business understanding and technical acumen.

• Ability to read blueprints and Engineering drawings and specifications and possess sound mathematical aptitude.

• Must possess sound judgment with regard to the motivations and engagement of the group.

• Ability to work well with multiple departments, coordinate actions and decision-making across multiple departments.

• Ability to handle confidential information.

Position Responsibilities

SPECIFIC

Supervision:

• Responsible for salary administration, regular employee evaluations and feedback to staff.

• Evaluate and recommend staffing needs to Management.

• Coordinate the selection of staff in conjunction with Talent Operations and Director of Manufacturing.

• Approve vacation and time-off requests to maintain optimal departmental performance.

• Lead the development process of new employees in Supply Chain procedures as well as all company policies and procedures.

• Review Job Training Lists regularly to ensure adequate training is identified, provided and evaluated for effectiveness. Ensure appropriate cross-training is complete and up to date so as to increase the versatility of the work force.

• Communicate with staff as needed regarding company information and activities.

• Track, report, and publish all pertinent Key Performance Indicators and metrics for the department. Monitor, review, and adjust performance standards and targets to ensure an environment of Continuous Improvement.

Sourcing

• Source all Suppliers within assigned categories: Establish and maintain a capable Supply Base; Collaborate with Research Scientists, Engineers, and anyone in a Product Development role to identify and select appropriate Sources of Supply. Gain alignment with internal Stakeholders on sources of supply.

• Attend Product Development meetings as necessary, assess progress with respect to Supply Chain activities, and communicate status and progress to ensure seamless product development and on-time launch.

• Create, maintain, and re-evaluate to expand reliable primary and secondary sources of supply to promote appropriate competition and uninterrupted supply.

• Develop and implement Sourcing strategies to increase market competiveness and sustain ongoing category improvements.

• Manage and purchase inventory items for strategic vendors.

Supplier Relationship / Category Management

• Review category and sub-category strategies and enhance effectiveness of existing strategies and/or develop new strategies in response to changing market factors and evolving requirements of the business.

• Mange all aspects of assigned categories, including developing business plans, market assessment, and product life cycles and availability. Understand related commodities that can affect prices of designated products.

• Maintain a high level of knowledge of supplier's materials and processes.

• Analyze trends to strengthen LI-COR's bargaining position with suppliers.

• Collaborate with Planners, Engineers, Research Scientists, and Project Managers to develop the ongoing supply plan for the respective category.

• Identify sub-category, contract, and supplier risks for a respective category and develop mitigation plans to address risks.

• Employ a wide variety of tactics to manage suppliers, including market tests, make vs. buy proposals and analysis, and understand the impacts of design and/or process changes.

• Ensure satisfactory compliance with suppliers regarding contractually specified performance metrics, and mitigate any issues with performance that may arise.

• Lead supplier relationship management activities for respective category, including coordinating and leading regular Supplier Relationship Management reviews.

New Product Development

• Identify and source all suppliers for new products. Simultaneously achieve Supply Chain and New Product Development objectives.

• Create, maintain, and re-evaluate to expand reliable primary and secondary sources of supply to promote appropriate competition and uninterrupted supply.

• Implement sourcing strategies to increase market competitiveness and sustain ongoing category improvements.

• Attend Product Development meetings, assess progress with respect to Supply Chain activities, and proactively communicate status and progress to ensure seamless product development and on-time launch.

• Ensure that accurate data on changing costs are properly analyzed and communicated.

• Engage suppliers in one-on-one negotiations.

• Maintain sufficient and proper product supply levels and ensure consistent and timely supply of products for Engineering and pre-production builds.

• Intervene when necessary to expedite product or resolve quality issues for new product development.

• Review vendor pricing to ensure accuracy relative to pricing history and established contract pricing.

• Obtain competitive bids based on greatest value to LI-COR.

• Act as a project liaison between Supply Chain and Engineering with strong project management and communication skills.

• Review supplier contracts and all supplier relations for new parts.

• Provide input to risk analysis and schedule for new projects.

• Find and source suppliers for critical parts.

• Hand off to Supply Chain team as project moves to commercialization.

Purchasing Transactional / Contract Responsibilities

• Ensure that accurate data on changing costs are properly analyzed and communicated.

• Develop negotiation strategies and plans; Engage Suppliers in one-on-one negotiations.

• Maintain sufficient and proper product supply levels and ensure consistent and timely supply of products.

• Intervene when necessary to expedite product or resolve quality issues.

• Review vendor pricing to ensure accuracy relative to pricing history and established contract pricing.

• Obtain competitive bids and award contracts on the basis of greatest profitability to LI-COR commensurate with quality standards and delivery capabilities. Utilize best practices for RFI/RFQ processes.

• Manage contracts, communicate contract terms to the respective users and ensure policy and contract compliance between LI-COR and suppliers.

Job Functions - General

• Conduct regular/routine business analysis to understand, recommend, and execute plans for cost containment and reduction, and quality/process improvements.

• Collaborate with internal departments including Manufacturing, Engineering, Finance, R&D, and Maintenance to optimize LI-COR's buying position.

• Commit funds and spending based on direction by Management.

• Provide training, guidance, and direction to other Supply Chain staff. Assist in the development of Supply Chain systems and procedures.

• Regularly evaluate and provide input on internal systems impacting Supply Chain, including development and use of standard costs, markets impacting assigned products, and short/long range planning.

• Adhere to all company policies, ethical standards, and organizational directives.