Director of Strategic Sourcing and Supply Chain

As the Director of Supply Chain and Strategic Sourcing, you will oversee and optimize global supply chain operations within an industrial machinery manufacturing environment. This leadership role focuses on strategic sourcing, supplier development, and operational excellence to support the manufacturing of advanced test equipment and instrumentation. The ideal candidate will bring a wealth of experience in managing complex supply chains within high-tech, heavy equipment, and precision manufacturing settings, ensuring seamless integration of operations across sourcing, procurement, inventory, and logistics.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Sourcing and Procurement
  • Develop and execute strategic sourcing strategies to drive cost reductions, improve supplier quality, and strengthen long-term supplier partnerships.
  • Identify, evaluate, and onboard suppliers of raw materials, components, and equipment for heavy machinery manufacturing, ensuring adherence to industry-specific quality, delivery, and regulatory standards.
  • Lead contract negotiations with suppliers to secure favorable terms and cost-effective agreements while managing vendor risks and performance.
  • Continuously assess supplier performance and implement improvement strategies to enhance quality and mitigate supply chain risks.
• Supply Chain Operations Management
  • Oversee the end-to-end supply chain operations, including procurement of complex components, inventory management, and logistics for industrial machinery production.
  • Drive optimization initiatives to reduce lead times, minimize excess inventory, and boost operational efficiency in a manufacturing environment with stringent production deadlines.
  • Implement demand forecasting and production planning strategies to meet customer requirements and align with production schedules, reducing operational disruptions and enhancing throughput.
  • Collaborate with engineering, production, and quality assurance teams to ensure supply chain activities are aligned with manufacturing and quality control standards in an industrial machinery context.
• Team Leadership and Development
  • Lead and develop a high-performing supply chain team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
  • Provide executive leadership with insights on emerging supply chain trends, operational risks, and opportunities to inform long-term strategy.
  • Mentor team members, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and driving professional growth.
• Compliance and Sustainability
  • Ensure compliance with industry regulations specific to the industrial machinery manufacturing sector, including safety standards, environmental regulations, and ethical sourcing practices.
  • Lead sustainability initiatives focused on reducing the environmental footprint of supply chain activities, incorporating eco-friendly sourcing and waste-reduction strategies.

Qualifications

• Education
  • Required: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
  • Preferred: Master's degree or MBA.
• Experience
  • Required: 10+ years of supply chain management experience, with at least 5 years in leadership roles within industrial machinery manufacturing. Proven success in strategic sourcing, supplier management, and cost reduction within complex manufacturing environments.
  • Preferred: Experience working with suppliers and managing logistics for large-scale manufacturing equipment and test instrumentation.
• Skills
  • Advanced problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities to address challenges in the industrial manufacturing supply chain.
  • Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and data analytics tools to drive supply chain optimization.
  • Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills, with a focus on managing vendor relationships in a high-demand manufacturing context.
  • In-depth knowledge of industry regulations, quality standards, and sustainability practices relevant to industrial machinery manufacturing.
• Preferred Attributes
  • Experience managing global sourcing and international supplier relationships in the industrial machinery sector.
  • Familiarity with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma methodologies, and best practices in heavy equipment production.
  • Professional certifications such as CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional) or CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management).