Supply Chain Associate

Job Title: Supply Chain Associate Department: Supply Chain

Pay Type: Salary (Overtime Exempt) Reports to: Supply Chain Manager

Job Summary: The Supply Chain Associate is responsible for supporting procurement, material planning, inventory management, and supply chain activities that ensure the timely and cost-effective supply of raw materials, chemicals, packaging, and production-related materials across multiple manufacturing divisions. This position combines day-to-day purchasing responsibilities with opportunities to participate in broader supply chain initiatives focused on operational efficiency, inventory optimization, cost reduction, and business growth. Working closely with the Supply Chain Manager, the Supply Chain Associate will support the full purchasing cycle while contributing to the continuous improvement and strategic development of purchasing and material planning processes. The successful candidate will possess strong analytical and communication skills, a foundational understanding of supply chain and procurement principles, and a desire to leverage data, technology, and process improvements to support organizational growth. This position is intended for an early-career supply chain professional seeking to develop into future roles of increasing responsibility within procurement and supply chain management.

Duties/Responsibilities:

· Issue and manage purchase orders for raw materials, chemicals, packaging, maintenance items, and production supplies.

· Coordinate purchasing activities with Production, Planning, Warehouse, Logistics, Quality, and Accounting teams to ensure uninterrupted operations.

· Monitor inventory levels and material requirements to support production schedules and customer demand.

· Track order confirmations, lead times, backorders, and delivery schedules to maintain continuity of supply.

· Communicate directly with suppliers regarding pricing, order status, delivery schedules, shortages, and discrepancies.

· Maintain accurate purchasing records, pricing information, supplier data, and material master information within the ERP system.

· Assist with forecasting, inventory planning, replenishment activities, and material requirements planning (MRP).

· Generate purchasing, inventory, supplier performance, and supply chain reports to support business decision-making.

· Support supplier evaluations, sourcing initiatives, and vendor relationship management activities.

· Participate in cost reduction, process improvement, and supply chain optimization projects.

· Support initiatives to improve and modernize purchasing, material planning, and supply chain processes to support future company growth and operational scalability.

· Assist in maintaining supply chain KPIs including inventory performance, supplier delivery performance, freight costs, purchase price variance, and inventory turns.

· Utilize business data, reporting tools, and emerging technologies to identify trends, improve decision-making, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

· Support customs/import documentation and procurement-related compliance activities when applicable.

· Maintain Safety Data Sheet (SDS) documentation and support procurement-related regulatory requirements.

· Collaborate with the Supply Chain Manager on strategic procurement projects, supplier development initiatives, and long-term supply chain planning activities.

· Provide backup support to other administrative or supply chain functions as needed.

· Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Required Skills/Abilities:

· Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.

· Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

· Ability to build positive working relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

· Basic understanding of purchasing, procurement, inventory management, material planning, and supply chain principles.

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data and identify trends.

· Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

· Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.

· Ability to learn and effectively utilize ERP and MRP systems.

· Familiarity with data analytics, reporting tools, and emerging technologies, including AI-assisted tools, to support business decisions and process improvements.

· Demonstrated initiative, curiosity, ownership, and willingness to learn.

· Strong professional judgment and ability to maintain confidentiality regarding supplier and pricing information.

Education and Experience

· Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Logistics, Operations Management, Business Administration, or related field required.

· Experience within manufacturing, purchasing, logistics, planning, inventory control, or supply chain environments preferred.

· Experience purchasing raw materials, chemicals, or industrial materials preferred.

· Experience with ERP or MRP systems required; SAP experience is a plus.

· APICS CPIM, APICS CSCP, CPP, CPM, or similar supply chain certifications are a plus.

Updated 06/19/2026