Alma, MI

Full-Time

Position Summary

The Supply Chain Specialist is responsible for developing, communicating, and maintaining an effective production schedule that meets customer demand while optimizing plant capacity, labor, and inventory levels. This role works closely with Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, and Leadership to ensure schedule achievement, capacity alignment, and continuous improvement in a manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Review customer demand and develop detailed part-number level production schedules by work center for the plant

Communicate production schedules clearly to operations and monitor performance against plan

Forecast direct labor requirements based on customer demand, routings, and labor standards within the ERP system

Establish and monitor finished goods (FG) and work-in-process (WIP) safety stock levels based on the plant's demonstrated ability to achieve schedule

Own and maintain the plant "achievement to schedule" metric, ensuring leadership alignment on targets and execution plans to achieve a minimum of 85%

Analyze customer forecasts versus quoted and available capacities; proactively identify and communicate capacity overages and risks to the Supply Chain Manager

Support the engineering change process as required, including schedule adjustments and coordination with cross-functional teams

Collaborate with the Supply Chain Management (SCM) team to achieve departmental targets, goals, and continuous improvement objectives

Participate in cross-functional meetings to support production planning, problem-solving, and operational excellence

Perform other related duties as assigned

Experience & Education

Minimum of 2 years' experience in a Supply Chain, Scheduling, or Production Planning role (leadership experience preferred)

Experience scheduling in an automotive manufacturing environment strongly preferred

College degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations Management, or a related field preferred, but not required

Required Skills & Competencies

Strong verbal and written communication skills in English, with the ability to communicate effectively at all organizational levels

Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and influence performance without direct reporting authority

Strong analytical and decision-making capabilities

Proven ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Forward-thinking planner with strong organizational and time-management skills

Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional, multi-team environment

Technical & Functional Knowledge

Solid understanding of manufacturing processes, production planning, and capacity management concepts

Experience with shop-floor efficiency calculations and performance metrics

Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles (e.g., SMED, TPM, Kanban)

ERP system experience required; QAD MFG/PRO strongly preferred

Kanban system experience a plus

APICS certification (CPIM, CSCP, or equivalent) a plus

IAC Alma, LLC jobs

Supply Chain Specialist