Supply Chain & Engineering Operations Consultant

Client: Confidential – Mid-market custom hardware manufacturer (high-mix, low-volume production environment) Location: Hybrid – Primarily remote with periodic on-site presence required (travel as needed for workshops, assessments, and implementation support) Employment Type: Contract (6–12 months initial term, potential for extension; part-time/full-time flexible based on candidate availability) Start Date: Immediate/As soon as possible Rate: Competitive contract rate (DOE – billable to client) About the Opportunity We are seeking an experienced consultant to lead a high-priority transformation initiative at a mid-market company specializing in custom hardware development and manufacturing. Extended lead times are impacting customer satisfaction and growth, stemming from two core bottlenecks: unreliable inventory data and reconciliation processes within a legacy ERP system (Deltek Costpoint), and a complete absence of formal engineering workflows, visibility, and resource planning. This hands-on, results-oriented role focuses on designing and implementing a revamped Supply Chain Operating Model and Engineering Operations Framework. Your contributions will directly reduce production delays, enhance on-time delivery performance, and support scalability in a just-in-time environment with variable demand patterns. Ideal for a senior consultant with deep experience in custom/project-based manufacturing, Deltek Costpoint enhancements, lean/agile supply chain practices, and engineering process digitization.

Key Responsibilities

Supply Chain Transformation (Primary Focus – ~60%):

• Assess and redesign inventory management processes to resolve inaccuracies in Deltek Costpoint (e.g., physical-to-system reconciliation errors, manual cycles).
• Recommend and support deployment of modern tools/technologies for real-time visibility (e.g., barcode/RFID scanning, mobile data capture integrations, automated cycle counting).
• Develop agile procurement strategies: frameworks for alternative sourcing, supplier diversification, rapid RFQ processes, and contingency planning to address delays and single-source risks.
• Align supply chain operations to just-in-time principles while handling demand variability—improve forecast accuracy, reorder logic, and integration with manufacturing orders in Costpoint.
• Lead change management efforts: train teams, document new SOPs, and establish governance for ongoing data accuracy and process adherence.

Engineering Operations Improvement (Secondary Focus – ~40%):

• Map, document, and digitize engineering workflows (from design/concept through prototyping/release) to establish standardized, measurable processes and SOPs.
• Design and implement resource planning and capacity management systems: track engineer utilization, model demand vs. capacity, and enable effective allocation (potentially via lightweight add-ons or existing ERP extensions).
• Define and roll out performance KPIs and metrics: engineering cycle time, on-time completion, productivity/utilization, bottleneck identification, and value-stream insights to support continuous improvement.
• Build visibility tools/dashboards for leadership to monitor engineering health and align resources to project/customer priorities.

General:

• Perform detailed assessments, stakeholder interviews, root-cause analysis, and solution roadmapping.
• Collaborate cross-functionally (supply chain, engineering, IT, leadership) to prioritize quick wins and phased implementations.
• Provide hands-on implementation support, including training, pilot testing, and post-go-live optimization.
• Deliver regular progress reporting, risk mitigation, and demonstrations of measurable business impact.

Qualifications & Experience (Must-Have)

• 8+ years in supply chain/operations consulting or in-house leadership roles, with proven success in custom manufacturing, project-based engineering, or high-mix/low-volume hardware environments.
• Deep expertise in Deltek Costpoint (Inventory, Materials, Procurement, and Manufacturing modules): enhancements, integrations, reconciliation best practices, and legacy system optimizations.
• Hands-on experience implementing just-in-time (JIT) or lean supply chain models in variable-demand settings; agile procurement and multi-sourcing strategies.
• Strong background in engineering process improvement: workflow mapping, SOP development, resource/capacity planning, and KPI establishment (e.g., using tools like Visio, Lucidchart, or PPM/ERP extensions).
• Familiarity with manufacturing/ERP integrations (e.g., barcode/mobile solutions for inventory accuracy, real-time visibility tools).
• Excellent consulting capabilities: stakeholder management, change leadership, structured problem-solving (e.g., Lean/Six Sigma methodologies), and ability to deliver rapid, measurable results.
• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or related field (advanced degree or certifications like CPIM, CSCP, PMP, Lean Six Sigma preferred).

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