Supply Chain Analyst

Job Title: Supply Chain Analyst

This role focuses on strategically managing and expanding a complex, multi‑step supplier network for highly specialized disc products. The primary goal is to take ownership of the existing supply chain, improve its performance, and help grow it into a fully developed division. Responsibilities include supplier identification, qualification, performance management, and contributing to long‑term sourcing strategy and potential import/export compliance activities.

• Manage and optimize the supply chain for multi‑step disc manufacturing, ensuring reliable, cost‑effective, and high‑quality supply across all stages.
• Assist in identifying and evaluating potential suppliers to expand and diversify the supply base, increasing the number of qualified suppliers per product.
• Support supplier selection processes by gathering, organizing, and analyzing supplier capability data (technical capabilities, capacity, quality, cost, and delivery performance).
• Participate in supplier qualification activities and assessments, including due diligence, audits, and technical evaluations.
• Work with suppliers involved in each stage of the disc production process—metal manufacturing and finishing, photo‑etching, and diffusion bonding—to understand their capabilities and constraints.
• Help transition from a single‑supplier‑per‑piece model to a multi‑supplier strategy, targeting three qualified suppliers per product.
• Conduct regular (including quarterly) supplier performance reviews focused on delivery reliability, pricing, quality, lead times, and overall service levels.
• Collaborate with the internal procurement team to align strategic sourcing initiatives with existing purchasing processes and operational requirements.
• Prepare and support Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Requests for Quotations (RFQs), including defining requirements, consolidating supplier responses, and supporting evaluation and selection.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships through proactive communication, issue resolution, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Analyze supply chain data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for cost savings, lead‑time reduction, and performance improvement.
• Coordinate with planning, logistics, and customer service functions to ensure supply chain decisions support production schedules and customer commitments.
• Support or expand review of import/export regulations and restrictions related to international suppliers and shipments.
• Utilize systems such as SAP and other relevant tools to manage supplier data, track performance, and support reporting and decision‑making.
• Travel regularly to meet with suppliers, conduct on‑site reviews, and strengthen partnerships, including domestic and international visits.

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, procurement, business administration, engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Ideally 5+ years of experience in vendor management, strategic sourcing, and/or strategic procurement.
• Demonstrated experience in supply chain, vendor management, and relationship management.
• Hands‑on experience with RFP and RFQ processes, including supplier evaluation and selection.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and translate insights into actionable recommendations.
• Solid understanding of supply chain fundamentals and best practices across sourcing, planning, logistics, and supplier performance management.
• Experience working with procurement, planning, logistics, and customer service teams to support end‑to‑end supply chain operations.
• Familiarity with SAP or similar enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems for managing procurement and supply chain data.
• Ability to work in a strategic capacity alongside an internal procurement team, focusing on supplier strategy.
• Valid passport and ability to travel internationally 1–2 times per year for supplier visits.
• Strong communication and relationship‑building skills to collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Ability to manage multiple suppliers and projects simultaneously while maintaining…