Supply Chain Manager

Bradford Soap Works Inc•Broadview, IL

About The Position

The Supply Chain Manager is a strategic and operational procurement leader responsible for sourcing materials supporting both the liquid and aerosol business units. This role combines hands-on buying responsibilities with leadership of sourcing initiatives, supplier management, and cross-functional collaboration. The Supply Chain Manager will drive commodity strategies, lead supplier negotiations, and ensure continuity of supply while optimizing cost, quality, and service. This position plays a critical role in supporting production across multiple sites by proactively managing market trends, mitigating supply risks, and developing a resilient and high-performing supply base.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field
5+ years of sourcing or procurement experience, preferably in manufacturing (liquid and/or aerosol experience strongly preferred)
Proven ability to lead sourcing initiatives and manage supplier relationships
Strong analytical skills in commodity tracking, market analysis, and cost management
Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel); ERP experience (Oracle preferred)
Highly organized, self-driven, and results-oriented
Ability to operate both strategically and tactically in a fast-paced environment
Strong ownership mindset with a hands-on, problem-solving approach

Responsibilities

Lead sourcing strategy development for raw materials supporting liquid and aerosol product lines.
Monitor commodity markets, industry trends, and global supply risks to proactively guide sourcing decisions.
Develop and execute cost-reduction initiatives and long-term supplier agreements.
Build and maintain strong strategic relationships with key suppliers to ensure supply continuity and innovation.
Identify and qualify new suppliers to establish dual sourcing and reduce risk exposure.
Establish, track, and report key procurement KPIs (cost savings, supplier performance, service levels, inventory turns).
Lead cross-functional sourcing initiatives aligned with company growth and operational goals.
Partner with Supply Chain leadership to align sourcing strategies with overall business objectives.
Lead, develop, and manage the sourcing team, including setting objectives, monitoring performance, and providing ongoing coaching and development.
Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and accountability within the sourcing function to ensure efficient execution of procurement activities.
Drive team alignment with organizational goals, fostering a culture of ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Manage procurement of raw materials for liquid and aerosol manufacturing across all production sites.
Negotiate pricing, contracts, and terms to achieve cost savings and favorable supply conditions.
Maintain optimal inventory levels through effective planning of order quantities and delivery schedules.
Collaborate closely with Production Planning to ensure material availability aligns with manufacturing schedules.
Monitor demand changes and adjust purchasing activities accordingly.
Manage supplier documentation including SDS/MSDS, specifications, and regulatory certifications.
Support supplier issue resolution, returns, and corrective actions.
Oversee customer-supplied materials where applicable.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within supply chain and operations.
Oversee daily activities of the sourcing team to ensure timely procurement, issue resolution, and adherence to company policies and procedures.
Review and approve purchasing decisions, supplier selections, and contract terms as appropriate.