Purchasing & Supply Chain Manager
Fremont, CA
Company Overview
Enablence USA Components, Inc. is a leading provider of innovative integrated optical products serving the communications, aerospace, and bio-chemical sensing industries. Our products are recognized globally for their critical role in fiber-optic networks and advanced photonic integrated circuits (PICs). We are committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions that drive technological progress across multiple sectors.
Position Summary
The Purchasing & Supply Chain Manager is responsible for leading all procurement, supplier management, material planning, inventory control, and supply chain activities to support manufacturing operations and business growth. This role will develop and implement scalable supply chain processes that ensure materials are available to meet production requirements while optimizing inventory levels, strengthening supplier relationships, reducing costs, and improving operational performance.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with experience in manufacturing environments and demonstrated success in procurement, inventory management, demand planning, supplier negotiations, and continuous process improvement.
This structure positions the role as a strategic business partner responsible for procurement excellence, supply chain scalability, inventory optimization, and operational discipline as Enablence continues to grow.
Key Responsibilities
Purchasing & Procurement
Lead all purchasing activities for production materials, components, equipment, indirect supplies, and services.
Develop and implement procurement strategies that support production schedules, quality requirements, and cost objectives.
Create and manage purchase orders, supplier agreements, and procurement policies.
Ensure timely procurement of materials to meet manufacturing and customer delivery commitments.
Establish procurement controls and approval processes that support strong internal controls and operational efficiency.
Identify opportunities to reduce purchasing costs through strategic sourcing initiatives, volume discounts, and supplier rationalization.
Supplier Relationship Management & Negotiations
Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and strategic partners.
Lead supplier negotiations related to pricing, payment terms, delivery schedules, quality standards, and long-term supply agreements.
Conduct supplier performance evaluations and implement corrective action plans where necessary.
Develop supplier scorecards and KPI reporting to monitor delivery, quality, cost, and service metrics.
Identify alternative sourcing opportunities to mitigate supply chain risks and improve competitiveness.
Support supplier qualification and onboarding processes.
Material Planning & Supply Chain Management
Develop and manage material planning processes that align with production forecasts and customer demand.
Collaborate closely with Operations, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Finance to ensure effective supply chain planning.
Monitor material availability and proactively resolve shortages or supply constraints.
Establish demand planning and forecasting processes to improve inventory and manufacturing efficiency.
Analyze supply chain risks and develop mitigation strategies.
Support new product introductions by coordinating material sourcing and supplier readiness.
Inventory Control & Warehouse Management
In collaboration with the Controller, Own inventory management processes, policies, and controls.
Establish inventory targets, safety stock levels, reorder points, and replenishment strategies.
Monitor inventory accuracy through cycle counting and physical inventory programs.
Analyze inventory performance metrics, including turns, aging, excess inventory, and obsolescence.
Develop strategies to optimize inventory investment while maintaining service levels.
Work closely with manufacturing to improve inventory transactions, traceability, and material flow.
Process Improvement & Operational Excellence
Develop and document standard operating procedures for procurement, planning, and inventory management activities.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives that improve efficiency, inventory accuracy, supplier performance, and cost control.
Implement best practices in supply chain management, inventory control, and procurement governance.
Support ERP, MRP, and supply chain system enhancements.
Utilize Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies to eliminate waste and improve processes.
Budgeting, Cost Management & Reporting
Monitor and report key supply chain performance indicators including:
On-time delivery
Inventory turns
Supplier performance
Purchase price variance
Material shortages
Inventory accuracy
Lead times
Identify and execute cost reduction opportunities throughout the supply chain.
Support annual budgeting and forecasting activities related to materials and procurement.
Partner with Finance to ensure effective inventory valuation and reporting.
Government Incentives & Strategic Programs
Identify, evaluate, and administer available government incentive programs, tax credits, utility rebates, and supplier development opportunities.
Coordinate with Finance and Operations to maximize available manufacturing, R&D, energy-efficiency, and capital investment incentives.
Maintain supporting documentation and compliance requirements associated with incentive programs.
Qualifications
Education
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field.
Experience
7+ years of progressive experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain management, material planning, and inventory control.
Experience within manufacturing, electronics, semiconductor, photonics, or high-technology industries preferred.
Demonstrated success negotiating supplier agreements and managing strategic vendor relationships.
Experience implementing inventory controls and planning processes in a growth environment.
Strong ERP/MRP system experience required.
Key Competencies
Strategic sourcing and supplier negotiations
Demand planning and inventory optimization
Procurement governance and controls
Analytical and financial acumen
Leadership and team development
Continuous improvement mindset
Strong communication and collaboration skills
Problem-solving and decision-making abilities
Success Metrics
The successful candidate will be measured on:
Reduction in material costs and purchase price variance
Improved supplier performance and on-time deliveries
Inventory accuracy and cycle count performance
Inventory turns and working capital optimization
Reduction in stockouts and material shortages
Improved production schedule adherence
Implementation of scalable procurement and inventory processes
Captured savings from supplier negotiations and incentive programs
Benefits:
401(k)
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Application Process: Send resume to HR@enablence.com