About this Supply Chain Manager role at Protolabs
Join our team as a
Supply Chain Manager!
The Supply Chain Manager is a strategic leader responsible for building and optimizing our supplier network to fuel the growth of our platform. This role drives supplier sourcing, qualification, and performance while cultivating strong partnerships that ensure quality, capacity, and long-term success. By expanding network capabilities, securing production capacity, and implementing best practices across the supply chain, the Supply Chain Manager plays a vital role in delivering exceptional customer outcomes and scaling our business.
What You Will Do:
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Manage the local supplier network composition, focusing on capacity, capabilities, and strategic commercial needs. To include onboarding and offboarding.
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Reduce dependency on single-source suppliers, negotiate supply agreements, and conduct supplier evaluations.
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Accountable for the on-time shipment of customer orders from suppliers for the local region.
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Supervise the selection and qualification of new suppliers to expand our supplier network.
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Aid the Legal Team in supplier contract negotiations and compliance
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Develop strong relationships with newly onboarded suppliers, creating business opportunities and setting them up for success.
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Maintain and enhance relationships with current suppliers, ensuring their satisfaction and increasing their engagement with the platform. To include 10% travel to supplier locations.
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Identify and develop new capabilities, such as materials and post-processing options, to expand our local offering and meet customer demands.
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Aid the Sourcing Team in planning and securing production capacity to support business growth and ensure timely order fulfillment.
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Accountable for supplier quality and the adherence to compliance standards set by the Quality Team.
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Monitor and report supplier network performance including, but not limited to, on-time Rate, non-conformances, and order fulfillment.
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Act as a liaison between Protolabs and our suppliers and function as the point of contact for supplier issues that need to be escalated.
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Develop suppliers by identifying and deploying manufacturing best practices to ensure process consistency across the network.
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Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Sales, Engineering, and Operations, to align supply chain strategies with business objectives.
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Stay updated on industry trends, market dynamics, and technological advancements to drive continuous improvement in supply chain practices.
What You Bring:
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Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or a related field.
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Minimum 4 years of experience in supply chain, sourcing, procurement, supplier management, manufacturing operations, or a related field.
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Experience working within manufacturing environments such as CNC Machining, Injection Molding, Sheet Metal Fabrication, Additive Manufacturing, or similar industrial sectors.
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Experience managing supplier relationships and supplier performance programs.
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Experience evaluating supplier capabilities, production capacity, quality systems, and operational performance.
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Experience supporting commercial negotiations, supplier agreements, and supplier development initiatives.
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Demonstrated experience using data and analytics to drive supply chain decisions and performance improvements.
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Strong understanding of supply chain management principles, including sourcing, procurement, supplier management, capacity planning, logistics, and inventory management.
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Knowledge of manufacturing processes including CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, injection molding, additive manufacturing, or related technologies.
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Ability to assess supplier capabilities, manufacturing processes, quality systems, and production constraints.
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Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate supplier performance using KPIs such as on-time delivery, quality performance, capacity utilization, responsiveness, and fulfillment rates.
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Experience conducting supplier business reviews and developing corrective action plans.
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Demonstrated negotiation skills with the ability to support commercial discussions, pricing reviews, and supplier agreements.
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Knowledge of supplier risk management and business continuity planning.
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Ability to identify and implement process improvement opportunities across supplier networks.
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Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
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Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
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Ability to influence stakeholders without direct authority and drive cross-functional alignment.
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Proficiency with ERP, MRP, CRM, and supply chain management systems.
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Advanced Microsoft Excel and data analysis capabilities.
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Demonstrated ability to work independently in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
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Ability to travel up to 15%
What Sets You Apart:
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Advanced certifications in supply chain management, such as APICS CSCP or similar credentials
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Extensive Experience with 3DP, CNC Machining, Sheet Metal, Injection Molding, and/or technology sectors
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Previous experience with CNC, 3D Printing, Sheet Metal or Injection Molding.
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Experience in manufacturing or a related industry is advantageous.
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Additional languages can be an asset, depending on the region of operation.
What's In It For You:
Our success is built on our people. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to be their authentic selves and do their best work. Alongside a supportive and inclusive culture, we offer a range of benefits designed to make work both rewarding and enjoyable:
