The company
our client is an innovative manufacturer specializing in high-end architectural and design-focused products. And they are seeking a hands-on operations manager to lead daily production and continuous improvement activities at their sonoma facility. With about 60 employees, the company values creativity, precision, and teamwork in delivering premium solutions to its customers. The organization has grown steadily by collaborating with leading architects and designers, and by cultivating a culture of creativity, precision, and teamwork within its operations.
the position
responsibilities – include but not limited to:
data collection & analysis
1. gather supply chain data (inventory levels, supplier performance, transportation costs, lead times).
2. use tools like excel, sql, tableau, power bi, or erp systems to analyze trends.
3. identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and opportunities for cost savings.
forecasting & demand planning
4. work with sales/marketing to predict product demand.
5. develop models to balance supply with customer demand.
6. reduce risks of stockouts or overstock situations.
sourcing & supplier management:
7. identify and evaluate potential suppliers.
8. address supplier quality problems and carry out the necessary corrective actions.
9. request quotes (rfqs), proposals (rfps), or information (rfis).
10. negotiate pricing, delivery, terms, and contracts with vendors.
11. maintain relationships with existing suppliers and assess performance.
12. monitor vendors to ensure compliance to schedule.
purchasing & order management:
13. purchasing and doing increased follow-up with suppliers for materials and services.
14. create and process purchase orders (pos).
15. ensure timely delivery of goods/services.
16. monitor order status and handle delays or shortages.
17. match invoices, pos, and delivery receipts for payment approval.
18. understanding end-to-end procurement cycle (rfq ? Po ? Delivery ? Payment).
inventory & demand planning
19. work closely with the production, planning, and design teams to forecast needs.
20. analyze the material needs of various parts.
21. ensure stock availability while minimizing excess inventory.
22. use erp or procurement systems for tracking.
risk management
23. able to creatively and strategically overcome internal challenges or obstacles.
identify supply chain risks (delays, shortages, vendor reliability).
develop contingency plans for critical materials or services.
ensure supplier compliance with quality, safety, and sustainability standards.
reporting & kpis
24. build dashboards and reports for management.
track key metrics like:
25. inventory turnover
26. order fulfillment rate
27. supplier on-time delivery
28. transportation cost per unit
29. communicate insights and make recommendations.
the candidate
knowledge, skills, & abilities required
30. proven leadership skills, with a strong focus on operations and materials.
possess a high level of integrity, confidentiality, and accountability.
able to multitask effectively as well as demonstrate exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
deep knowledge of supply chain management best practices. Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and supply chain dynamics.
excellent negotiation skills with a proven record of accomplishment in pricing strategies.
experience in sourcing materials and managing vendor relationships effectively.
results-oriented be dynamic, autonomous, and tenacious.
ability to adapt to a growing business.
sense of organization and urgency.
ability to work under pressure and timelines.
proficient in ms office and erp software. Outstanding communication, organizational, analytical and leaderships skills. Attention to detail, sense of urgency, and strong decision-making skills. Excellent team player with a strong sense of responsibility and ownership. Fluent in english and spanish (an asset), both written and spoken.
education + experience required
31. 5+ years of buyer/purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment.
post-secondary education in supply chain management, procurement.
professional certifications in cips, cpsm (optional but valuable).
lean six sigma / process improvement (for efficiency).