Supply Chain Associate

Founded in 2000 by Professor Derek McMinn, JointMedica has built a 25-year legacy in orthopaedic innovation, evolving from a pioneering R&D venture into a globally recognised manufacturer of advanced hip resurfacing technology. Its roots trace back to the creation of the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) system in the late 1990s co-created by Professor McMinn and Mr. Ronan Treacy, a globally adopted solution for young, active patients. Over the decades, JointMedica has consistently driven innovation in arthroplasty, most notably through the development of the Polymotion Hip Resurfacing System. The first iteration of this device, initially implanted in 2015, has demonstrated strong clinical outcomes and earned FDA Breakthrough Device Designation in 2022. With substantial investment received in 2023, JointMedica has transitioned into a dynamic manufacturing company pursuing multi-national regulatory approvals. Recognised with multiple awards for technological excellence, the company now stands at the forefront of modern orthopaedic implant design, continuing its mission to redefine the future of hip arthroplasty.

As the Supply Chain Associate, you will be responsible for coordinating the activities of the business's supply chain, ensuring that all materials and products needed to run the business are acquired, processed, stored, and delivered promptly. You will also be responsible for making sure the supply chain operates as efficiently as possible and for identifying ways to reduce costs or increase efficiency by improving certain processes.

Requirements

• Reporting to the Supply Chain Supervisor: the Supply Chain Associate is expected to execute all aspects of:
• Inventory Management: Assist with overseeing inventory levels to ensure adequate stock while minimizing excess inventory, conducting regular audits, and implementing inventory control measures.
• Procurement and Purchasing: Coordinate with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of materials and goods. Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with suppliers, and select new suppliers when necessary.
• Supplier Management: Build and maintain relationships with suppliers to ensure quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Address any issues or concerns with suppliers, such as late deliveries or quality issues, and work to resolve them promptly.
• Logistics Coordination: Assist with the transportation and distribution of goods to ensure timely delivery to customers. Coordinate with transportation providers, schedule shipments, and track shipments to ensure on-time delivery.
• Demand Planning: Work with sales and operations teams to forecast demand for implants, instruments, and materials. Help coordinate planning strategies to optimise inventory levels and meet customer demand.
• Warehouse Operations: Support warehouse operations, including receiving, storing, and shipping goods. Ensure that warehouse processes are efficient and comply with safety and quality standards.
• Supply Chain Analytics: Analyse supply chain data to identify trends, opportunities for improvement, and areas of risk. Use data to make informed decisions and optimise supply chain performance.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for process improvement within the supply chain and implement solutions to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve quality.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks within the supply chain, such as supply disruptions, quality issues, and regulatory compliance risks. Develop contingency plans to minimise the impact of disruptions.
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards, such as import/export regulations, safety regulations, and environmental regulations.
• Performance Metrics: Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure supply chain performance and identify areas for improvement.

Leadership and cultural requirements of the position:

• As a member of the JointMedica team, the Supply Chain Associate is responsible for maintaining JointMedica cultural principles of accountability, teamwork, cross-functional team collaboration, and an appropriate sense of urgency in solving problems and making decisions efficiently that help move the company forward.
• The Supply Chain Associate is expected to communicate regularly and proactively and escalate issues promptly to line management to empower the Executive Leadership Team in making key decisions and move the company forward.

Required skills and qualifications:

• Proficiency in using supply chain management software and systems, such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Transportation Management Systems (TMS), and other relevant tools.
• Knowledge of procurement processes, purchasing best practices, and supplier management.
• Familiarity with logistics operations, including freight management, customs compliance, and import/export regulations.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Meticulous attention to detail and a focus on accuracy in managing inventory, processing orders, and handling documentation.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, business requirements, and market conditions in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. Willingness to embrace change and continuously seek opportunities for improvement.
• Commitment to delivering exceptional customer service by ensuring timely delivery of products, addressing customer inquiries and concerns, and maintaining high standards of quality and reliability throughout the supply chain process.

Nice to have:

• Holding or working towards a Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM), or similar is desirable.
• Previous experience of current electronic system Sage 200.
• Understanding of inventory management principles, including inventory control, demand forecasting, and inventory optimisation techniques.