Supply Chain Business Manager

Essential Function:  

Managing all activities (intradepartmental and cross-functional) related to the acquisition of equipment, materials, products and services for Silfex beginning with the definition of requirements through delivery and payment.  Accountable for delivering strategic sourcing solutions in support of the business.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Development of new and existing global supply partners for critical technologies in a fast-paced environment. 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive supply chain strategy for sourcing suppliers in another region. 

• Strategic planning and sourcing of materials, consumables, products, capital equipment, and services.  

• Manage risk and ensure continuity of supply by developing contingency plans. 

• Project management for critical sourcing activities working cross-functionally throughout the organization and with supply partners. 

• Deployment of supply partners for capacity flexibility, cost competitiveness, business continuity, and risk mitigation. 

• Assessment of supplier capabilities, processes, financial stability and internal controls. 

• Negotiate contracts and terms with suppliers to ensure the best possible pricing, quality, and service. 

• Develop and implement purchase contracts that comply with company and government regulations and satisfy business needs. 

• Apply lean principles throughout the material acquisition process and assist in applying lean concepts throughout the organization. 

• Monitor and manage supplier performance to ensure compliance with company standards and requirements (quality, delivery, cost, etc.). 

• Address supplier quality and non-conformance issues utilizing root cause corrective action methodologies. 

• Develop and maintain a working knowledge of the Silfex Quality Management System and properly apply Quality Procedures and Operating Procedures as appropriate. 

• Cross-functional communication and collaboration to ensure alignment of sourcing strategies with business objectives. 

• Build supplier relationships driving continuous improvement and increasing value-added activities.  

• Travel domestically and internationally as necessary (<20%). 

• Conduct market research and analysis to stay informed about industry trends and opportunities in other regions. 

• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and standards. 

• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team, under minimum supervision. 

• Execute special projects and all other additional duties as assigned. 

• Actively participate in the development, execution, and tracking of key performance metrics.   

Culture: 

• Display a positive attitude and strong work ethic that reflects the Mission and Core Values of Silfex. 

• Create and maintain a culture where workplace safety is part of everything we do.  Provide the safest possible workplace to our employees by modeling and following all company safety policies, reporting any incidents or unsafe conditions immediately to Silfex management.  Wear all PPE as required by work area or job function. 

• Communicate boldly as well as effectively with empathy and respect to inspire teamwork and collaboration vertically and horizontally within Silfex and with suppliers. 

• Assist in applying lean manufacturing concepts and 5S.  Demonstrate ownership of continuous improvement ideas and activities.  Maintain organization and cleanliness, housekeeping and 5S within work area.   

Qualifications:  

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management or Engineering with at least 5 years’ experience in procurement and/or supplier management role. 

• Minimum 3 years of sourcing experience in a manufacturing environment with a strong mechanical aptitude pertaining to machining capital equipment used in the production of precision parts with tight tolerances. 

• Global sourcing experience required. 

• Strong negotiation and contract management skills. 

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities. 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. 

• Strong demonstrated project management skills to lead cross-functional teams and successfully deliver project objectives on time.  

• Proficiency in software programs, such as Microsoft Office products and ERP systems. 

• Proven ability to gain partnerships and excel in a cross-functional environment teaming with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Finance and Product Support.   

Desired Qualifications: 

• MBA or Master’s Degree in Engineering  

• Demonstrated experience using lean manufacturing principles. 

• Experience producing copy-exact parts. 

• Understanding of advanced materials such as silicon-carbide, silicon, quartz and sapphire. 

• Experience setting up integrated logistics streams.  

Physical Demands:  

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand and use hands to finger, handle, or feel.  The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.   

The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 50 pounds. The employee regularly is required to lift up to 10 pounds.  The vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.  

While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently exposed to work near moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles.  The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions.  The noise level in the environment is moderate.