Job Description

Founded in 1983, Kele Inc. is a leading distribution, and solutions partner with national reach and a global presence. Built around our customers and powered by our people, Kele provides millions of in-stock parts from more than 300 brands to drive automation & efficiency in nearly every type of facility, from office towers and factories to data centers and hospitals.

Our goal is to empower progress for maintenance managers, engineers, contractors, and all those building the future. We do this by delivering parts rapidly, providing custom assemblies upstream, and offering unmatched support to ensure projects run smoothly and downtime is minimized.

With 12 locations nationwide and headquarters in Tennessee, Kele combines deep technical expertise, rapid logistics, and a solutions-first mindset to help customers simplify supply chains, meet tight schedules, and deliver high-quality outcomes.

Kele fosters a culture rooted in collaboration, innovation, and customer obsession, empowering associates at every level to contribute, grow, and make a meaningful impact.

We are currently hiring for the role of Manager, Supply & Logistics.

Summary

The Manager, Supply & Logistics is responsible for managing strategic sourcing, purchasing operations, logistics, transportation management, and the development of Kele’s multi-site Hub & Spoke supply network. This role optimizes inbound and outbound logistics, small-parcel and LTL carrier performance, supplier contracts, and transportation routes while ensuring efficient material availability across all Kele locations.

The position serves as the operational owner of the Hub & Spoke model, driving cross-site replenishment strategies, WMS optimization, real-time problem resolution, analytics, and continuous improvement of Kele’s supply and logistics processes.

This role does not oversee distribution center operations or inventory control at the branch/DC level.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Purchasing & Supplier Management

• Lead and manage the purchasing department, ensuring cost-effective and timely procurement of materials.
• Manage the Request for Quotation (RFQ) process, including bid evaluation, supplier selection, and awarding of business.
• Negotiate supplier contracts including pricing, terms, rebates, and service performance.
• Build and maintain relationships with key suppliers and monitor supplier KPIs.
• Develop sourcing strategies to reduce cost, mitigate risk, and improve reliability.

Hub & Spoke Supply Network Management

• Develop, implement, and optimize the Hub & Spoke supply chain model supporting all Kele branches, including:
• Create replenishment logic between Hub, Regional Hub, and Spoke locations to ensure product availability and cost-effective movement of goods.
• Establish service metrics and process standards for inter-facility transfers and routing.

Logistics, Transportation, and Carrier Management

• Manage all logistics operations related to inbound transportation, outbound supplier shipments, and inter-facility transfers within the Hub & Spoke model.
• Negotiate contracts with small-parcel and LTL carriers; manage carrier scorecards, service levels, and freight cost optimization.
• Analyze transportation routes to identify and implement optimal routing, consolidation opportunities, and mode selection.
• Resolve real-time logistics bottlenecks impacting customer service or branch operations.

Systems Optimization & Data Analytics

• Optimize the Warehouse Management System (WMS) and ERP tools specific to Hub & Spoke transportation, routing, and replenishment workflows.
• Work with IT, Operations, and Inventory to enhance data quality and system functionality supporting supply and logistics processes.
• Conduct data analytics to assess freight cost trends, route efficiencies, supplier performance, and purchasing KPIs.

Budgeting & Performance Management

• Prepare and manage the annual Supply & Logistics budget including freight, purchasing overhead, carrier agreements, and related operational costs.
• Monitor departmental KPIs and provide performance reporting to the Chief Supply Chain Officer.
• Identify and implement cost reductions in procurement and transportation.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Inventory Management to align purchasing strategies with demand planning—without owning inventory control or stocking policies.
• Partner with Distribution Center leadership to ensure logistics and purchasing processes support operational efficiency—without overlapping DC operational responsibilities.
• Coordinate with Branch Operations leaders to ensure reliable inter-facility product flow.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Logistics, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 7 years experience in procurement, supply chain, or logistics management.
• Strong experience negotiating freight and supplier contracts.
• Proficiency with ERP/WMS systems and data analytics tools.
• Experience developing multi-site supply or replenishment models preferred.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional leadership skills.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervises the Purchasing Department and assigns Supply & Logistics personnel.
• Responsibilities include hiring, coaching, performance management, and adherence to Kele policy.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or certification (APICS, CSCP, CPSM, CLTD) preferred.

Kele Companies offers all full-time associates the following benefits and perks:

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• HSA
• FSA (medical and dependent care)
• 401(k) with employer match up to 4% with immediate vesting
• Employer-paid short- and long-term disability coverage
• Employer-paid basic life and AD&D insurance; supplemental life for employees and dependents available
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement

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