Senior Supply Chain Specialist

Certified Origins•Newport News, VA

About The Position

The Senior Supply Chain Specialist is responsible for optimizing end-to-end supply chain performance, including inventory management, demand forecasting, procurement strategies, and vendor performance management. This role acts as a crucial link between suppliers, logistics providers, internal operations, and business leadership to ensure seamless product flow, cost efficiency, and high customer satisfaction. The ideal candidate brings strong analytical skills, expertise in ERP system management, and a track record of driving process improvement initiatives within a complex global or regional supply network, preferably within the food industry.

Requirements

5+ years of progressive experience in supply chain operations, inventory management, demand planning, or procurement.
Well versed in the importing and distribution process to the US with NVOCCs, Customs Brokers and 3PLs.
High proficiency with enterprise ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) and advanced Excel skills (VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, Index/Match, Pivot Tables, Power Query).
Proven experience utilizing data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau) to evaluate complex supply datasets and drive business decisions.
Strategic Problem Solving: Ability to evaluate macro supply chain risks and identify practical solutions under changing market conditions.
Cross-Functional Communication: Clear and concise written and verbal communication style for presenting data insights to management and cross-departmental teams.
Adaptability & Resilience: Demonstrated capacity to navigate supply disruptions, prioritize tasks, and execute under pressure.

Nice To Haves

Has previously worked with JDE.
Experience with food and or lot/BBD-controlled inventory.
Strong negotiation and contract management skills.

Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end inventory planning strategies to maintain optimal inventory levels, maximize fulfillment rates, and minimize carrying costs and stockouts.
Perform demand-versus-supply balancing, monitor lead times, and proactively resolve bottlenecks or product shortages.
Analyze and maintain safety stock levels, reorder points, and lead times regularly to adjust planning parameters in the ERP system.
Inventory management from A to Z, with full ownership.
Build and maintain strategic relationships with key domestic and international suppliers, vendors, and logistics partners.
Monitor vendor KPIs including On-Time In-Full (OTIF) delivery, lead time accuracy, quality compliance, and cost variance.
Lead quarterly vendor business reviews (QBRs) and collaborate with procurement teams on contract terms, pricing negotiations, and service level agreements (SLAs).
Develop and maintain key operational dashboards and metrics (e.g., Inventory Turns, Forecast Accuracy, On-Time Delivery, Freight Spend).
Apply lean methodologies, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), and continuous improvement frameworks to streamline supply chain workflows.
Lead cross-functional projects aimed at supply chain optimization, cost reduction, and sustainability initiatives.
Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) for ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite).
Lead the charge in ERP optimization, maxing out the system's capabilities to meet our ever-changing business needs.
Partner with Logistics, Warehousing, Quality Assurance, and Commercial teams to align supply capabilities with sales targets and customer requirements.
Support risk management and supply disruption mitigation planning by identifying alternative sourcing channels and contingency plans.