Introduction
At HeiQ, we are on a mission to improve the lives of billions of people by "heiqing" materials. Since our inception as spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH) in 2005, we have created some of the most effective, durable and high-performing technologies on the market today. Over 300 brands like Burberry, Zara, Burton, Patagonia, Speedo, Uvex, Itochu, or Serta Simmons sell products with our technologies inside. This makes every-day products more functional, more comfortable and more sustainable – and has won us 19 awards that we are proud of.
HeiQ combines the flexibility and dynamism of a young and customer-oriented company with the professionalism of an international player. To grow our supply chain capabilities, we are looking for a:
Supply Chain Operations Manager
We are looking for a Supply Chain Operations Manager to join our HeiQ Iberia office (Moreira da Maia, Portugal).
This is a high-impact role for a seasoned supply chain professional who deeply understands the unique challenges of the chemical industry. Your core mission is to bring real-world operational expertise into our ERP implementation project — ensuring the new system is built around how chemical supply chains actually work. You will be the operational reference point for translating chemical supply chain realities into system requirements and ensuring the ERP reflects end-to-end operations — from raw material procurement and hazardous substance handling to batch production, quality control, traceability, and customer delivery
You will report to the Chief Operations Officer and work closely with the ERP project team, plant operations, procurement, and quality leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Share deep knowledge of chemical supply chain operations
Explain how things really work day-to-day — buying raw materials (often hazardous or regulated), storing them safely, managing inventory with expiration dates and lot tracking, running batch production, performing quality checks, and shipping finished products while meeting strict safety and compliance rules.
Help map and improve supply chain processes
Work with the team to clearly document current ways of working and design better future processes that reduce waste, improve safety, lower costs, and increase reliability in the chemical environment.
Identify what the supply chain really needs
Point out the most important requirements for purchasing, inventory, production planning, quality control, and logistics so the new system supports actual chemical operations instead of forcing people to work around it.
Handle chemical-specific challenges
Make sure special needs are addressed, such as hazardous material handling, shelf-life management, batch traceability for recalls, regulatory compliance, and dealing with volatile raw material prices or supply disruptions.
Support data preparation
Help gather accurate information about products, suppliers, recipes, storage rules, and batch records so the new system starts with clean, reliable supply chain data.
Test with real-life chemical scenarios
Use their hands-on experience to create practical test situations (like a bad batch, a supplier delay, or a rush order) and check that everything will work smoothly once the new system is live.
Train and support the operations team
Create easy-to-understand guides and train the supply chain and plant teams so they can continue running efficient and safe operations after the new system goes live.
You Bring
* Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Chemical Engineering, Operations Management, Logistics, or a closely related field.
* 7–10+ years of hands-on experience in supply chain roles, with strong focus on the chemical, pharmaceutical, or process manufacturing industries.
* Proven expertise in chemical supply chain operations including procurement of raw materials, inventory management with hazardous substances, batch/lot tracking, production planning, and compliance with safety regulations.
Essential Skills and Knowledge
* Deep supply chain expertise in chemicals: Strong practical knowledge of end-to-end processes — sourcing regulated raw materials, safe storage and handling of hazardous materials, shelf-life and expiration control, batch production management, quality assurance, traceability, and logistics in a highly regulated environment.
* Ability to clearly explain complex chemical supply chain processes to both operations teams and technical project members.
* Experience identifying inefficiencies and designing improved supply chain workflows (lean principles, safety-first approaches, cost control).
* Strong problem-solving skills focused on real operational challenges like supply disruptions, batch failures, or regulatory changes.
* Good communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with plant operators, procurement teams, quality departments, and management.
Preferred Certifications
* CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional) or CPIM (Certified in Planning and Inventory Management) from ASCM/APICS
* Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
* Hazardous materials handling or chemical industry compliance certifications (e.g., HAZMAT, RCRA, or similar)
Success Metrics
* The new system reflects real chemical supply chain needs and supports safe, efficient operations.
* Clear improvements in key areas such as reduced inventory waste (especially expired materials), better batch traceability, higher on-time delivery rates, and stronger compliance.
* Supply chain team feels well-supported and confident in the new processes.
* Measurable gains in supply chain performance: lower costs, fewer stockouts, reduced safety incidents, and faster response to disruptions.
What we offer
* A dynamic and international work environment
* High exposure to Group-level supply chain operations and digital transformation
* A key role in shaping how HeiQ's chemical supply chain operates at scale
* Competitive compensation and benefits package
Interested?
Does that sound like a great challenge to you? Then we look forward to receiving your complete application in English including motivation letter, CV and salary expectation. Only suitable candidates will be contacted. We will be in touch as soon as possible.
Apply via LinkedIn or email us at careers@heiq.com
Candidates must have the legal right to work in the EU/Portugal at the time of application.