Supply Chain Associate

Job Title: Supply Chain Associate Job Description The Supply Chain Associate develops and maintains accurate demand forecasts, coordinates inventory and material planning activities, and manages procurement operations to ensure the timely and cost-effective acquisition of goods and services. This role acts as a key link between Sales, Marketing, Finance, Operations, and Supply Chain teams to align business objectives with forecasting, purchasing, and inventory strategies. The position offers a contract-to-hire path with a structured schedule and regular time off built into the workweek. Responsibilities • Develop and maintain accurate demand forecasts using historical sales data, market intelligence, business trends, and forecasting models. • Analyze demand patterns, seasonality, promotions, and other business drivers to improve forecast accuracy. • Monitor forecast performance, identify variances, and recommend adjustments and corrective actions as needed. • Coordinate forecasting activities across Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Operations teams to ensure alignment. • Participate in Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) processes and meetings to align demand and supply plans. • Maintain demand planning systems, forecasting tools, reports, and dashboards. • Support inventory planning and material planning activities to balance supply with demand. • Generate and present demand planning reports and performance metrics to stakeholders. • Manage purchasing activities for materials, equipment, and services to support business needs. • Create and process purchase orders accurately and in a timely manner. • Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules with suppliers to optimize cost and service levels. • Conduct supplier evaluations and performance reviews to ensure quality and reliability. • Coordinate requests for quotations (RFQs) and requests for proposals (RFPs) to support sourcing decisions. • Develop sourcing strategies and identify alternative suppliers to mitigate risk and improve value. • Support supplier onboarding and relationship management to build strong partnerships. • Resolve supply, shipment, and quality issues in collaboration with internal teams and suppliers. • Maintain procurement records and documentation in accordance with company standards. • Ensure compliance with company purchasing policies and procedures across all procurement activities. Essential Skills • 5+ years of experience in supply chain, procurement, purchasing, demand planning, or related functions. • Experience with forecasting methodologies, inventory management, and ERP systems. • Experience participating in Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) processes is preferred. • Proficiency in statistical forecasting and demand planning methodologies. • Strong skills in data and trend analysis and modeling. • Hands-on experience with inventory planning and inventory management. • Proficiency in strategic sourcing and supplier selection. • Experience in supplier and vendor relationship management. • Strong negotiation and contract management capabilities. • Ability to perform cost and spend analysis to support decision-making. • Proficiency with ERP systems for planning and procurement activities. • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including complex formulas, data analysis, and reporting. • Experience in reporting and dashboard development to communicate key metrics. Additional Skills & Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Logistics, or a related field is preferred. • Professional certifications such as APICS, CPSM, CPIM, or similar credentials are a plus. • Skill in demand planning, purchasing, and procurement operations. • Experience with negotiating contracts and supplier agreements. • Familiarity with ERP platforms and related supply chain technologies. • Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. • Effective communication and collaboration skills to work with cross-functional teams. Work Environment This is an onsite role based in Santa Monica with a standard full-time schedule, typically between 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. or 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. The position is offered as a contract-to-hire opportunity, providing the potential to transition to a permanent role. Every employee has every other Friday off; during the contract period, these Fridays off are unpaid, and if converted to a permanent role, this becomes a paid day off. The environment involves close collaboration with Sales, Marketing, Finance, Operations, and Supply Chain teams and regular use of ERP systems, advanced Excel, and forecasting and reporting tools. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Santa Monica, CA. Pay And Benefits The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $43.00/hr. Requirements Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Santa Monica,CA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jun 25, 2026. About Aston Carter Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.