Director of Supply Chain Planning & Logistics

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Director of Supply Chain is responsible for leading the day-to-day management and continuous improvement of the Company's logistics, transportation, inventory control, warehousing, and supply chain planning functions. This role ensures the reliable, timely, and cost-effective movement and positioning of raw materials and finished goods across the Company's global network to support customer and operational requirements.

The Director of Supply Chain works closely with Procurement, Operations, Sales, Product Management, Quality, and Finance to maintain material availability, optimize inventory levels, control freight and distribution costs, and improve overall service performance. This role partners with the Director of Procurement, who owns purchasing, sourcing, and supplier commercial relationships, to translate demand and supply plans into efficient execution. The successful candidate will balance strategic planning with hands-on execution, driving operational results while developing a high-performing supply chain operations team.

This position contributes to organizational planning and supports operational initiatives that improve efficiency, service levels, and profitability.

Essential Responsibilities

Supply Chain Leadership

• Lead and manage all logistics, transportation, inventory planning, warehousing, and distribution activities.
• Develop annual departmental goals aligned with company objectives.
• Establish performance metrics and monitor on-time delivery, carrier performance, inventory levels, freight cost, and customer service levels.
• Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and collaboration throughout the supply chain organization.
• Participate in strategic planning and special projects as assigned.

Inventory Management and Planning

• Work collaboratively with Sales, Operations, and Product Management to forecast demand and translate forecasts into supply and replenishment plans.
• Partner with the Director of Procurement to communicate material requirements, replenishment timing, and inventory targets that inform purchasing decisions.
• Establish and maintain appropriate inventory and safety stock levels to support customer demand while minimizing working capital.
• Conduct regular inventory reviews, cycle counts, and reconciliations; identify and address slow-moving and excess inventory.
• Investigate material shortages or service failures and lead root-cause analysis to prevent recurrence.

Logistics and Transportation Management

• Oversee inbound and outbound transportation activities, including truckload, LTL, rail, ocean freight, and intermodal shipments.
• Manage relationships with carriers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and 3PLs; lead freight bids and rate negotiations to ensure dependable service and competitive pricing.
• Oversee import and export activities, including customs documentation, Incoterms, tariff classification, and trade compliance.
• Monitor freight spend and logistics performance while identifying opportunities for cost reduction and service improvement.
• Communicate logistics trends, freight market conditions, and transportation performance to company stakeholders.

Warehousing and Distribution

• Oversee company-operated and third-party warehouse operations to ensure accurate, safe, and efficient receiving, storage, and shipping.
• Optimize the distribution network and inventory positioning across locations to balance service levels, freight cost, and working capital.
• Establish warehouse performance metrics (e.g., order accuracy, dock-to-stock time, on-time shipment) and drive corrective actions.
• Partner with Quality and Operations to resolve carrier, handling, and damage issues, including freight claims and corrective actions.

Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop supply chain personnel through effective performance management, feedback, and employee development planning.
• Foster strong communication and teamwork within the department and across all operating locations.
• Support workforce planning, succession planning, and employee engagement initiatives.

Compliance and Process Improvement

• Ensure logistics, warehousing, and inventory activities comply with company policies, approval authorities, internal controls, and applicable transportation, hazardous materials, and trade regulations.
• Develop and improve supply chain processes that increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service performance.
• Maintain accurate reporting and documentation to support business decision-making and operational effectiveness.
• Support ERP utilization and process standardization across locations.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field preferred.

Experience

• 7+ years of experience in supply chain operations, logistics, transportation, or inventory management.
• 3+ years of leadership experience managing logistics or supply chain operations personnel.
• Manufacturing, industrial minerals, chemicals, specialty materials, or related industry experience preferred.
• Demonstrated success in logistics oversight, freight cost management, inventory management, and carrier/3PL negotiations.

Preferred Skills

• APICS/ASCM Certification (CPIM, CSCP, CLTD, or equivalent) preferred.
• Strong negotiation and carrier/3PL management skills.
• Knowledge of inventory planning, transportation management, and import/export requirements.
• Proficiency with ERP systems; ProcessPro experience preferred. TMS/WMS experience a plus.
• Strong Microsoft Excel and data analysis capabilities.
• Understanding of basic financial and accounting principles.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Self-motivated with a continuous improvement mindset.