Supply Chain Manager

General Kinematics Corporation•Crystal Lake, IL

6d•$135,000 - $150,000•Onsite

About The Position

General Kinematics is the premier manufacturer of vibrating equipment for the processing of bulk materials. From vibratory feeders to entire process systems, General Kinematics creates the solutions customers require to process even the most difficult materials. The Supply Chain Manager is a strategic and hands-on leader responsible for overseeing purchasing, inventory control, warehousing, and logistics to support company growth and operational excellence. This role serves as a key business partner to engineering, operations, project management, sales, and finance, ensuring materials and services are available to meet production and customer commitments while balancing cost, quality, lead time, inventory investment, and supply continuity. In addition to managing supplier relationships, logistics providers, and contract negotiations, this position leads and develops the purchasing and warehouse teams, strengthens inventory accuracy and material flow, and drives continuous improvement through standardized processes, performance metrics, automation, and ERP enhancements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
6+ years of progressive experience in supply chain, purchasing, materials management, logistics, or inventory control within a manufacturing environment required.
3+ years of direct leadership experience managing purchasing, materials, inventory, warehouse, or logistics teams required.
Demonstrated experience with inventory optimization, cycle-count programs, warehouse operations, freight and carrier management, and ERP/MRP systems required.
Capable of traveling up to 15%, both domestically and internationally.
Demonstrates professionalism, objectivity, and integrity; fosters open, honest communication at all levels of the organization.

Nice To Haves

Experience developing supplier scorecards, resolving material shortages, and improving service levels, lead times, inventory accuracy, and working capital preferred.
Experience in heavy equipment manufacturing and industries such as mining, recycling, or foundry is a plus.
APICS certification or equivalent is a strong plus.
Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to coach and develop teams.
Data-driven decision-making skills with the ability to define and monitor KPIs.

Responsibilities

Execute and manage purchasing, inventory, warehousing, and logistics strategies in alignment with organizational goals.
Develop, lead, and mentor high-performing purchasing, inventory, and warehouse teams; oversee hiring, performance evaluations, promotions, salary adjustments, training, coaching, and corrective action.
Drive continuous improvement through automation, ERP optimization, RFID, inventory-control tools, and standardized processes.
Set and manage monthly, quarterly, and annual objectives; monitor KPIs and implement corrective actions as needed.
Develop, track, and analyze key supply chain metrics, including supplier on-time delivery, purchase price variance, inventory accuracy, inventory turns, shortages, freight cost, and warehouse performance.
Assign responsibilities based on function and skill sets while maintaining a hands-on role in key activities.
Support the continued development of inventory planning and logistics processes, including material availability, inventory accuracy, freight coordination, and carrier performance.
Partner with Operations, Engineering, Project Management, Sales, and Finance to align demand, production priorities, supplier capacity, inventory levels, and customer delivery requirements.
Ensure accurate and timely ERP transactions and master data for purchasing, receiving, inventory movements, material planning, and warehouse operations.
Evaluate supplier performance, risk, capacity, quality, lead times, and continuity of supply; develop corrective-action and contingency plans when needed.
Uphold and enforce safety protocols, quality assurance practices, trade and transportation requirements, and applicable regulatory compliance.
Lead or support negotiations for contracts with suppliers, carriers, and logistics service providers in alignment with purchasing strategy and approval requirements.
Communicate cross-functionally to ensure organizational adherence to purchasing policies and procedures.
Build and sustain cross-functional relationships and strategic partnerships with suppliers, carriers, and service providers.
Monitor industry trends, pricing fluctuations, and recommend strategic adjustments accordingly.
Support General Kinematics’ ISO objectives, policies, procedures, and the GKWay program.
Perform other duties as assigned.