Supply Chain Manager

Job Title: Manager, Supply Chain

Location: Kitchener, ON

Reports To: VP of Operations

Hybrid Role: 80% in-office

Team: 1 direct report (Supply Chain Analyst)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Compensation: $80,000 - $100,000 CAD

About the Company

We are a rapidly growing start-up assembling cutting-edge IoT hardware that enables smarter, data-driven operations across industries. As we scale in both size and geography, we’re seeking a Supply Chain Manager to build, lead, and continuously improve our end-to-end supply chain operations.

Position Summary

The Supply Chain Manager will own the strategic vision and execution of the company’s global supply chain. This is a pivotal role responsible for building robust processes, optimizing supplier relationships, managing inventory, and supporting seamless production through contract manufacturers. The ideal candidate is both a strategist and a doer — able to architect scalable systems while rolling up their sleeves to execute day-to-day supply chain operations in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

- Define and implement the supply chain vision to support a scaling company with growing geographic reach.
- Develop short- and long-term strategies for supplier management, sourcing, and logistics.
- Partner with the VP of Operations to align supply chain strategy with overall company objectives.
- Set annual Supply Chain targets and policies to achieve corporate goals

Process Development & Continuous Improvement

- Establish and maintain supply chain processes and policies, including supplier approval, RMA management, and inventory control.
- Drive continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, and 5S methodologies to enhance efficiency and cost performance.
- Monitor key KPIs and implement corrective actions to maintain operational excellence.

Supplier & Sourcing Management

- Identify, qualify, and onboard suppliers aligned with cost, quality, and delivery standards.
- Negotiate pricing, lead times, and contracts with suppliers and contract manufacturers.
- Manage ongoing supplier performance and quality through audits and scorecards.
- Oversee the Approved Supplier List (ASL) and maintain compliance documentation.
- Set cost-down targets for product BOM’s and realize cost savings to achieve business profitability goals

Operational Execution

- Oversee purchasing and procurement activities, including issuing purchase orders and managing delivery schedules.
- Manage inventory policies, set min/max levels, and reconcile monthly inventory reports.
- Support contract manufacturing operations, ensuring timely material availability and cost optimization.
- Oversee Supplier RMA (Return Material Authorization) processes and resolutions.

Leadership & Collaboration

- Lead, mentor, and develop a Supply Chain Analyst to support data analysis, reporting, and day-to-day operations.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, production, fulfillment, finance, and quality teams.
- Champion a culture of excellence, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

Education

- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field required.
- Master’s degree preferred.

Experience

- 5+ years of progressive supply chain experience, preferably in hardware, electronics, or IoT manufacturing.
- Proven success in strategic planning, supplier management, and contract manufacturing oversight.
- Experience in inventory management, ERP/MRP systems, and global sourcing.
- Demonstrated ability to implement Lean/5S/Six Sigma methodologies.
- Strong negotiation, facilitation, and leadership skills.
- Experience managing or mentoring team members in a dynamic environment.

What We Offer

- The opportunity to shape the supply chain function at a rapidly growing technology start-up.
- A collaborative, entrepreneurial environment where your input drives real impact.
- Competitive compensation and performance-based growth opportunities.

Growth Path

This role offers clear advancement potential into Director of Supply Chain or Operations leadership positions as the company scales.