Supply Chain Coordinator

Van Andel Institute • Grand Rapids, MI

56d • Onsite

About The Position

Van Andel Institute (VAI), a world-class biomedical research institute, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is dedicated to improving human health. We are pioneers in the fight against cancer, Parkinson's, and other diseases. We are committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists and educators. The Van Andel Institute has an opening for a full-time, on-site Supply Chain Coordinator reporting to the Director of Supply Chain and Special Projects. This position will be part of our Materials Management team, a group that plays a vital role in supporting the Institute's research and operations. The team ensures that researchers and staff have the materials, supplies, and support they need to advance discoveries that improve health and enhance lives. In this role, you will provide broad operational and administrative support to the Materials Management team to ensure efficient coordination across Procurement, Logistics, Inventory, and Glassware & Media functions. It's an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys variety, adapts easily to changing priorities, and takes pride in both hands-on, day-to-day tasks and project-based responsibilities that improve processes and systems. We are seeking a self-starter with strong initiative who can work independently once trained, collaborate effectively across teams, and represent the department professionally in meetings with staff at all levels. This position also offers an excellent opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of supply chain operations within a dynamic research environment. This job might be for you if you: Enjoy being actively involved in day-to-day operations, including assisting with receiving, organizing, and distributing laboratory and facility supplies. Provide operational and administrative support across Procurement, Logistics, Inventory, and Glassware & Media functions. Coordinate orders, shipments, and stock levels to ensure smooth and efficient workflows. Maintain accurate records of suppliers, contracts, and deliveries while also engaging in the physical aspects of inventory management. Collaborate directly with internal teams and vendors to anticipate needs and resolve issues promptly. Assist with process improvement projects and contribute ideas for optimizing systems and workflows.

Requirements

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree (preferred) in Business, Supply Chain, or Project Management.
• Experience supporting operational functions and projects, ideally in supply chain or research environments.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Comfort with providing hands-on support, problem-solving, and cross-departmental collaboration.
• Proficiency with project tracking tools, spreadsheets, and office software.
• Professionalism and the ability to work independently and effectively with staff at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Assisting with receiving, organizing, and distributing laboratory and facility supplies.
• Providing operational and administrative support across Procurement, Logistics, Inventory, and Glassware & Media functions.
• Coordinating orders, shipments, and stock levels to ensure smooth and efficient workflows.
• Maintaining accurate records of suppliers, contracts, and deliveries while also engaging in the physical aspects of inventory management.
• Collaborating directly with internal teams and vendors to anticipate needs and resolve issues promptly.
• Assisting with process improvement projects and contribute ideas for optimizing systems and workflows.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees