Kerem ACAR
Supply Chain Manager
Istanbul
Summary
Results-driven and strategically minded Supply Chain Manager with over +8 years of experience in the industry. Proven expertise in end-to-end supply chain operations including demand planning, procurement coordination, production scheduling, logistics, and inventory optimization. Adept at leading cross-functional teams, improving supply chain efficiency, and building resilient supplier networks for critical components such as copper wire, magnets, and motor laminations. Skilled in ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and data-driven decision-making to reduce costs, enhance delivery performance, and support lean manufacturing initiatives. Strong understanding of compliance standards (RoHS, REACH, ISO) and global trade practices. Recognized for driving continuous improvement, operational excellence, and aligning supply chain strategies with business objectives.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
4
4
Certifications
2
2
Languages
Work History
Supply Chain Manager
WEG Electric Motors
05.2025 - Current
- Develop and execute a supply chain strategy aligned with company goals (cost, quality, delivery).
- Optimize the flow of materials, components, and finished products across the supply chain.
- Align supply chain operations with production schedules, engineering changes, and customer demand.
- Collaborate with Sales, Production, and Finance teams to develop accurate demand forecasts.
- Use historical data, market trends, and sales input to plan material and production requirements.
- Monitor forecast accuracy and adjust planning models accordingly.
- Work closely with related areas to ensure timely and cost-effective procurement of raw materials and components (e.g., copper, magnets, laminations, shafts).
- Oversee supplier performance in terms of delivery, quality, and responsiveness.
- Implement supplier risk assessments and develop mitigation plans for critical suppliers.
- Develop and manage the master production schedule (MPS) based on demand forecasts and capacity.
- Coordinate with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Quality teams to ensure smooth production flows.
- Minimize production disruptions caused by material shortages or quality issues.
- Maintain optimal inventory levels of raw materials, WIP (work-in-progress), and finished goods.
- Implement lean practices like just-in-time (JIT), kanban, or vendor-managed inventory (VMI).
- Monitor inventory turnover, obsolescence, and carrying costs.
- Manage inbound and outbound logistics for raw materials and finished motors.
- Select and negotiate with freight providers to ensure cost-effective and reliable transportation.
- Ensure on-time delivery to customers and internal stakeholders, globally if required.
- Oversee warehousing operations to ensure accurate storage, picking, and shipping processes.
- Ensure proper handling and storage of sensitive materials like copper wire and magnets.
- Implement warehouse safety protocols and inventory control systems.
- Identify and mitigate risks across the supply chain (e.g., geopolitical, supplier, logistics).
- Develop business continuity plans to handle supply disruptions, natural disasters, or demand spikes.
- Diversify supplier base for critical components to reduce dependency on single sources.
Purchasing Manager
WEG Electric Motors
02.2025 - 05.2025
- Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with production and business objectives.
- Identify, evaluate, and qualify suppliers for raw materials, components (e.g., copper wire, magnets, laminations, bearings), and indirect materials.
- Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms with suppliers to achieve cost savings without compromising quality.
- Coordinate with production planning and inventory control teams to ensure timely procurement of materials.
- Monitor inventory levels to avoid overstocking or shortages, using MRP or ERP systems.
- Implement just-in-time (JIT) or lean inventory practices where applicable.
- Track and manage procurement budgets; identify and implement cost reduction initiatives.
- Analyze market trends and material cost fluctuations (e.g., copper prices) to mitigate financial risk.
- Report on procurement performance metrics (e.g., cost savings, supplier on-time delivery).
- Ensure purchased materials meet internal and external quality standards (ISO, RoHS, REACH, etc.).
- Collaborate with the Quality Assurance team to manage supplier audits, non-conformances, and corrective actions.
- Maintain compliance with regulatory and industry standards relevant to electric motor components.
- Manage and mentor a team of buyers or procurement specialists.
- Set performance objectives, conduct reviews, and foster continuous improvement.
- Promote a culture of accountability, efficiency, and ethical procurement practices.
Head of Qualification&Development of Supplier
WEG
09.2023 - 02.2025
- Develops policies to increase efficiency throughout the supply chain while ensuring quality and safety; implements subsequent changes to processes.
- To sourcing for the factories within WEG in Türkiye-Europe and North Africa, to explain the needs to the suppliers and to complete the commissioning process of the product related to the supplier.
- To analyse and audit the suppliers in terms of quality, process and financially by making supplier visits. Implementing the decision-making process as a result of the committee.
- Negotiates prices for raw material with vendors and managing the process of creating commercial and technical specifications.
- Continuously carrying out cost and process improvement studies, developing alternative products for bottleneck products.
- Establishing the entire supply chain for a greenfield factory and carrying out localisation activities.
- Carrying out commodity follow-ups regularly and creating market trends. Taking actions in advance according to the results.
- Establishing a supplier performance monitoring system and monitoring the performance of suppliers. To perform supplier classification and KPI management according to the results.
Purchasing and Logistic Supervisor
WEG
01.2022 - 09.2023
- Planning and follow-up of orders in accordance with the stock turnover rate determined as a target within the year.
- Managing the process of shaping purchase orders according to the resulting forecasts by working in coordination with the sales and planning department.
- Maintains required quantity of supplies and materials to optimize production.
- Develops and maintains detailed inventories of materials and supplies located in the company, at sites, and in the factory.
- Establishment of domestic and international transport processes, determination of routes and implementation of optimum processes.
- To manage and supervise the import and export processes of the company.
- Execution of indirect and direct purchasing processes from beginning to end.
- Manage the performance and development of the department.
Senior Buyer
WEG
08.2021 - 01.2022
- Purchase goods, materials, components or serviden in line with specified cost, quality and delivery targets.
- Monitor market trends, competitor strategies and market suppliers.
- Research and evaluate areas of opportunity and reduce costs where possible.
- Develop creative and innovative procurement processes.
- Ensure compliance to company guidelines, purchasing policies and procedures.
- Explore alternate sources for goods and materials.
- Undertake research on and evaluate existing and new suppliers.
Purchasing Chief
Yılmaz Redüktör
01.2021 - 08.2021
- Develop a procurement strategy.
- Ensure products and serviden are delivered promptly.
- Manage supplier relations.
- Manage procurement projects and lead the team.
- Follow compliance and regulations.
- Align the procurement strategy with company goals.
- Ensuring the organisation's budget is balanced as targeted.
Purchasing Specialist
Yılmaz Redüktör
07.2018 - 01.2021
- Purchase goods or serviden that meet the quantity and quality expectations of the organization.
- Evaluate and negotiate contracts with vendors.
- Track inventory and restock goods when needed.
- Stay up to date on industry trends and new products.
- Compare available goods with industry trends to determine appropriate pricing.
Education
Bachelor Degree - International Trade and Business
Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University
06.2018
Certificate of Technical Studies - CIPS
Koc University
04.2001 -
Certificate of Technical Studies - Applied Strategic Purchasing Management Program
Istanbul Technical University
04.2001 -
Skills
- SAP
- Nanocad
- IFS
- Microsoft Power BI
- Supply chain management
- Supplier relationship management
- Logistics management
- Warehouse operations
- Supplier negotiation
Websites
Certification
PPAP, APQP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, 2019-02-01
Timeline
Supply Chain Manager
WEG Electric Motors
05.2025 - Current
Purchasing Manager
WEG Electric Motors
02.2025 - 05.2025
Head of Qualification&Development of Supplier
WEG
09.2023 - 02.2025
Purchasing and Logistic Supervisor
WEG
01.2022 - 09.2023
Senior Buyer
WEG
08.2021 - 01.2022
Purchasing Chief
Yılmaz Redüktör
01.2021 - 08.2021
Purchasing Specialist
Yılmaz Redüktör
07.2018 - 01.2021
Certificate of Technical Studies - CIPS
Koc University
04.2001 -
Certificate of Technical Studies - Applied Strategic Purchasing Management Program
Istanbul Technical University
04.2001 -
Bachelor Degree - International Trade and Business
Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University