Now Hiring - Kappler Safety Group - Supply Chain Manager in Guntersville, AL

Full description of the position

Lead the strategy. Own the supply chain function. Keep operations moving! Kappler is seeking a Supply Chain Manager to lead and optimize our end-to-end supply chain, connecting demand, supply, and capacity planning with execution across procurement, production scheduling, inventory, warehousing, and logistics. This role partners closely with Operations and Kappler Technologies (Fabric Production & Quality) to ensure materials, suppliers, and systems are aligned to support quality, cost, and on-time delivery--while continuously improving how work gets done. At a Glance - What You'll Do * Own demand, supply, and capacity planning across materials and finished goods * Lead forecasting and planning systems * Oversee supplier performance, inventory strategy, and logistics execution * Partner cross-functionally to keep production resourced, stocked, and running efficiently About Kappler: For nearly 50 years Kappler has defined the protective clothing industry with patented fabrics, innovative seaming technology and unique garment designs. All our critical protection chemical and biohazard suits are produced at our corporate headquarters in Guntersville, Alabama, providing American-made quality for added assurance. A certified Woman Owned Small Business and registered to ISO 9001 since 1996, we document every detail when it comes to ensuring product quality. End-user safety is priority one, and our integrated manufacturing process is geared to making sure every garment meets demanding specifications. Whether it's designing the most user-friendly suit possible or pressure-testing every gas-tight suit before it leaves the factory, Kappler quality comes through every time. From Berry-compliant products for DoD markets to NFPA-certified apparel for the most challenging hazmat calls, you know what you're getting into with Kappler. Job Description Summary/Objective: The Supply Chain Manager is responsible for leading and optimizing the end-to- end supply chain--including management of demand, supply, and capacity planning, and oversight of procurement, production scheduling, inventory management, warehousing, and logistics activities. This role ensures that raw materials, components, and finished products flow efficiently through the organization to meet production and shipping schedules, cost targets, and quality standard, managing vendor and supplier performance and promoting continuous improvement. The Supply Chain Manager provides both strategic direction and hands-on leadership, overseeing a cross-functional team and partnering closely with internal stakeholders, suppliers, external partners, and Kappler Technologies (Fabric Production & Quality) to support material specifications, sourcing strategies, and operational excellence. Key Responsibilities: Supply Chain Leadership * Lead the Supply Chain team, ensuring demand, supply, and capacity plans are aligned with procurement, production scheduling, inventory management, warehousing, and logistics activities. * Establish performance goals, provide coaching and mentorship, and promote continuous improvement across supply chain functions. * Foster strong collaboration with the Kappler Technologies group, responsible for managing Fabric Production and Quality, to coordinate the fabric production runs at converters with oversight from Kappler Technologies, ensuring inspections, specifications, and quality performance requirements are met. * Monitor KPIs and provide regular reporting executive leadership on supply chain performance, risks, cost management, and improvement activities. Planning Responsibilities (Demand, Supply & Capacity) Demand Planning * Manage the development of accurate demand forecasts for fabrics, trim, raw materials, and finished goods. * Administer and maintain the Netstock demand planning system, ensuring data integrity (stock codes, lead times, reorder points, supplier data, etc.). * Analyze historical sales, market trends, seasonality, and customer behavior to anticipate requirements. * Identify demand trends, variability, and potential risks; proactively adjust plans to support operational needs and customer requirements. Supply Planning (Materials) * Ensure alignment between demand forecasts, raw material availability, and production capacity. * Oversee MRP processes, BOM accuracy, and the generation of the Master Production Schedule. * Coordinate procurement timing and quantities based on demand, lead-time constraints, inventory strategies, and production needs. * Collaborate with Procurement to negotiate supplier terms aligned with demand forecasts, lead-time requirements, and inventory strategies. * Identify and resolve through corrective actions, supply constraints, capacity limitations, quality issues, or risks to on-time delivery. * Ensure inventory strategies support business needs without generating excessive carrying costs. Capacity Planning * Evaluate equipment, labor, facility constraints, and production hours to ensure the Supply Plan is achievable. * Partner with Operations leadership to adjust workflows, staffing, and resource allocations as needed. * Recommend capacity changes (investments in or modifications to equipment, shifts, labor, or process adjustments) to support production efficiency and future growth. * Ensure capacity assumptions remain accurate, data-driven, and aligned with sales demand and business goals. Management of Supply Chain Activities Production Scheduling Oversight * Oversee the production schedule to ensure optimal use of equipment, materials, and labor while meeting demand requirements. * Maintain alignment between material readiness, customer priorities, and manufacturing constraints. Inventory & Warehouse Oversight * Oversee and optimize warehouse and inventory management practices to ensure accuracy, organization, and efficient material flow. * Maintain optimal stock levels (safety stock and minimum/maximum levels) for raw materials, fabrics, trim, bulk, and finished goods. * Minimize carrying costs while ensuring inventory availability to support uninterrupted production. Shipping, Receiving & Logistics Oversight * Oversee inbound and outbound logistics, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant movement of materials and finished goods. * Oversee freight optimization, carrier management, routing, and cost control. * Support import/export requirements and documentation as applicable. * Support continuous improvement in freight utilization, routing, carrier selection, and cost management. Fabric Sourcing & Collaboration with Kappler Technologies * Manage fabrics demand planning and procurement; coordinate with fabric converters and Kappler Technologies to plan production runs, align requirements, and manage delivery timelines. * Proactively partner with the Fabrics Quality Manager and Kappler Technologies to ensure fabric specifications, coloration, finishing, and quality expectations are consistently met. * Support Kappler Technologies in sourcing and evaluation of alternative fabrics or components to reduce costs, mitigate risk, or advance product development initiatives. Vendor & Supplier Performance Management * Negotiate pricing, terms, and supply agreements with vendors to ensure cost-effective, reliable, and high-quality material availability. * Manage supplier qualification, evaluation, and continuous performance review process. * Implement structured feedback practices related to lead times, pricing, quality and conformance to specifications, receipt accuracy, communication, and reliability. * Maintain processes for distinguishing between "off-the-shelf" and "critical" components and ensure appropriate specification controls. * Ensure Certificates of Compliance and associated documentation are used where required for traceability and consistency. * Partner with Engineering and Product Development (Kappler Technologies) to assess and qualify new suppliers. * Monitor vendor pricing and negotiate cost-effective agreements while ensuring quality and reliability. * Ensure Berry Compliancy where applicable. Continuous Improvement & Reporting * Analyze supply chain data and KPIs to improve efficiency, reduce cost, enhance service, and mitigate risk. * Lead cross-functional initiatives to streamline systems (Netstock, MRP, ERP) and improve communication between departments; participate in S&OP meetings. * Maintain accuracy in all supply chain-related data systems to support reliable planning and decision-making. * Prepare and present supply chain metrics, trends, forecasts, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership. Other * Plan and manage budgets, in conjunction with the Operations & Finance Director. * Ensure a healthy and safe working environment, and compliance with federal and state regulations, through collaboration with Human Resources and safety personnel. * Participate in recruitment, training, and development of employees, and ensure business continuity with succession planning. Conduct performance evaluations that are timely and constructive. * Work onsite, in person to develop cross-departmental relationships and collaboration, maintain high levels of service and productivity, and be readily available to promptly address dynamic business needs as they arise. * Perform other related duties as assigned. Required Skills/Abilities: * Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present to executive leadership. * Excellent supervisory and leadership skills, including effective delegation and mentoring. * Strategic thinking with strong attention to detail. * Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills. * Financial acumen and ability to analyze operational and financial data. * Thorough understanding of company products and logistics. * Ability to maintain confidentiality. * Ability to manage and direct projects. * Proficient with MRP and ERP systems, and Microsoft Office Suite. Education & Experience: * Bachelor's Degree or higher in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations, or related field strongly preferred; advanced degree preferred. * ASCM (Association for Supply Chain Management) certification strongly preferred. * Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in supply chain, procurement, or operations management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role strongly preferred. * Logistics experience preferred. * Knowledge of basic accounting principles preferred. * Experience in the apparel/textile industry or manufacturing environments strongly preferred. * Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies strongly preferred. Work Environment & Physical Demands: * To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform job functions. * Must be able to stand, sit, and walk for prolonged periods of time; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate computer and telephone keyboards. * Noise levels are usually moderate. * Ability to see and adjust; close vision and distance vision. * Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at a time. * Occasional travel required. _ Disclaimer: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required by the employee. Kappler is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability._