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 (612 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 variabilityimprove 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.
• Bachelors 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).