Supply Chain Specialist

Location: Benton Harbor, MI (Onsite)
Duration: 12+ Months

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Supply Chain Specialist to support global supply chain planning, inventory optimization, and production planning across internal manufacturing operations and external OEM supply networks.

The ideal candidate will bring strong supply planning fundamentals, analytical skills, systems expertise, and cross-functional leadership capabilities. This role will focus on ensuring product availability, optimizing inventory, supporting business growth, and improving planning processes through data analytics, automation, and AI-enabled tools.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute weekly supply planning cycles for OEM finished goods and manufacturing production planning, validating system-generated plans against demand, supply, inventory, capacity, and inbound signals to ensure supply continuity and timely order placement.

• Serve as a supply planning subject matter expert, applying planning fundamentals, business judgment, and data-driven analysis to validate plans, identify exceptions, and drive timely decisions.

• Lead inventory optimization by establishing and maintaining planning parameters, including safety stock, lead times, MIN/MAX targets, planning methods, and SKU-level inventory strategies to balance service, cost, and cash flow.

• Develop and manage monthly supply plans and annual business plans aligned with demand, supply capabilities, inventory targets, and business growth objectives.

• Manage shortages, excess inventory, and inbound supply risks by identifying root causes, quantifying business impact, developing corrective actions and recovery plans, and escalating unresolved issues as needed.

• Plan phase-in and phase-out activities in partnership with cross-functional stakeholders to support new product launches, product transitions, and lifecycle management.

• Collaborate with Manufacturing Operations, Procurement, Finance, Logistics, Demand Planning, Merchandising, Sales, and regional teams to resolve constraints and align supply plans with business priorities.

• Monitor inbound supply risks, including international shipments, container delays, supplier schedule changes, production delays, and logistics disruptions, and develop appropriate mitigation plans.

• Establish and publish operational dashboards, reports, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to provide leadership visibility into supply health, inventory, service risks, and required actions.

• Leverage advanced analytics, automation, and AI-enabled tools to simplify planning processes, improve decision-making, reduce manual work, and strengthen planning execution.

• Coach and guide planners or analysts as needed, improving team capabilities in supply planning, analytical rigor, communication, process discipline, and digital tool adoption.

• Promote and sustain a culture of continuous improvement.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, Business, Logistics, or a related field.

• 7+ years of experience in one or more of the following areas: supply planning, production planning, inventory planning, materials planning, Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP), logistics planning, or supply chain operations.

• Experience managing supply planning in a manufacturing, consumer products, durable goods, appliance, industrial, automotive, retail, or other complex product environment.

• Strong cross-functional communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders across functions and regions.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience working with long-lead-time global supply chains and international suppliers.

• Strong digital and analytical capabilities, including advanced Excel, Power Query, Tableau, and automation tools.

• Practical experience using AI tools, particularly Gemini, to improve supply planning processes.

• Strong presentation and business storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable recommendations for senior leadership.

Additional Information

Candidates should have a strong combination of supply planning expertise, inventory management experience, analytical capabilities, and cross-functional collaboration skills. Experience improving planning processes through digital tools, automation, and data-driven decision-making will be highly valued.