Assistant Supply Chain Manager Specialty IngredientsGastonia, NCOur client is a rapidly growing global manufacturer of Natural Ingredients used to make natural colors and flavors based in the Charlotte, NC area. Due to expansion, they are actively looking for an experienced Assistant Supply Chain Manager with food, beverage ingredient or pharmaceutical manufacturing experience to join their team based in Gastonia, NCThe Assistant Supply Chain Manager supports end-to-end supply chain operations while developing the knowledge and leadership capabilities necessary to support planning, inventory management, logistics, transportation, and supply chain execution. This role partners closely with the Supply Chain Manager to ensure effective planning, data analysis, reporting, and the implementation of standardized systems and processes that drive operational consistency and business performance.The successful candidate is highly analytical, detail-oriented, and process-driven, with strong experience in planning, data analysis, logistics, and transportation. Experience in procurement is beneficial but not required.This position is designed as a succession planning opportunity. The selected candidate will work closely with the current Supply Chain Manager and is expected to transition into the Supply Chain Manager role upon the incumbent's planned retirement in approximately two years.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1. Support the daily execution of end-to-end supply chain operations, including demand planning, inventory management, production planning, logistics, transportation, and warehousing.2. Partner with the Supply Chain Manager to learn all aspects of the supply chain while preparing to assume increasing leadership responsibilities.3. Develop, document, and implement standardized supply chain processes, procedures, and systems that improve consistency, visibility, and execution.4. Analyze demand, inventory levels, production schedules, transportation performance, and other supply chain data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.5. Generate and maintain reports, dashboards, KPIs, and analytics that support data-driven business decisions.6. Collaborate with Sales, Production, Customer Service, Finance, and Product Management to develop accurate forecasts and align supply plans with customer demand.7. Coordinate inventory management activities, including inventory optimization, cycle counts, annual physical inventories, and inventory accuracy.8. Assist in coordinating domestic and international transportation activities while monitoring carrier performance, freight costs, and service levels.9. Support supplier communications and procurement activities as needed to ensure material availability and continuity of supply.10. Utilize ERP/MRP systems to maintain accurate planning data, inventory transactions, and production schedules.11. Monitor key supply chain performance indicators and recommend improvements to planning accuracy, inventory performance, transportation efficiency, and customer service.12. Ensure compliance with food safety, quality, regulatory, and company standards throughout supply chain operations.13. Participate in cross-functional projects involving new systems, reporting tools, process improvements, and business growth initiatives.Minimum QualificationsBachelor?s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Engineering, Analytics, or a related field; master's degree or MIT xPRO coursework is preferred.5-8+ years of progressive experience in supply chain planning, logistics, transportation, inventory management, or manufacturing operations.Strong analytical skillswith experience interpreting large data sets and translating findings into actionable business decisions.Experience with demand planning, production planning, inventory management, logistics, and transportation operations.Procurement or supplier management experience is preferred but not required.Advanced proficiency with ERP/MRP systems, Microsoft Excel, and supply chain reporting tools.Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.Ability to develop standardized processes, documentation, and reporting systems that improve operational consistency.Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate across multiple departments.Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.In return, they can offer a competitive base to 125K plus full benefits and relocation assistance. Send resume to: jobs foodemployment.com