Product Operations Manager Jobs in Waterloo, IA (NOW HIRING)

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Provide strategic leadership and direct responsibility for planning, coordinating, and managing all aspects of United Equipment Accessories' global supply chain. Accountable for developing and executing sourcing strategies, supplier partnerships, inventory optimization, production planning, logistics, warehousing, and distribution activities that support company growth, profitability, and customer satisfaction.

Lead continuous improvement initiatives across the supply chain by developing processes, implementing best practices, improving ERP utilization, and driving operational efficiencies from product design through customer delivery. Responsible for balancing demand, capacity, inventory, and financial objectives while proactively mitigating supply chain risks and ensuring world-class supplier and operational performance.

Collaborate cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Sales, Customer Service, Finance, and Operations to develop accurate demand forecasts, supply plans, inventory strategies, and production schedules while ensuring customer commitments are achieved within budget and operational capabilities.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

This position reports directly to the Director of Operations.  The Strategic Sourcing & Inventory Control Supervisor, Senior Production Planner/Scheduler, and Logistics Supervisor report directly to this position. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND MEASUREMENTS OF PERFORMANCE:

Follow rules and processes as outlined in the Employee Handbook and Safety and Quality Manuals regarding conduct and performance standards expected of all employees.

Maintain a positive work attitude that reflects the UEA Core Values (Accountability, Care, Hardworking/Dedicated, Creative Problem Solver, and Knowledge Seeker).

Develop and execute global supply chain strategies that support company objectives for growth, customer satisfaction, operational excellence, and profitability.

Establish key supply chain performance metrics and executive dashboards to measure supplier performance, inventory management, logistics, forecasting, and procurement.

Monitor and improve KPIs including inventory turns, forecast accuracy, supplier on-time delivery, supplier quality, inventory accuracy, freight costs, purchase price variance, schedule adherence, and working capital.

Develop and execute strategic sourcing initiatives that improve supplier quality, delivery, cost competitiveness, innovation, and long-term supply continuity.

Qualify, evaluate, negotiate, and manage domestic and international supplier relationships while protecting company intellectual property and supporting business growth.

Establish and monitor supplier performance scorecards, conduct supplier business reviews, support the VRMA process, and lead supplier corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.

Develop and implement supply chain risk mitigation strategies including supplier diversification, dual sourcing, contingency planning, and business continuity planning.

Maintain current knowledge of global trade regulations, import/export requirements, HTS classifications, Incoterms, customs compliance, tariffs, ITAR, end-use verification, and international logistics requirements.

Provide strategic leadership for procurement, inventory management, production planning, logistics, warehousing, transportation, and distribution activities.

Oversee inventory control plans and strategy for inventory planning & execution.

Collaborate with Engineering during new product development to ensure DFM, DFC, supplier readiness, and successful launches.

Ensure compliance with OSHA, ITAR, environmental, customer, and governmental requirements.

Maintain supplier Safety Data Summary documentation.

Lead supplier ITAR qualification and compliance processes.

Develop annual supply chain budgets and cost reduction initiatives.

Develop, mentor, and motivate the Supply Chain organization.

Foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Demonstrate regular attendance and effective communication.

Maintain professional relationships and perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION -  Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related discipline is preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

EXPERIENCE - Minimum five (7) years of progressively responsible experience in manufacturing supply chain leadership including sourcing, planning, inventory, logistics, ERP systems, and supervisory responsibility. International sourcing experience preferred.

SKILLS - Must be analytic, forward-thinking and committed to continuous improvement and quality results. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential to work effectively and professionally with suppliers, customers and employees at all levels of the organization. Comprehensive business literacy, financial ability, negotiation and contract management skills are critical competencies. The ability to think and operate at both strategic and tactical levels while effectively prioritizing and managing multiple concurrent assignments in addition to meeting quality, time and budgetary constraints is essential. Must have a demonstrated ability to develop, lead and motivate others to accomplish business objectives.

PHYSICAL - Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear (with mechanical assistance if necessary) sufficiently to understand and comprehend individual one-on-one conversations. Possess specific vision abilities including near vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus (with corrective lenses if necessary) and able to lift up to 40 lbs. to perform the requirements of the position. 

MENTAL - Must be able to read, write and speak English fluently and possess the ability to communicate clearly on technical and business levels while maintaining professional conduct is essential. The ability to handle frequent interruptions, simultaneous demands from internal and external entities, and managing projects with financial impact is critical.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The Global Supply Chain Manager position will primarily work in a plant office setting which is a temperature-controlled, smoke free environment that also has typical factory hazards including noise, dust, and tripping hazards. United Equipment Accessories, Inc., functions in a real market environment that changes at various times of the year, which occasionally may create high output or greater time pressure demands. This is an exempt position and completion of duties regardless of the number of hours or number of days worked per week is expected. These hours may vary according to operations and business demands. Occasional travel will be required.