Supply Chain and Inventory Manager

NEL Frequency Controls, powered by Abracon LLC                Burlington, WI location

NEL Frequency Controls is a leading manufacturer of frequency control products, specializing in ultra-low phase noise crystal oscillators.  Founded in 1986, NEL has established itself as a key player in the electronics industry, particularly in the military, aerospace, and high-tech sectors.  We are a growing company with a workforce of about 40 employees onsite.

Job Type: Full Time, may work up to 50% remotely after 90 day Orientation period onsite

Job Summary:

NEL Frequency Controls is seeking a highly analytical and hands-on Supply Chain & Inventory Manager to lead procurement, inventory management, and ERP-driven process optimization across our manufacturing operations. This role expands beyond traditional sourcing to include inventory tracking and movement, lean manufacturing initiatives, cycle and physical inventory management, and automation of inventory transactions throughout the manufacturing process.

The ideal candidate will act as a cross-functional leader and system steward ensuring material availability, data accuracy, cost control, and continuous improvement within Odoo and across the shop floor.

Key Responsibilities

1. Procurement & Sourcing Strategy

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for frequency control products, including crystal oscillators, resonators, and specialized electronic components
• Align purchasing strategies with engineering changes, R&D timelines, and production schedules
• Support NPI and product lifecycle transitions from prototype to production

2. Supplier Management & Negotiation

• Identify, qualify, and manage suppliers capable of meeting ultra-low phase noise and ultra-high-frequency requirements
• Lead negotiations on pricing, lead times, Minimum Order Quantity, quality expectations, and contractual terms
• Monitor supplier performance and drive corrective actions when required

3. Inventory Management & Control

• Own inventory accuracy, valuation, and movement across raw materials, WIP, and finished goods
• Establish and manage cycle count programs and annual physical inventory counts, including reconciliation and root-cause analysis
• Develop inventory KPIs (days on hand, turns, aging, scrap, excess & obsolete) and drive corrective actions
• Balance service levels with working capital objectives

4. Manufacturing Inventory Tracking & Automation

• Ensure accurate inventory transactions throughout the manufacturing process, including:
  • Work orders and routings
  • Material consumption and backflushing
  • Scrap reporting and yield tracking
  • Rework and non-conformance inventory movements
• Drive automation and standardization of inventory flows to reduce manual entry, errors, and delays

5. ERP System Ownership (Odoo)

• Serve as the primary owner for inventory-related processes within Odoo
• Optimize ERP workflows for purchasing, receiving, inventory transactions, manufacturing, and costing
• Partner with operations, finance, and IT to improve data integrity, reporting, and system utilization
• Lead or support ERP enhancements, configuration changes, and user training related to inventory and materials management

6. Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement

• Apply lean manufacturing principles to reduce waste, improve material flow, and increase operational efficiency
• Support pull-based replenishment strategies where appropriate (kanban, min/max, reorder points)
• Lead root-cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives tied to inventory accuracy, scrap reduction, and throughput

7. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality, planning, and finance teams
• Ensure alignment between physical inventory, system transactions, and financial reporting
• Support audits and compliance requirements related to inventory and purchasing

8. Cost Control & Reporting

• Conduct spend analysis, cost trend reviews, and inventory valuation analysis
• Prepare regular reports for leadership on procurement performance, inventory health, and improvement initiatives
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and cost maintenance as it relates to materials and inventory

9. Team Leadership & Process Governance

• Establish clear processes, documentation, and best practices for procurement and inventory management
• Promote accountability, data discipline, and continuous improvement across the supply chain function

Qualifications

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Deep understanding of inventory flows within a manufacturing environment
• High attention to detail and data accuracy
• Effective communicator across technical, operational, and financial teams
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and improvement initiatives simultaneously

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, Business, or related discipline
• 5+ years of experience in procurement, inventory management, or supply chain leadership
• Experience in electronics, precision manufacturing, or regulated manufacturing environments
• Hands-on experience with ERP systems, including inventory and manufacturing modules
• Working knowledge of lean manufacturing principles
• Experience managing cycle counts, physical inventories, and inventory accuracy initiatives
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 manufacturing environments
• Strong Excel and reporting skills; comfort translating data into operational insight

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
• Opportunity to play a key role in scaling and optimizing manufacturing operations
• Exposure to advanced, high-reliability products in aerospace, defense, and high-tech markets
• Professional development and growth opportunities

Come join our team! 

Excellence through teamwork drives the company culture at NEL and Abracon. We offer meaningful opportunities and resources for self-growth within a growing company. Become part of a great team where you matter! For more information about NEL, visit www.abracon.com/NEL.