Supply Chain Specialist

SJE Inc.•Plymouth, MN

1d•$33 - $38•Onsite

About The Position

SJE is hiring a Supply Chain Specialist to support its Primex brand at the Plymouth, Minnesota location. The role operates in a customized, project-driven manufacturing environment and coordinates purchasing across supply chain, engineering, production, project management, and finance. The specialist helps ensure materials are available, projects stay on schedule, and purchasing costs are managed effectively. Responsibilities include sourcing and purchasing materials, components, equipment, and services; evaluating supplier quotations and negotiating pricing and commercial terms; pursuing cost-reduction and cost-avoidance opportunities; and managing purchase orders through delivery. The role supports project and production readiness by coordinating with internal teams on requirements, milestones, material needs, and delivery commitments; identifying supply risks; anticipating shortages; and coordinating mitigation plans. It also monitors supplier performance and risks, supports supplier development and qualification, and maintains accurate supplier and purchase order information in the ERP system. The specialist analyzes purchasing, inventory, supplier, and project data, including material costs, purchase price variances, inventory levels, and project margins. The role develops reports and analyses, investigates discrepancies, and provides actionable recommendations. It also coordinates sourcing and improvement initiatives, applies structured problem-solving and continuous improvement methods, and helps improve ERP use, workflows, reporting, tools, templates, and standard work. The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The starting wage is $33.00–$38.00 per hour, depending on experience. SJE offers up to 120 hours of paid time off in the first year, eight paid holidays, and benefits that include health, life, short-term and long-term disability insurance, dental and vision programs, and other benefit options.

Requirements

Experience with ERP systems, MRP, supplier management, and purchasing processes.
Strong Excel, analytical, negotiation, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Three to five years of relevant experience in purchasing, sourcing, supply chain, or manufacturing operations.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and collaborate across departments.
A bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business, operations, logistics, or a related field is preferred.

Nice To Haves

Experience with project-based manufacturing, engineered-to-order products, project costing, or revenue recognition.
Experience supporting cost reduction, supplier negotiations, and process improvements.
A bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business, operations, logistics, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Source and purchase materials, components, equipment, and services to meet project requirements and production schedules.
Evaluate supplier quotations, negotiate pricing and commercial terms, and pursue competitive purchasing decisions.
Drive cost reduction and cost avoidance through competitive sourcing, negotiations, value engineering, standardization, and alternative materials.
Analyze purchasing costs, supplier pricing, historical purchases, and market conditions.
Collaborate with Engineering and Project Management to evaluate alternatives that improve cost, availability, and lead time without compromising quality or project requirements.
Manage purchase orders from placement through delivery, ensuring accurate pricing, quantities, commitments, and ERP information.
Partner with Project Management, Engineering, Planning, and Production to understand project requirements, milestones, material needs, and delivery commitments.
Identify supply chain risks, anticipate shortages and delivery challenges, and develop or coordinate mitigation plans.
Support MRP, production planning, and inventory management to ensure materials are available when needed.
Communicate supply chain risks, changes, and opportunities early, with clear information and recommended actions.
Build supplier relationships that support competitive pricing, reliable delivery, quality, and responsiveness.
Monitor supplier commitments, open and past-due purchase orders, and performance trends; maintain accurate confirmations and delivery information in the ERP system.
Evaluate supplier performance using scorecards, delivery metrics, quality data, and other measures.
Identify and address supplier risks involving lead time, capacity, quality, financial stability, and continuity of supply.
Resolve supplier and internal issues involving delivery, quality, pricing, and material availability; support supplier development, qualification, and Supplier Quality Management activities.
Analyze material costs, purchase price variances, inventory levels, supplier performance, project purchasing activity, and project margins.
Develop and maintain reports, dashboards, and analyses that provide visibility into purchasing performance, risks, and opportunities.
Investigate discrepancies, identify root causes, implement practical solutions, and translate data into recommendations.
Coordinate and lead assigned sourcing, supplier development, cost-reduction, and supply chain improvement initiatives.
Set objectives, responsibilities, timelines, milestones, and success measures for assigned projects; manage priorities and keep stakeholders informed.
Apply structured problem-solving and continuous improvement methods to reduce waste, rework, and purchasing inefficiency.
Improve ERP utilization, purchasing workflows, reporting, tools, templates, and standard work; document lessons learned and build repeatable processes.