Supply Chain Manager

Role Overview

The Supply Chain Manager is responsible for leading and optimizing planning, inventory management, and warehouse operations in an Engineer-to-Order (ETO) manufacturing environment. 

This role ensures material availability aligned with engineering release and production schedules, while maintaining control over inventory, warehouse efficiency, and overall supply chain performance. This position does not include procurement responsibility.

Key Responsibilities

1. Planning & Scheduling Excellence

Lead end-to-end planning processes in an ETO environment, including Master Production Scheduling (MPS), Material Requirements Planning (MRP), and capacity planning. 

Ensure alignment between engineering release, material availability, and production readiness. 

Manage long lead-time materials and complex bill of materials (BOM).  

Provide visibility on critical path, constraints, and material bottlenecks.

2. Systems & Planning Tools Governance

Own and optimize planning systems, including SAP (MRP, PP, MM).

Utilize advanced planning tools such as Microsoft Project, Primavera, Trello, or similar platforms.

Ensure accuracy of master data, including BOM, lead times, routings, and inventory parameters.

Drive digitalization and automation of planning processes.

3. Inventory Management & Working Capital

Define and implement inventory strategies aligned with ETO variability and project timelines.

Optimize inventory levels, safety stock policies, and material availability.

Balance service level and working capital targets.

Monitor and improve KPIs such as inventory turnover, stock accuracy, and excess and obsolete materials.

4. Warehouse & Internal Logistics

Lead warehouse operations ensuring efficient material flow, proper storage conditions, and full traceability.

Ensure high standards of inventory accuracy and material handling.

Optimize warehouse layout and internal logistics processes.

Implement digital tracking and control systems where applicable.

5. Cross-Functional Integration

Act as the key interface between Engineering, Production, Project Management, and Procurement (interface only).

Ensure coordination between design release and material readiness.

Support execution with clear visibility of material-related risks.

6. Performance Management & Continuous Improvement

Define and monitor KPIs such as material availability, planning adherence, and inventory performance.

Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and process optimization methodologies.

Promote standardization and discipline across planning and logistics processes.

7. Risk Management

Identify and manage risks related to material shortages, planning deviations, and inventory imbalances.

Develop mitigation plans and escalation routines to ensure continuity of operations.

Qualifications

Experience 8 to 12+ years of experience in Supply Chain, with strong focus on planning, inventory management, and logistics.

Proven experience in Engineer-to-Order (ETO) or project-based manufacturing environments. 

Experience in transformers, heavy electrical equipment, or similar industries is highly preferred.

Technical Skills

Strong expertise in SAP (MRP, PP, MM) or equivalent ERP systems.

Experience with planning and scheduling tools such as Microsoft Project, Primavera, Trello, or similar platforms. 

Deep understanding of MRP, MPS, capacity planning, and complex BOM structures. 

Advanced analytical skills, including Excel and reporting tools. 

Leadership & Competencies

Strong leadership and ability to work across cross-functional teams.

High level of discipline in planning and execution.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Ability to operate in complex, project-driven environments.

Fluency in English.

Preferred Qualifications

APICS certifications (CPIM or CSCP).

Experience with digital supply chain or planning transformation initiatives.