Supply Chain Manager

Description

Are you a Supply Chain Manager looking to join one of the top companies in the Communications Equipment Manufacturing industry?

Are you looking to further your career and grow?

Do you have experience in procurement, materials planning, supplier negotiation, and supply chain coordination
?

If you answered yes to those three questions, then apply today!

Acara Solutions seeks highly qualified candidates to work onsite with our client in Palo Alto, CA
. Interested?

• The Supply Chain Manager is a key operational leader responsible for managing day-to-day materials planning, procurement, supplier performance, and inventory management.
• Reporting to the Director of Supply Chain, this role drives tactical execution while contributing to continuous improvement initiatives, sourcing strategies, and cross-functional alignment with Operations, Engineering, and Finance.
• This position blends strategic supply chain oversight with hands‑on buying and planning responsibilities.
• The ideal candidate is a strong communicator, data‑driven problem solver, and effective team collaborator who can optimize material flow, enhance supplier relationships, and support production demands.
• Manage end‑to‑end purchasing activities, including sourcing, negotiating pricing/terms, issuing, and modifying purchase orders.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships; track supplier KPIs and drive performance improvements.
• Identify alternate suppliers and support qualification activities (site visits, audits, documentation review).
• Ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and customer‑specific requirements where applicable.
• Support low‑cost country or strategic sourcing initiatives led by the Director of Supply Chain.
• Determine material requirements based on production schedules, MRP, and engineering needs.
• Plan, schedule, and monitor material flow to ensure on‑time availability and minimal disruptions.
• Maintain inventory at optimal levels; support inventory reduction initiatives aligned with company targets.
• Resolve material shortages, expedite orders, and communicate key risks to Operations and leadership.
• Partner with the warehouse and shipping/receiving teams to ensure accurate transactions and inventory integrity.
• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Finance to support builds, ECOs, and customer delivery commitments.
• Participate in NPI planning activities and support material readiness for prototype and production runs.
• Support ERP enhancements and ensure data accuracy in MRP/ERP systems (EPICOR or Oracle).
• Maintain purchasing documentation and ensure compliance with accounting, legal, and regulatory standards.
• Analyze materials data to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for cost, lead‑time, or process improvement.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to Buyers and Planners; act as a resource for resolving escalations.
• Support the Director of Supply Chain in executing department strategy, KPI reporting, and supplier review meetings.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and high‑quality communication.

Pay: $120k-$160k/year.

Hours:

40 hours/week.

Length:
Direct Placement.

Acara is a premier recruiting and workforce solutions provider – we help companies compete for talent. With a legacy of experience in various industries worldwide, we partner with clients, listen to their needs, and customize visionary talent solutions that drive desired business outcomes. We leverage decades of experience to deliver contingent staffing, direct placement, executive search, and workforce services worldwide.

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain or Business or Engineering or Operations.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in procurement, materials planning, supplier negotiation, and supply chain coordination.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in manufacturing environments; familiarity with government contract compliance (FAR/DFARS, ITAR).

• Demonstrated ability to manage supplier performance and lead procurement activities independently.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in interpreting…