Supply Chain Manager at Ericson Manufacturing Co – Willoughby, Ohio

We are seeking an experienced Supply Chain Manager to join our team!

The Company: Ericson Manufacturing engineers and manufactures temporary power, lighting and safety electrical products for your workplace. Family owned and operated since 1918, our mission is to safeguard your jobsite with quality and innovative solutions with a commitment to safety, ease of use and reliability.

The Role: The Supply Chain Manager oversees all aspects of Ericson Manufacturing’s supply chain—including purchasing, logistics, materials management, MRP/ERP data integrity, supplier performance, and inventory accuracy. This role ensures efficient material flow through Ericson’s manufacturing operations while supporting continuous improvement, cost control, and customer satisfaction. The position plays a key role in strengthening operational excellence and enabling Ericson’s modernization and smart‑manufacturing initiatives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Supply Chain Leadership

• Develop and execute supply chain strategies that support Ericson’s operational goals, margin targets, and customer commitments.
• Lead initiatives supporting automation, digital tools, improved forecasting, and Industry 4.0 adoption.
• Partner with Engineering, Operations, Finance, Sales, and Quality to align supply chain activities with company priorities.

Procurement & Supplier Management

• Build and maintain strong strategic supplier relationships, fully understanding supply capabilities, quality, lead times, service, and pricing.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, long term agreements, and cost reduction initiatives that ensure favorable purchase price variance for Ericson.
• Conduct vendor scorecards, audits, and formal evaluation programs.
• Resolve supplier issues promptly and ensure continuity of supply.
• Collaborate with Engineering on sourcing critical materials and reviewing alternate suppliers.

Logistics & Distribution

• Oversee inbound and outbound shipping, including carrier selection, performance tracking, and freight cost management.
• Set and track the annual logistics budget; ensure selected carriers meet cost, service, and safety expectations.
• Ensure timely and accurate shipping and receiving processes.
• Verify that receipts match purchase orders and that documentation is complete and accurate.

Inventory & Materials Management

• Monitor and report inventory levels for raw materials, WIP, and finished goods.
• Manage cycle counts, root cause corrective actions, and system accuracy improvements.
• Increase inventory turns and reduce excess or obsolete inventory.
• Design and maintain efficient warehouse layout and material flow.
• Ensure safe storage practices and clear labeling.

Demand, Production, & Capacity Planning

• Oversee forecasting, demand planning, and S&OP alignment specific to Ericson’s manufacturing output.
• Analyze MRP data for accuracy and maintain master data including vendor, pricing, and inventory parameters.
• Coordinate material availability with production schedules and capacity constraints.

Technology, Data, & Systems Oversight

• Ensure integrity of ERP/MRP data used for purchasing, planning, and inventory control.
• Lead improvements to reporting, dashboards, and analytics for supply chain decision making.
• Identify gaps in system use; train and support staff in purchasing, logistics, and inventory functions.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Manage personnel in Purchasing, Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Control.
• Set clear performance expectations and conduct timely evaluations.
• Provide coaching, corrective actions, and training as needed.
• Make hiring recommendations and support employee development.
• Continuous Improvement & Cost Optimization
• Lead Lean/CI activities that reduce waste, improve flow, and strengthen cost competitiveness.
• Drive cross functional problem solving for inventory, logistics, and quality issues.
• Support corporate sustainability through responsible sourcing and reduced environmental impact.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field
• 7+ years of experience in supply chain, purchasing, logistics, or materials management
• Experience negotiating supplier pricing in a manufacturing environment
• Prior leadership experience managing multi function supply chain teams
• ERP/MRP system experience required; proficiency with Epicor preferred
• APICS CPIM/CSCP, ISM CPSM, or Six Sigma certification preferred

Ericson offers a competitive compensation and benefit program.

Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, M/F/D/V