Senior Supplier Manager

We are seeking a Senior Supplier Manager to lead and manage end-to-end supply chain activities with a Tier-1 contract manufacturer. The role is responsible for material planning, procurement, inventory optimization, and supplier performance management across multiple product lines and aftermarket channels.

This position serves as a key liaison between the internal supply chain organization and external manufacturing partners, working closely with planning, order fulfillment, engineering, quality, NPI, and sales teams to ensure optimal cost, quality, and delivery performance.

Key Responsibilities:

- Develop and execute supplier and supply chain strategies aligned with business objectives

- Own supplier management for a Tier-1 contract manufacturer, ensuring seamless execution from PO issuance to customer delivery

- Evaluate quarterly supplier quotations and provide strategic recommendations to leadership

- Lead commercial negotiations covering pricing, delivery, quality, contracts, discounts, and service levels

- Drive resolution of supplier-related issues including returns, rejections, shortages, engineering changes, and claims

- Assess and monitor supplier and sub-tier performance across cost, quality, delivery, and capacity

- Partner with planning teams to generate forecast requirements and analyze demand and supply trends

- Facilitate Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) with suppliers to track performance and improvement actions

- Collaborate with suppliers to optimize delivery schedules and reduce lead times

- Recommend, implement, and enforce procurement policies and best practices

- Optimize inventory levels to balance production efficiency and working capital objectives

- Participate in source selection and supplier onboarding initiatives

- Build and maintain long-term strategic supplier relationships

- Establish and track procurement KPIs and performance metrics

- Balance strategic planning with hands-on execution to meet program and business goals

- Support additional supply chain initiatives as required

- Strong experience managing Tier-1 suppliers / contract manufacturers

- Excellent negotiation, analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills

- Strong understanding of procurement best practices and supply chain governance

- Proven ability to operate effectively across cross-functional and external stakeholder environments

- Strong project management and execution capability

- Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)

- Experience with ERP systems (Oracle preferred)

- Exposure to Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) programs is a plus