Supply Chain Manager

The Supply Chain Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of the supply chain function at the Seward, NE facility reporting directly to the Director of Supply Chain

• Lead a team in the execution of key supply chain functions for master planning, production scheduling, inventory management, procurement, and collaboration of customer order execution.
• This role is a hands-on leadership position responsible for shaping and managing the supply chain function within the freeze-dry pet food facility.
• Develop and maintain a master planning process that aligns production schedules with demand forecasts to optimize inventory levels and plant efficiency.
• Perform capacity planning analytics and drive action plans with the plant to resolve scheduling and production challenges.
• Oversee plant scheduling to ensure seamless execution of production plans while balancing demand and capacity constraints.
• Maintain optimal inventory levels of raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods, ensuring product availability while minimizing waste and carrying costs.
• Establish and maintain strong supplier relationships for the procurement of ingredients and packaging materials, ensuring cost-effectiveness, adherence to quality and timely deliveries.
• Oversee master data management by ensuring the accurate setup and maintenance of materials, including finished goods, WIP, raw materials, and the associated planning data.
• Support Sales and customer engagement efforts via customer on-boarding, order execution, and forecast alignment processes.
• Work closely with Food Safety & Quality to maintain best practices for traceability, supplier on-boarding and compliance with regulatory and industry standards.
• Collaborate with Research & Innovation teams to ensure seamless transitions from product development to full-scale production and distribution.
• Drive process improvements and strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service levels.
• Partner in the development of long-term supply chain strategies to support business growth, capacity planning, and scalability.
• Collaborate with the plant operations teams to align manufacturing execution and distribution with supply plans.
• Support new product introduction efforts by collaborating with Sales, R&D, and Operations to integrate new products into production and supply chain processes.
• Utilize ERP systems and supply chain analytics tools to drive data-driven decision-making and continuous process optimization.
• Foster a culture of cross-functional collaboration, operational excellence, and continuous improvement within the supply chain team.

About You

• Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, or logistics preferred.
• 8 years of supply chain experience in planning and distribution, including management responsibilities.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to build and sustain a high-integrity, positive team culture.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills to manage relationships with vendors, suppliers, shippers, and customers.
• Supervisory experience with the ability to lead, develop, and motivate a team.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail for managing complex supply chain operations.
• Experience in Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG) or Contract Manufacturing preferred – food or petfood experience is a plus.
• Food safety and raw material quality knowledge preferred.
• Continuous improvement experience with a track record of driving successful initiatives.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint for data analysis and reporting.
• Experience with ERP systems (D365 or similar) in a manufacturing environment.
• APICS or CPIM certification preferred but not required.

Minimum

• Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, or logistics preferred.
• 8 years of supply chain experience in planning and distribution, including management responsibilities.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to build and sustain a high-integrity, positive team culture.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills to manage relationships with vendors, suppliers, shippers, and customers.
• Supervisory experience with the ability to lead, develop, and motivate a team.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail for managing complex supply chain operations.
• Experience in Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG) or Contract Manufacturing preferred – food or petfood experience is a plus.
• Food safety and raw material quality knowledge preferred.
• Continuous improvement experience with a track record of driving successful initiatives.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint for data analysis and reporting.
• Experience with ERP systems (D365 or similar) in a manufacturing environment.
• APICS or CPIM certification preferred but not required.