Supply Chain & Engineering Operations Consultant

VDS Consulting Group

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or related field

Nice To Haves

advanced degree or certifications like CPIM, CSCP, PMP, Lean Six Sigma preferred

Responsibilities

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 variability—improve 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.
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.
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.