Knowledge Operations Manager Jobs in Waterloo, IA

Position Summary:

The basic function of the Supply Chain Manager is overseeing procurement, materials planning, inventory control, receiving, supplier performance, and logistics coordination to support on-time delivery, quality, and operational efficiency.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Lead all integrated supply chain functions including purchasing, materials planning, inventory control, shipping, receiving, and logistics coordination to support production schedules and customer delivery requirements.
• Lead, coach, and develop personnel in end-to-end supply chain functions, specifically individual and team performance, mentoring, training, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Analyzes material requirements, labor, and logistics costs to project budgets and ensure competitive pricing.
• Cultivate a cross-collaborative culture between Production, Sales, Engineering, Quality, and Operations teams to ensure timely availability of raw materials, components, finished goods, and supplies while balancing lead times, inventory levels, and cost objectives.
• Manage supplier relationships, sourcing activities, purchase orders, pricing negotiations, contracts, and delivery performance to ensure quality, cost, and on-time delivery expectations are achieved.
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify new suppliers in partnership with Quality and Engineering teams, including participation in supplier audits and ongoing supplier performance improvement activities.
• Maintain accurate purchasing, inventory, and supplier records within ERP/MRP systems while supporting reporting, traceability, and compliance requirements.
• Monitor market trends, supplier capabilities, and material availability to identify opportunities for cost savings, risk reduction, and supply chain improvements.
• Support quality-related activities involving nonconforming or defective materials and ensure compliance (FDARS, EAR) with company procedures, customer requirements, and applicable aerospace standards.
• Establish, monitor, and report key supply chain performance metrics including supplier performance, inventory accuracy, on-time delivery, and overall operational effectiveness.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• APICS / ASCM certifications preferred, including CPIM (Certified in Planning and Inventory Management) and/or CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional)
• Experience supporting FAA, DoD, aerospace OEM, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and material requirements documentation
• Knowledge of domestic and international import/export regulations, logistics, and material movement processes
• Experience with supplier quoting, cost analysis, and procurement of raw materials and finished goods
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies
• Proven experience managing outside processing vendors, subcontractors, and long lead-time materials procurement

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain, Business, Operations, Engineering, or related field preferred
• 5–10+ years of supply chain, materials management, or procurement experience in aerospace or precision manufacturing
• 5+ years of purchasing experience, 3+ years of supervisory experience
• Functional knowledge of procurement systems and SCM Models (i.e., Kanban, Consignment)
• Prior leadership experience managing operational teams in supply chain (including material handling, inventory control, warehouse/shipping operations and purchasing)
• Strong understanding of ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing material flow (Epicor preferred)
• Experience with aerospace quality systems and traceability requirements (AS9100 preferred)
• Knowledge of machining, fabrication, assembly, or aerospace manufacturing processes
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and supply chain reporting tools

Physical Demands Include:

• Sitting, standing, and walking.
• Use of hands and arms to operate office equipment.
• Being able to see (20/25 vision with glasses, 20/25 without) and hear (with mechanical assistance if necessary) sufficient to understand and comprehend individual one-on-one conversations.

Work Environment:

This person will work in an office which is a temperature controlled environment with moderate noise. There will be outside time spent in the manufacturing environment. This setting involves manufacturing equipment with others working in close proximity.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

none

PPE Requirements:

• Safety glasses or side shields
• Close-toed or Steel-toed shoes/boots