Supply Chain Team Lead

Supply Chain Team Lead

Axis Automation leverages the expertise of leading engineers and machine builders to conceptualize, design, integrate, deploy, and service factory automation systems for innovative manufacturing customers.

The Supply Chain Team Lead owns $12-25M of annual spend across controls, mechanical, and machined & fabricated components. This role oversees Supply Chain and Shipping & Receiving team members, establishes sourcing strategies, develops supplier partnerships, manages supply chain risk, and drives continuous improvement initiatives – while serving as lead buyer on Axis’ most complex and highest risk projects. Reporting to Manager of Shared Services, this role serves as the leader and escalation point for supply chain and shipping and receiving activities while partnering closely with Finance, Project Management, and execution teams to support business and project success. This role requires a proactive approach, sense of urgency, strategic leadership, commitment to cost-effectiveness, ability to manage concurrent responsibilities, and a strong desire to grow with the company.

Success in this role will be measured not only on a project-by-project basis through quoted versus actual material spend and on-time delivery to project execution teams, but also through strategic sourcing decisions and supplier pricing agreements that deliver annual cost savings. Additional performance measures will include ERP data completeness and accuracy, as well as purchase requisition, purchase order, and receipt processing times.

Key Responsibilities

• Supply Chain Operations:
  • Manage the complete supply chain workflow, including supplier requisitioning, robust negotiation, order processing, confirmation management, and delivery acceptance.
  • Develop and maintain vendor relationships, ensuring optimal mix across all product and process categories, while strongly negotiating competitive pricing and terms.
  • Successfully execute time-sensitive supply chain needs with a sense of urgency as driven by dynamic project circumstances.
  • Drive regular supplier evaluations, tracking performance metrics and cost opportunities across existing and potential suppliers.
  • Utilize project budget constraint, timelines, and internal machining and fabrication capacity reports from Machining Manager to make decisions regarding outsourced vs. in house production of machined and fabricated components.
• Shipping/Receiving:
  • Manage shipping/receiving operations to ensure accurate and timely receiving, organization and distribution of parts and materials supporting all Axis operational departments.
  • Implement and maintain efficient processes for inventory control and logistics support.
• Departmental Collaboration and Communication:
  • Drive long lead component sourcing, coordinating closely with Mechanical Engineers during vendor quoting at project outset.
  • Work with Build and Electrical departments to source vendors aligned with technical requirements and project goals.
  • Partner with Project Management to ensure alignment with project schedules and budgets.
  • Support Applications Engineering in finding competitive supply chain solutions to help new business.
  • Evaluate market trends, supplier capabilities, capacity constraints, tariffs, and external risks that may impact business operations. Work cross-functionally to establish risk mitigation strategies where possible.
• Strategic Leadership:
  • Utilize data to make informed supply chain decisions that support company profitability and growth.
  • Investigate projects and initiatives to strengthen our long-term supply chain strategy including vendor relationship incubation, working capital management, and building negotiation leverage.
  • Evaluation and execution of low-cost country sourcing initiatives for targeted components.
  • Establish performance expectations, priorities, and goals for Supply Chain and Shipping & Receiving Team, providing consistent coaching and feedback. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and customer focus.

Qualifications

• Resourceful attitude with self-starter mindset and sense of urgency in executing open issues.
• Negotiation skills enabling an ability to advocate for company interests while building key relationships.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and execute tasks effectively.
• Analytical and financial acumen, leveraging data to guide cost-effective decisions.
• 3+ years of experience in a project-based manufacturing environment.
• 1+ years of management experience in supply chain, procurement, or operations.
• Familiarity with machine tool and welding applications.

Base Salary Range: $85,000 - $105,000, depending on experience

Benefits: Axis offers a comprehensive benefits package with no waiting period.