Sr. Supply Chain Specialist
** if you are interested in this opportunity, please feel free to apply and email me your resume at alalfaro @ astoncarter.com so we can schedule a time to connect asap! **
Job Description
Sr. Supply Chain Specialist manages planning, procurement, and supplier coordination to support production, maintain optimal inventory levels, and ensure continuity of supply in a regulated manufacturing environment. This role oversees multiple product lines from purchasing through finished goods inventory, develops material purchase plans based on sales forecasts and customer demand, and provides strategic insights to optimize inventory flow. The position operates cross-functionally with vendors, sales, marketing, engineering, production, and customer service, and plays a key role in both current product lines and future new product introduction initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Oversee end-to-end supply chain activities for multiple product lines, from procurement of materials through finished goods inventory management.
- Develop material purchase plans based on sales forecasts, long-term customer demand, and production requirements.
- Analyze inventory usage, scrap, and waste, and provide strategic recommendations to improve inventory flow and reduce obsolescence.
- Create and implement strategies to manage supply fluctuations, including shortages, logistics delays, engineering changes, and order adjustments, while maintaining appropriate inventory levels.
- Coordinate material movements between internal storage areas, contract manufacturers, and external suppliers to ensure materials are available when needed for production.
- Own the entire planning and execution of the manufacturing process, including production and material planning and management of manufacturing schedules.
- Provide high-level recommendations and project input for each product line to support business objectives and continuous improvement.
- Source materials and potential suppliers worldwide, evaluating options for quality, cost, and reliability.
- Lead supplier sourcing and negotiation activities to secure favorable terms and reliable supply.
- Work closely with third-party logistics providers to ensure trade compliance documentation and certifications are in place for import and export activities.
- Monitor and communicate inventory risk, trends, and performance metrics to Sr stakeholders and cross-functional teams.
- Use ERP systems (such as JDE or similar) and MRP tools to manage purchasing, planning, and supply chain data.
- Perform long-term forecasting (1+ year horizon) to align material and capacity planning with business growth.
- Collaborate with contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) to align production schedules, material availability, and quality requirements.
- Support active product lines and contribute to new product introduction (NPI) activities as needed.
- Work cross-functionally with sales, customer service, engineering, production, and operations to resolve issues and support business priorities.
- Focus on key performance indicators (KPIs) set by leadership and proactively develop solutions to improve supply chain performance.
- Serve as a Sr resource to a team of buyers and operations staff, providing guidance and acting as an expert in purchasing and planning.
Essential Skills
- 510 years of supply chain experience with a true mix of purchasing/buying and planning responsibilities.
- Proven experience in both production planning and material planning in a regulated manufacturing environment (such as pharmaceutical, medical device, automotive, or aerospace).
- Demonstrated ability to own the entire planning and execution of the manufacturing process, including managing manufacturing schedules.
- Strong experience in purchasing, procurement, and buyer responsibilities, including supplier negotiations and contract negotiation.
- Hands-on experience with ERP systems (JDE or any comparable ERP) and proficiency in resource planning and MRP.
- Advanced Excel skills for analytics, forecasting, and reporting.
- Experience with long-term forecasting over a 1+ year horizon.
- Experience working with contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs).
- Solid understanding of logistics, trade compliance, and coordination with 3PL providers.
- Excellent communication skills for effective interaction with internal teams and external vendors.
- Ability to work in a true 50/50 split role between purchasing and planning, balancing tactical and strategic responsibilities.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to propose solutions proactively.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Bachelors degree (BA) strongly preferred, especially for candidates seeking future growth and leadership opportunities.
- Experience in a regulated manufacturing setting, such as medical device, pharmaceutical, automotive, or aerospace.
- Supply chain management knowledge, including material planning and supply chain optimization.
- Familiarity with manufacturing environments and active product line support.
- Comfort working with KPIs and using data to drive decisions and continuous improvement.
- Personable and professional demeanor, with the ability to build strong relationships across departments and with external partners.
- Ability to work cross-functionally with sales, customer service, engineering, production, marketing, and operations teams.
- Interest in long-term career growth, with potential upward mobility to a managerial-level role.
- Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data related to inventory, scrap, waste, and demand trends.
Work Environment
This role is based 100% onsite at a niche ophthalmology-focused medical device manufacturer that supplies eye care professionals with products and tools for treating dry eye and performing eye procedures. The organization operates two facilities located close to each other: a corporate headquarters and a manufacturing site. The Sr. Supply Chain Specialist will primarily work in an office at the manufacturing facility and will regularly walk the production floor and visit the headquarters a few times per week to collaborate with cross-functional teams. The work focuses mainly on active product lines, with exposure to new product introduction projects over time. Hours are flexible, with most team members starting between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., as long as the schedule is consistent. The environment is collaborative and growth-oriented, with a strong culture of promoting from within and supporting career development. The supply chain team currently includes two entry-level buyers and an operations-focused colleague, and this role is expected to serve as the Sr. expert with potential progression into a managerial position for candidates with a college degree. Dress is typical for an office-based role within a manufacturing facility, with regular interaction on the production floor and with various departments.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Glendora, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $70.00/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Glendora, CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 12, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Glendora,CA.
About Aston Carter
Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com (%20astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com) for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
