Supply Chain Innovation Director

Supply Chain Innovation Director

This organization is seeking a Director Supply Chain Innovation with a strong technical and engineering foundation, hands-on manufacturing experience, and the business acumen to drive transformational improvements across a complex supply chain network.

This role operates at the intersection of engineering, operations, and business strategy, leading the end-to-end execution of innovation and product initiatives from concept through commercialization. The successful candidate will combine deep manufacturing expertise with strategic thinking to unlock growth opportunities, challenge existing processes, and deliver scalable, impactful change.

Compensation & Benefits: $190,000 - $210,000 base salary + 25% bonus + LTIP (RSU plan, $30k annual value), 401k Match 9%, Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD, Flexible PTO.

Location/Schedule: East Hanover, New Jersey (Hybrid, 3 days on site 2 days remote).

Relocation : Comprehensive relocation plan dependent on the individual situation.

Job Description & Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning and Network Optimization

Partner with site leadership to develop and execute facility strategies and long-term roadmaps, integrating innovation and renovation initiatives into supply plans

Lead network design and optimization efforts, including long-range capacity planning and scenario modeling to evaluate investments, consolidations, and expansion opportunities

Provide strategic insight through scenario analysis, identification of interdependencies, and structured recommendations to senior stakeholders

Collaborate cross-functionally with Commercial, Finance, R&D, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams to develop and implement growth and productivity strategies

Serve as a central liaison across functions to align priorities and enable effective decision-making

Conduct capacity and sourcing assessments to address current and future demand requirements

Support capital planning and budgeting in partnership with Engineering, ensuring disciplined prioritization of investments

Innovation and Commercialization

Lead the end-to-end commercialization of new products and initiatives from concept through market launch

Oversee structured innovation and project management processes at the site or regional level

Lead design reviews and readiness assessments to ensure successful project execution

Ensure effective change management for new and existing products, packaging, and processes

Conduct post-implementation evaluations and communicate outcomes to key stakeholders

Project Execution and Governance

Drive consistent, high-quality project execution using established methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, Agile, or Stage-Gate

Develop and manage project budgets, timelines, and resource plans

Identify and mitigate risks, escalating issues when necessary

Provide regular updates through dashboards, reports, and stakeholder reviews

Ensure projects meet defined quality standards and are fully ready for launch

Operational Efficiency and Productivity

Partner across functions and sites to continuously improve processes and support product commercialization

Lead simplification and de-complexity initiatives to enhance operational efficiency

Align site-level change initiatives to maintain service levels while delivering transformation

Ensure adherence to operational standards and performance targets

Stakeholder Management

Build and maintain strong relationships across cross-functional teams and manufacturing sites

Influence stakeholders at all levels, from operational teams to executive leadership, to drive alignment and results

Team Leadership and Capability Development

Build and lead high-performing, cross-functional teams across internal and external partners

Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and capability development

Qualifications Seeking:

Bachelor’s Degree in engineering, technical discipline, or equivalent practical experience

Significant hands-on manufacturing experience, preferably within consumer goods or high-volume production environments

Proven background in supply chain operations, program or project management, or strategy

Experience in network design, capacity planning, and long-term scenario modeling, including investment and footprint optimization decisions

Demonstrated success in commercializing new products or initiatives from development through launch

Track record of driving large-scale transformation and cross-functional initiatives

Strong understanding of end-to-end supply chain and manufacturing processes

Experience with capital planning, financial analysis, and resource allocation

Working knowledge of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Lean, Six Sigma, and related methodologies

Proficiency in project management frameworks and tools (e.G., Agile, Stage-Gate, MS Project, or equivalent)

Strong analytical capabilities, including data-driven decision-making and scenario modeling

Familiarity with enterprise systems such as ERP and manufacturing execution systems (MES)

Strategic and entrepreneurial mindset with a focus on driving transformational results

Strong business acumen with the ability to connect operational decisions to commercial outcomes

Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all organizational levels

Proven ability to influence stakeholders and lead through complexity

Capable of balancing strategic thinking with hands-on execution

Demonstrated leadership, coaching, and team development capabilities