Supplier Development Specialist

MUST RESIDE IN ILLINOIS

*Field-based work environment with work conducted from a home office when not onsite at client facilities

*Frequent travel throughout the state to support client engagements and onsite activities

*Work authorization required. IMEC is unable to sponsor visas for this role.

Position Overview

The Supplier Development Specialist works directly with Illinois manufacturers to assess, optimize, and strengthen supply chain operations including supplier scouting. This role provides consultation on supply chain strategy, operational efficiency, and digital supply chain solutions, helping manufacturers identify gaps, optimize processes, and implement solutions that enhance supply chain performance. The Specialist engages in extensive outreach to determine supply chain needs, particularly within priority sectors, including automotive, industrial equipment, and emerging quantum supply chain solutions.

The Specialist also collaborates closely with the IMEC field team through mentoring, job shadowing, and cross-functional teamwork, supporting the adoption of innovative supply chain practices, developing actionable roadmaps, and helping manufacturers achieve measurable operational improvements.

Why Join IMEC?

Bring your manufacturing expertise to a consultative, entrepreneurial environment where you’ll have the autonomy to manage your work, build trusted relationships, and partner with a variety of manufacturers across Illinois. You’ll apply your technical expertise to different challenges and industries, continually learning while making a meaningful impact on manufacturing.

IMEC also offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and time away from work, including:

• Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
• Up to 8% employer 401(k) match
• 5 weeks of PTO to start, with increased accrual based on years of service
• 10 paid holidays plus an annual year-end organizational closure
• Company-paid life, AD&D, and disability coverage
• Eligibility for a year-end incentive bonus based on organizational and individual performance

Essential Responsibilities:
Responsibilities include:

• Provide direct consultation to manufacturers on supply chain strategy, including capacity and capability assessments, gap analysis, process optimization, supplier network development, and operational improvements.
• Conduct supplier scouting methodologies to identify, qualify, and connect suppliers to new supply chain opportunities.
• Prepare proposals, deliver sales presentations, and support business development efforts to expand the adoption of IMEC supply chain services across Illinois manufacturers.
• Manage project engagements, which may include:
  • Assessing manufacturers’ supply chain operations, identifying constraints, bottlenecks, and opportunities for improvement
  • Analyzing supplier networks, inventory management, and logistics to recommend actionable improvements
  • Supporting the implementation of digital supply chain tools, analytics, and process improvements
  • Developing roadmaps to enhance operational efficiency, agility, and resilience
  • Tracking and reporting outcomes, insights, and metrics to measure the impact of supply chain solutions
• Develop and manage Third Party Resources including suppliers, technology providers, and logistics partners that support client engagements.
• Participate in IMEC’s solution development and process improvement teams to enhance and expand supply chain solutions offerings for Illinois manufacturers.

Additional Requirements/Qualifications:

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.  Master’s degree preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, supply chain management, logistics, or industrial consulting.
• Experience working in automotive, industrial equipment, and/or quantum supply chain environments is highly preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with experience consulting with manufacturers or leading cross-functional initiatives.
• Experience with digital supply chain tools, ERP/MRP systems, and performance metrics tracking is a plus.
• Ability to work with small and mid-sized manufacturers and guide them through operational improvements with tact and diplomacy.
• Experience working with small and mid-sized manufacturers is a plus.

Candidates should be sincerely interested in helping manufacturers implement new manufacturing techniques and processes. Must have good computer skills and be a strong written and verbal communicator. An IMEC Technical Specialist will need tact and diplomacy in dealing with manufacturers, professional associations, government stakeholder representatives, and other service providers.

Consideration will be given to candidates with the proven ability to lead companies down a path of continuous improvement, with the demonstrated capacity to diagnose company needs and effectively communicate value to all levels of the company, from production personnel to top management.

Position requires a combination of virtual work and regular travel with occasional extended travel to remote facilities across the state.  Driving is an essential function of the job. Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the U.S. This position has a lifting requirement of up to 70 pounds.  Applicants must be capable of accessing manufacturing facilities which may not be ADA accessible.

Please submit an electronic application, including (1) cover letter, (2) resume, and (3) the names and contact information for three references.  IMEC, The University of Illinois, Northern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University, and Bradley University conduct background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of contingent offer of employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. IMEC and its Subrecipient organizations, including Bradley University, SIU, NIU, and UIC are EOE/AA/M/F/Disabled/Veteran Employers.

About IMEC

IMEC is a team of improvement specialists dedicated to providing manufacturers in Illinois with the tools and techniques to excel and compete globally. The experienced hands-on team at IMEC works closely with its clients to plan critical business improvements in all areas of their organization from: Leading their Company, Planning for Success, Growing their Business, Improving their Operations, Focusing on their People, and Deciding with Data.

With more than 50 full-time staff and partners positioned statewide, IMEC delivers the local expertise to not only plan and strategize, but to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of client improvements. In fact, IMEC assists more than 3,000 companies each year with successful business improvement projects.

As a result, IMEC has demonstrated a return on investment that exceeds 19:1. This is made possible as organizations become more effective and efficient.

IMEC team members enjoy their jobs because of the challenge in working with a variety of organizations in a broad range of industries. They also gain satisfaction from providing assistance and advisement to help organizations succeed in a demanding marketplace.  Click HERE to learn more about IMEC.