About the Supply Chain Manager role
A Supply Chain Manager owns the end-to-end flow of materials, information, and money from suppliers through production and warehousing to the customer. They forecast demand, plan inventory, manage supplier and logistics performance, and balance three forces that constantly pull against each other: cost, service level, and risk. Done well, the role turns the supply chain from a cost center into a competitive advantage.
Scope varies with the business model. In manufacturing, the role leans toward materials planning, production scheduling, and supplier development. In retail and e-commerce, it centers on demand forecasting, inventory positioning, and distribution. Global businesses add multi-country sourcing, customs, and disruption planning. Some companies place procurement under this role; others keep it separate.
In your posting, define what the manager will actually own: which parts of plan, source, make, and deliver, the team size, the systems in use, and the KPIs that matter to you, such as OTIF, inventory turns, or landed cost. Strong candidates will ask about data quality and decision authority, so be ready to describe both.
Supply Chain Manager job description template
Job brief
We are looking for a Supply Chain Manager to own our end-to-end supply chain, from demand planning and sourcing to warehousing and delivery. Your responsibilities include building accurate forecasts, setting inventory policies, managing supplier and logistics partner performance, and leading a team of planners and coordinators. To succeed in this role, you should combine analytical rigor with hands-on operational leadership. Success means higher service levels and inventory efficiency at a lower total cost, with risks identified before they become disruptions.
Responsibilities
- Design and manage the end-to-end supply chain strategy across planning, sourcing, warehousing, and delivery
- Lead demand forecasting and the S&OP process together with sales, finance, and production
- Set inventory policies, safety stock levels, and replenishment rules across the network
- Manage supplier relationships and performance on quality, cost, and delivery reliability
- Oversee logistics operations and negotiate contracts with carriers and 3PL partners
- Define and track supply chain KPIs such as OTIF, forecast accuracy, inventory turns, and cost to serve
- Identify supply risks and build mitigation plans, including alternative suppliers and buffer strategies
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of planners, buyers, and logistics coordinators
- Drive improvement projects across systems, processes, and network design
- Ensure compliance with trade, customs, safety, and sustainability requirements
Requirements and skills
- Proven work experience as a Supply Chain Manager or in a senior planning or logistics role
- Strong knowledge of supply chain processes: forecasting, inventory management, sourcing, and distribution
- Experience running or contributing to an S&OP cycle
- Advanced analytical skills, including strong Excel and experience with ERP or planning systems
- Track record of measurable improvements in service level, inventory, or cost
- Negotiation experience with suppliers, carriers, or 3PL providers
- Leadership experience managing and developing a team
- Degree in supply chain management, engineering, business, or a related field
Nice to have
- APICS CPIM or CSCP certification, or an equivalent supply chain qualification
- Experience with advanced planning systems or supply chain analytics tools
- International sourcing and customs experience across multiple regions
- Lean or Six Sigma training applied to supply chain processes
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