Supply Chain Director - Product Sourcing

Director of Supply Chain & Product Sourcing (Poultry/Chicken) The Director of Supply Chain & Product Sourcing is responsible for developing and executing the organization's end-to-end supply chain strategy, with a primary focus on poultry (chicken) procurement, product sourcing, manufacturing partnerships, distribution, and logistics. This role ensures a reliable, cost-effective, and high-quality supply chain that supports operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and long-term growth. The Director will lead strategic supplier relationships, oversee distribution and freight operations, manage inventory and forecasting initiatives, and collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Quality Assurance, Finance, Sales, and Product Development teams. The ideal candidate brings extensive foodservice supply chain expertise, deep poultry industry knowledge, and a proven ability to lead complex distribution networks across multiple markets. Strategic Supply Chain Leadership Develop and execute supply chain strategies that support company growth, profitability, and service objectives. Lead sourcing, procurement, logistics, inventory management, and distribution activities across North America. Identify opportunities to improve service levels, reduce costs, mitigate risks, and enhance supply chain resiliency. Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and reporting processes to measure supplier, logistics, and operational performance. Drive continuous improvement initiatives throughout the supply chain network. Poultry Product Sourcing & Procurement Develop and maintain strategic relationships with poultry processors, manufacturers, suppliers, and co-packers. Negotiate supplier agreements, pricing structures, service levels, and contract terms to maximize value and ensure continuity of supply. Monitor poultry market conditions, commodity trends, production capacity, and industry developments to proactively manage supply risks. Collaborate with suppliers on product innovation, quality improvements, and cost‑saving initiatives. Evaluate and qualify new suppliers while maintaining robust supplier performance management programs. Oversee supplier onboarding, compliance, audits, and performance evaluations. Partner with manufacturing facilities to ensure product quality, food safety, capacity planning, and operational efficiency. Manage supplier scorecards and corrective action plans when performance issues arise. Ensure vendors meet company standards related to quality, food safety, regulatory compliance, and sustainability. Logistics & Distribution Management Direct freight, warehousing, and distribution activities across multiple distribution centers and geographic regions. Optimize transportation networks, carrier relationships, and delivery performance. Collaborate with third‑party logistics providers (3PLs), distributors, and internal stakeholders to ensure efficient product movement. Develop contingency plans to address supply disruptions, transportation challenges, and capacity constraints. Monitor inventory levels and demand forecasts to maintain optimal product availability while minimizing waste and carrying costs. Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance Ensure supply chain operations comply with applicable food safety regulations and industry standards, including FSMA, GMPs, and GFSI‑recognized programs. Partner with Quality Assurance and Food Safety teams to manage supplier compliance, product specifications, audits, and traceability requirements. Support crisis management and product recall activities when necessary. Maintain awareness of evolving regulatory requirements impacting poultry sourcing and foodservice operations. Cross‑Functional Collaboration Partner with Operations, Culinary, Product Development, Quality, Finance, and Sales teams to align sourcing strategies with business objectives. Support new product launches through supplier selection, capacity planning, and supply chain readiness. Provide leadership and guidance during annual budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning processes. Present supply chain performance, market intelligence, and sourcing strategies to executive leadership. Leadership & Team Development Lead, mentor, and develop supply chain, sourcing, and procurement professionals. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and customer service. Establish clear performance expectations and support professional development initiatives. Promote strong internal and external relationships through transparent communication and partnership. Qualifications Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Food Science, or a related field preferred. Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in foodservice supply chain management, procurement, sourcing, or logistics, including significant poultry/chicken industry experience. Demonstrated success managing vendor relationships, contract negotiations, freight operations, and distribution networks. Experience developing and executing sourcing strategies within complex foodservice or food manufacturing environments. Strong analytical, financial, and problem‑solving skills. Experience utilizing supply chain systems, ERP platforms, forecasting tools, and data analytics to drive decision-making. Ability to travel up to 25% throughout North America. Preferred Qualifications Experience managing multi‑city or multi‑regional distribution networks supporting custom food products or ingredients. Strong understanding of poultry processing, manufacturing operations, and commodity markets. Knowledge of GMPs, FSMA regulations, GFSI‑recognized food safety standards, and supplier quality programs. Experience working with food manufacturers, processors, distributors, and third‑party logistics providers. #J-18808-Ljbffr TriSource