Supply Chain Manager

Position Summary

The Supply Chain Manager Consultant will provide strategic and operational leadership to optimize the end-to-end supply chain for a solar module manufacturing operation. This role is responsible for evaluating, designing, and improving procurement, supplier management, inventory control, production planning, logistics, and demand forecasting processes. The consultant will work closely with manufacturing, engineering, quality, finance, and commercial teams to ensure uninterrupted material availability, cost competitiveness, and operational excellence while supporting production and growth objectives.

The ideal candidate possesses deep experience in solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing, electronics manufacturing, or related industrial sectors, with a proven track record of improving supply chain performance, reducing costs, and mitigating supply risks.

Key Responsibilities

Supply Chain Strategy

• Assess current supply chain operations and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements.
• Develop and implement supply chain strategies aligned with business growth, production capacity, and market demand.
• Create supply chain roadmaps supporting domestic and international manufacturing operations.
• Establish KPIs and performance dashboards to monitor supply chain effectiveness.

Procurement \& Supplier Management

• Evaluate and optimize sourcing strategies for key solar module components, including:

+ Solar cells

+ Glass

+ EVA/POE encapsulants

+ Backsheets

+ Frames

+ Junction boxes

+ Connectors

+ Packaging materials

• Identify, qualify, and onboard new suppliers.
• Lead supplier negotiations to improve pricing, quality, lead times, and service levels.
• Develop supplier scorecards and performance management programs.
• Mitigate supplier concentration and geopolitical risks.

Inventory \& Materials Planning

• Analyze inventory policies and establish optimal stock levels.
• Improve material requirements planning (MRP) processes.
• Reduce excess inventory while preventing production disruptions.
• Develop safety stock methodologies and inventory optimization models.
• Improve inventory accuracy and warehouse management practices.

Production Planning \& Operations Support

• Align procurement and material availability with production schedules.
• Improve Sales \& Operations Planning (S\&OP) processes.
• Support capacity planning and production forecasting activities.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to minimize downtime caused by material shortages.

Logistics \& Distribution

• Review inbound and outbound logistics strategies.
• Optimize transportation costs and service performance.
• Evaluate domestic and international shipping networks.
• Improve customs compliance and import/export processes.
• Develop contingency plans for logistics disruptions.

Risk Management

• Conduct supply chain risk assessments.
• Develop business continuity and supplier diversification strategies.
• Monitor market trends affecting raw material pricing and availability.
• Identify potential disruptions related to trade regulations, tariffs, and geopolitical factors.

Process Improvement

• Implement Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Drive ERP and supply chain system enhancements.
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices.
• Support digital transformation initiatives related to planning and procurement.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field.
• 8\+ years of supply chain experience in manufacturing environments.
• 5\+ years in solar PV manufacturing, renewable energy, electronics, semiconductor, or related industries preferred.
• Demonstrated success in procurement, planning, logistics, and supplier management.
• Strong understanding of solar module manufacturing processes and materials.
• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or NetSuite.
• Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or Master's degree in Supply Chain, Operations, or Engineering.
• Professional certifications such as:

+ APICS CPIM

+ APICS CSCP

+ CPSM

+ Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt

• Experience supporting startup, expansion, or greenfield manufacturing facilities.
• Knowledge of domestic content requirements, trade compliance, and renewable energy incentives.

Key Deliverables

Within the consulting engagement, the consultant will be expected to:

• Complete a comprehensive supply chain assessment.
• Develop a supply chain optimization roadmap.
• Reduce material costs and supplier risks.
• Improve inventory turns and working capital performance.
• Enhance supplier performance metrics.
• Strengthen production planning and forecasting accuracy.
• Establish KPI dashboards and reporting structures.
• Recommend long-term supply chain resilience strategies.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Inventory Turnover
• On-Time Supplier Delivery (OTD)
• Production Material Availability
• Forecast Accuracy
• Procurement Cost Savings
• Supplier Quality Performance
• Logistics Cost per Watt Produced
• Inventory Accuracy
• Lead Time Reduction
• Working Capital Improvement