Supply Chain Manager

Coordinate Industries Ltd. is a value-added manufacturer and supplier of high-quality cable assemblies, wire harnesses, mechanical and electromechanical assemblies, and precision machining services for aerospace, military, medical, and industrial applications. The company holds ISO9001, ISO14001, and AS9100 registrations, along with Controlled Goods Program and Joint Certification Program certifications, enabling service to highly regulated industries. Established in 1985 as a privately owned business, Coordinate Industries focuses on cost-effective, technologically advanced parts manufacturing and integrated solutions. The organization offers machining, finishing, processing, and assembly services, supported by a vetted supplier network and membership in several regional and international industry associations. With tight machining tolerances and strong Six Sigma-based quality assurance, the company emphasizes continuous improvement and investment in leading manufacturing equipment.

Role Description This is a full-time, on-site Supply Chain Manager role based in Oakville, ON. The Supply Chain Manager oversees the company’s Procurement, Planning, and Logistics functions, ensuring the smooth, efficient flow of materials and information from suppliers through production to customer delivery. The role is to balance material availability, inventory levels, cost, and delivery commitments. The manager works collaboratively with Production, Engineering, Quality, Sales, and Finance, while building strong relationships with suppliers and service providers to support reliable operations and excellent customer service.

Duties & Responsibilities

Procurement

• Lead sourcing and purchasing of raw materials, tooling, consumables, equipment, and external services.
• Develop supplier relationships and assess suppliers for quality, cost, capacity, reliability, and delivery performance.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, lead times, and payment terms.
• Monitor supplier performance and lead corrective actions for recurring quality or delivery issues.
• Coordinate with Quality and Engineering on supplier approvals, material specifications, and changes.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising product quality or production requirements.

Planning

• Oversee production planning, material requirements planning (MRP), and inventory replenishment.
• Translate customer demand and forecast into achievable production and purchasing plans.
• Coordinate with production teams to balance capacity, priorities, and delivery dates.
• Monitor material availability and resolve shortages, schedule changes, and other supply risks.
• Establish appropriate inventory levels for raw materials, work in process, and finished goods.
• Maintain accurate planning data, including lead times, bills of material, and order parameters.

Logistics

• Manage inbound and outbound transportation, shipping, receiving, and related documentation.
• Ensure materials and finished goods are handled, stored, and transported appropriately.
• Coordinate with carriers, customs brokers, and other logistics providers as required.
• Monitor freight costs and delivery performance, and resolve shipment issues promptly.
• Ensure compliance with applicable shipping, trade, and recordkeeping requirements.

Supplier and Risk Management

• Maintain a supplier database with current contacts, capabilities, certifications, lead times, and performance records.
• Identify single-source, long-lead-time, and other supply risks; develop mitigation plans such as alternate sources or safety stock.
• Coordinate supplier audits and corrective actions with the Quality department.
• Confirm that materials meet specifications and include required certifications, test reports, or traceability documentation.
• Review supplier capacity and continuity plans for critical components and materials.

Production and Material Planning

• Lead regular planning meetings to review demand, capacity, shortages, and schedule changes.
• Ensure purchasing and production plans reflect customer priorities, machine capacity, setup requirements, and subcontracting lead times.
• Coordinate the supply of special alloys, castings, forgings, and other materials with extended or variable lead times.
• Monitor outside processing - such as heat treatment, plating, coating, grinding, and inspection - to ensure work returns on schedule.
• Work with Production to manage work-in-process flow and reduce bottlenecks between machining and downstream operations.
• Review engineering changes and determine their impact on existing inventory, open orders, and production plans.

Inventory and Cost Control

• Establish cycle-counting practices and investigate inventory discrepancies.
• Review slow-moving, obsolete, excess, and nonconforming inventory and coordinate appropriate action.
• Track purchase price variances, expedite costs, premium freight, and supplier-related losses.
• Support annual budgeting and forecasting for materials, freight, and supply chain operations.
• Balance working-capital objectives with the need to protect production continuity.
• Leadership and Continuous Improvement
• Lead, coach, and develop procurement, logistics, and planning team members.
• Set clear departmental goals, responsibilities, and performance measures.
• Improve supply chain processes, systems, and cross-functional communication.
• Use data and root-cause analysis to address delays, excess inventory, supplier issues, and process inefficiencies.

Key Performance Indicators

• Supplier on-time delivery and quality performance
• Customer on-time delivery
• Material availability and production schedule adherence
• Inventory accuracy, turns, and excess or obsolete inventory
• Procurement and freight cost performance
• Purchase order and planning data accuracy
• Support lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Typically, 10+ years of supply chain experience, including procurement, planning, and logistics; manufacturing experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Experience in precision machining, metalworking, aerospace, medical device, or another technical manufacturing environment is an advantage.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams and managing supplier relationships.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets and supply chain reporting tools.
• Knowledge of quality systems, material traceability, and applicable trade or shipping requirements is beneficial.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams.
•  Demonstrated ability to manage multiple work streams and prioritize multiple and conflicting tasks.
•  Experience in inventory management.
•  Must possess clear business writing skills and ability to convey ideas in a concise and clear way
•  Must be proficient in MS Office products and ERP systems
•  A calm, level-headed demeanor and positive attitude when dealing with stressful situations
• Demonstrated team building skills with both inter-and-intra-department personnel
•  Proven ability to negotiate vender pricing
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proven leadership skills particularly in, creating possibilities, organizational change, consistently delivering great performance and managing people for success
• Must have exceptional mentoring skills and be proficient in presentation and training skills
• Ability to influence without direct control of resources
• Demonstrated leadership and role modeling in breakthrough performance coaching to build impactful teams
• Excellent organization skills. Ability to handle multiple priorities
• Superior problem solving and analytical skills (quantitative and qualitative)
• Demonstrated passion for solving problems and manufacturing and operational excellence
• Self-motivated and able to achieve high impact within a short time.