Supply Chain Manager – Plastics Manufacturing
24 hours ago
Clifton
Supply Chain Manager PTI Tech | Clifton, NJ | On-Site About the Role PTI Tech is looking for a hands-on Supply Chain Manager to oversee purchasing, strategic sourcing, supplier relationships, inventory management, and warehouse/logistics operations. This is an important role within our manufacturing operation. You'll be responsible for making sure the materials, components, tooling, and outside services we need are available when production needs them, at the right cost and quality. A key part of the role involves purchasing materials used in our manufacturing processes, including plastic resins and polymers, metal powders and feedstock, injection mold tooling, precision-machined components, and other production materials and services. You'll lead purchasing and supplier management while overseeing warehouse and logistics operations through the Warehouse Supervisor. We're looking for someone who understands manufacturing, enjoys working directly with suppliers and internal teams, and knows how to balance cost, quality, inventory, and delivery. What You'll Be Doing Purchasing & Strategic Sourcing • Lead purchasing activities for raw materials, including plastic resins, polymers, metal feedstock, metal powders, components, tooling, packaging, and production supplies., • Source and purchase materials used in plastic injection molding, Metal Injection Molding (MIM), CNC machining, and other manufacturing processes., • Manage purchasing of injection mold tooling, mold components, precision-machined parts, tool steel, and outsourced services such as machining, heat treating, and finishing., • Request and evaluate supplier quotes, comparing pricing, quality, lead times, freight, and overall value., • Negotiate pricing, payment terms, minimum order quantities, delivery schedules, and supplier agreements., • Build strong supplier relationships and identify opportunities to improve cost, quality, delivery, and reliability., • Identify potential supply disruptions and develop backup sourcing plans to keep production moving., • Work with Quality to address supplier issues, certifications, nonconformances, and corrective actions., • Support customer quoting by obtaining accurate material, tooling, component, freight, and outside-service costs. Inventory, Materials & Planning • Use ERP/MRP systems, production schedules, inventory levels, and supplier lead times to determine what needs to be purchased and when., • Work closely with Production and Planning to ensure materials are available when needed., • Maintain accurate purchasing information, supplier records, and inventory data within the ERP system., • Oversee inventory management, including cycle counts, ABC classifications, and inventory accuracy., • Monitor inventory levels, turns, and excess or obsolete materials., • Identify opportunities to reduce inventory costs without putting production schedules at risk. Warehouse & Logistics • Oversee warehouse and logistics operations through the Warehouse Supervisor., • Ensure effective shipping, receiving, material staging, inventory control, and warehouse organization., • Maintain an organized, efficient warehouse environment with a focus on safety and 5S practices., • Manage relationships with freight carriers, including LTL, FedEx, UPS, and other shipping providers., • Monitor freight costs and identify opportunities to improve shipping efficiency., • Oversee customer and supplier returns and ensure accurate system transactions., • Ensure domestic and international shipments meet applicable ITAR, export-control, customs, and shipping requirements. Leadership & Continuous Improvement • Work closely with Production, Planning, Engineering, Quality, Finance, Sales, and Warehouse teams to resolve material shortages, supplier issues, and delivery challenges., • Lead and support the Warehouse Supervisor, providing direction, coaching, and accountability., • Develop and improve purchasing, inventory, shipping, and receiving processes., • Monitor key performance indicators related to supplier performance, purchasing costs, inventory, freight, and on-time delivery., • Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen overall supply-chain performance. What We're Looking For Required Qualifications • At least 5 years of progressive experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain, materials management, or inventory management within a manufacturing environment., • Experience sourcing materials, negotiating pricing, and managing supplier relationships., • Understanding of manufacturing materials, production requirements, and the importance of maintaining material availability., • Strong ERP/MRP experience and the ability to use system data to make purchasing and inventory decisions., • Knowledge of inventory control, cycle counting, warehouse operations, and material flow., • Strong negotiation, analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills., • Leadership experience, including the ability to guide, develop, and hold team members accountable. Preferred Qualifications • Experience purchasing plastic resins, polymers, and injection molding materials., • Familiarity with injection molding, Metal Injection Molding (MIM), CNC machining, or other precision manufacturing processes., • Experience purchasing tooling, mold components, metal powders, precision-machined parts, and outside manufacturing services., • Background in plastics manufacturing, engineered materials, aerospace, defense, medical, or automotive manufacturing., • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Operations, or a related field. Equivalent manufacturing experience will also be considered., • Experience with supplier scorecards, RFQs/RFPs, cost analysis, and supplier performance improvement., • Familiarity with ITAR, export controls, ISO 9001/AS9100, PPAP, or other regulated manufacturing requirements., • Experience with IQMS/DELMIAWorks is a plus. What Success Looks Like • Materials and components are available when production needs them., • Strong supplier relationships and improved supplier delivery and quality., • Competitive purchasing costs and reduced unnecessary spending., • Accurate inventory levels and fewer shortages or excess materials., • Reliable shipping and receiving operations., • Improved inventory turns and on-time customer deliveries., • A well-organized, efficient warehouse and purchasing operation. Work Environment This is an on-site, hands-on leadership position based at our Clifton, NJ manufacturing facility. You'll spend time both in the office and throughout the manufacturing operation, including the warehouse, shipping and receiving areas, and production floor. The role requires someone comfortable working in an active manufacturing environment. The facility includes typical production-floor conditions, warehouse traffic, forklifts, trucks, noise, and temperature variations. Appropriate PPE is required in designated areas. Occasional supplier visits and business travel may be required.