Role overviewThe Senior Supply Chain Manager - Long-Lead Equipment is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing the end-to-end supply chain strategy for complex, long-lead materials and capital equipment. This role ensures continuity of supply for critical items with extended lead times by driving rigorous forecasting, supplier collaboration, risk management, and cross-functional alignment with Engineering, Project Management, Finance, and Operations.
You will be the primary owner of long-lead equipment strategy, from early project scoping through delivery, installation, and commissioning.
Key responsibilitiesStrategic planning and ownership- Develop and own the long-lead equipment strategy across assigned programs, including make-vs-buy, sourcing, and inventory strategies.
- Partner with Project Management and Engineering to translate project timelines and specifications into material demand plans and procurement milestones.
- Build multi-year plans for long-lead components and equipment, aligning with business growth, capacity expansion, and cost targets.
Demand planning and forecasting- Create and maintain detailed forecasts for long-lead items, incorporating project schedules, engineering changes, and historical consumption.
- Run scenario and sensitivity analyses to understand the impact of delays, scope changes, and schedule shifts.
- Collaborate with Finance to align spend forecasts and cash-flow impacts for major equipment purchases.
Supplier management and sourcing- Identify, qualify, and manage strategic suppliers for long-lead equipment, including OEMs and key component manufacturers.
- Lead sourcing events (RFI/RFQ/RFP), contract negotiations, and frame agreements that secure capacity, pricing, and lead-time commitments.
- Develop supplier scorecards and conduct regular business reviews to drive performance, reliability, and continuous improvement.
Execution, logistics, and delivery- Own the full purchase-to-delivery lifecycle for long-lead equipment, ensuring on-time delivery to project sites or facilities.
- Coordinate closely with Logistics, Site Operations, and Installation teams on shipping plans, customs requirements, staging, and sequencing.
- Monitor and proactively manage purchase orders, exceptions, and changes, resolving issues before they impact project timelines.
Risk management and mitigation- Identify supply, schedule, quality, and capacity risks for long-lead items and develop mitigation plans, including alternate sources, safety stock, and dual-sourcing strategies.
- Maintain and regularly update a risk register for critical equipment and components.
- Escalate and resolve critical issues with suppliers and internal stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and decision-making.
Process improvement and systems- Define and refine processes, tools, and KPIs for managing long-lead equipment across the organization.
- Partner with IT / Systems teams to improve ERP/MRP, procurement, and tracking workflows for long-lead items.
- Drive standardization of BOM structures, lead-time assumptions, and planning parameters to improve data quality and planning accuracy.
Cross-functional leadership- Act as the primary point of contact for long-lead equipment topics for Project Management, Engineering, Construction, and Operations.
- Lead cross-functional reviews to align on equipment priorities, trade-offs, and decisions.
- Mentor and support more junior supply chain and procurement team members.
QualificationsRequired- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Engineering, Business, or related field.
- Experience in supply chain, procurement, or operations, with significant responsibility for long-lead materials or capital equipment.
- Proven track record managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects with tight deadlines and high business impact.
- Strong experience with ERP/MRP systems and advanced planning tools.
- Excellent negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and translate it into clear actions and recommendations.
- Effective communicator, able to influence at multiple levels and work cross-functionally in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred- Experience in [industry: e.g., manufacturing, energy, construction, data centers, semiconductors, etc.] with complex capital projects.
- Background managing global supplier bases and international logistics.
- Experience implementing or improving long-lead planning processes and tools at scale.
Key success metrics- On-time delivery performance for long-lead equipment.
- Schedule adherence for critical project milestones dependent on long-lead items.
- Supplier performance (quality, lead time, responsiveness).
- Forecast accuracy and reduction of supply-related schedule risks.
The range below reflects the base salary for the position. Actual compensation may vary based on job-related factors such as skill set, experience, education, and location. In addition to base salary, this role may be eligible for bonus, equity, and/or commission programs. Nscale may offer a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, flexible paid time off, parental leave, and retirement plan participation.
Salary Range
$100,000-$180,000 USD
