Supply Chain Strategy Lead

Category/Area of Expertise: Strategy Job Requisition: 506192 Address: USA-NC-Salisbury-2110 Executive Drive Store Code: ADUSA Dist L&D-Executive (5168518) ADUSA Distribution is the distribution company of Ahold Delhaize USA, providing distribution services to one of the largest grocery retail supply chains in the nation. ADUSA Distribution fosters a culture that inspires and empowers our associates to always deliver exceptional service and value. Our team is supporting the supply chain network evolution to an integrated self‑distribution model of the future, serving leading omnichannel grocery brands – Food Lion, Giant Food, The GIANT Company, Hannaford and Stop & Shop. To learn more about our company and the other supply chain companies of Ahold Delhaize USA, visit Position Summary The Supply Chain Strategy Lead provides advanced analytical expertise to support ADUSA's distribution and transportation network design, optimization, and modernization initiatives, while playing a key role in shaping the long‑term direction of the organization's supply chain strategy. This role leverages optimization tools, large datasets, and analytical techniques to develop data‑driven insights, inform network investment decisions, and drive alignment on strategic priorities. Partnering closely with cross‑functional leadership, the Lead translates complex operational data into forward‑looking recommendations that balance cost, service, capacity, and risk while supporting enterprise growth objectives. Blending network modeling, scenario analysis, and financial evaluation, this role contributes to high‑impact strategic initiatives and supports end‑to‑end program execution. The Lead delivers actionable insights and strategic recommendations to senior and executive leadership, helping guide decision‑making, prioritize investments, and ensure successful implementation of network optimization and transformation efforts. Primary Duties and Responsibilities Strategic Analysis & Supply Chain Network Optimization Translate ambiguous business problems into actionable insights using a combination of optimization models, scenario analysis, and strategic frameworks. Evaluate trade‑offs across cost, service, inventory, and capacity through scenario modeling and cost‑benefit analysis. Apply structured methodologies (e.g., process mapping, root cause analysis, optimization techniques) to support enterprise decision‑making. Develop scorecards, dashboards, and define and measure KPIs to monitor network performance and track initiative success. Design and execute scenario analyses to evaluate trade‑offs related to demand variability, labor and asset capacity, network changes, and service‑level commitments. Provide recommendations that balance cost, service, and operational risk. Network Modeling & Tool Development Develop and enhance optimization models and analytical tools to support network design, routing, and inventory positioning. Support the formulation and application of optimization models (e.g., linear programming, mixed‑integer programming) to evaluate network scenarios and trade‑offs. Leverage large datasets and advanced analytics to inform network decisions. Support development and refinement of optimization models (LP, MILP, heuristics) for network design problems. Support scenario flexibility and analytics through structured data pipelines and modeling best practices. Initiative & Program Execution Support end‑to‑end execution of network design and optimization initiatives, from concept through implementation. Develop and manage workplans, milestones, and cross‑functional coordination while identifying risks, dependencies, and mitigation strategies to maintain overall program health. Establish governance frameworks to support structured decision‑making and accountability. Capacity Planning & Engineering Support Analyze network capacity constraints and evaluate facility expansions or network changes. Assess feasibility of network strategies using both engineering principles and financial considerations. Provide recommendations to improve throughput, utilization, and operational efficiency. Stakeholder Engagement & Communication Present complex analytical findings and strategic recommendations to executive leadership in a clear, structured, and compelling manner. Partner with cross‑functional teams (Operations, Transportation, Finance, Real Estate, Engineering, etc.) to ensure alignment and feasibility of recommendations. Translate technical outputs into actionable business cases that support investment decisions. Qualifications Education Minimum: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, Business, or a related field. Preferred: Master's degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, or a related discipline. Experience 8‑10+ years of experience in supply chain / network strategy, supply chain network design, operations, and/or process execution in grocery retail or related industry. 3+ years of consulting industry experience preferred. Experience with optimization, analytics, or technical modeling environments. Demonstrated experience with financial modeling, business case development, and scenario analysis, including trade‑offs across cost, service, and capacity. Experience working on large, cross‑functional Supply Chain programs, requiring leading without authority and partnership with operations, engineering, finance, IT, etc. Demonstrated experience developing and delivering compelling narratives for executive‑level presentations and insights. Knowledge Strong understanding of Supply Chain network design and flows, transportation routing, optimization models (objective functions, constraints), inventory optimization, simulation, and supply chain trade‑offs. Advanced understanding of end‑to‑end supply chain network design, capacity planning, and operational feasibility assessment. Working knowledge of optimization and analytics tools (Python, R, SQL, etc.). Understanding of financial modeling and trade‑off analysis. Project management and process improvement methodologies (Lean, PMP concepts). Skills and Abilities Skills and Abilities Passion & Curiosity Comfortable with ambiguity and project‑based work. Strong analytical, quantitative, and modeling skills. Ability to translate complex technical data into actionable recommendations. Excellent organizational, planning, and time management skills. Advanced communication and presentation skills for executive and cross‑functional audiences. Abilities Conceptual thinker able to identify patterns, dependencies, and constraints across complex networks. Ability to influence decision‑making across multiple functions without direct authority. Capacity to work autonomously while managing multiple priorities and initiatives. Innovates to improve processes, operational efficiency, and network performance. Other Requirements Travel may be required (10‑20%) to support site evaluations and project implementation. Operates with moderate supervision; expected to exercise independent judgment in analysis and recommendations. Must maintain a high level of credibility with operations, engineering, and executive leadership. We are an organization that values diversity and encourages all qualified individuals to apply without regard to sex, race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, marital status (including civil unions), military service, veteran status, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, legally recognized disability, domestic violence victim status or any other characteristic protected by law. Our organization is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities, including applicants. If you have a disability and require assistance in the application process, please email View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr