Director of Supply Chain Management

Role overview

This leadership position is based in Dayton, Ohio and sits within an industrial machine products business. The role oversees the full supply chain function, including procurement, sourcing, supplier performance, inventory planning, and end-to-end execution. It also works closely with product management to assess sourcing feasibility, provide cost insights, coordinate launch readiness, and support decisions for new product sourcing.

Key responsibilities

• Set and direct the company’s supply chain approach so that sourcing, procurement, inventory, planning, and supplier management are aligned with business goals.
• Create and implement purchasing plans that balance cost, quality, service levels, delivery reliability, and working capital.
• Improve and lead the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, working with sales, product management, finance, and operations to meet customer demand with the right inventory levels.
• Lead, coach, and manage the supply chain team while building clear priorities, ownership, and consistent processes.
• Manage the full procurement cycle, from quoting and negotiation through contracting, supplier performance management, customs/tariff compliance, and issue resolution.
• Work with product management on sourcing feasibility, supplier input, cost analysis, and launch coordination for new products.
• Build and maintain productive supplier partnerships, negotiate strong terms, and continually improve supplier performance.
• Guide inventory strategy and supply planning to improve product availability, reduce days inventory outstanding, and limit excess or obsolete stock.
• Introduce and maintain systems, tools, and reporting that strengthen visibility, decision-making, and operational efficiency across supply chain activities.
• Collaborate with finance, operations, sales, and engineering to support demand planning, cost control, and execution of business priorities.
• Track key supply chain metrics and present regular updates to executive leadership on supplier performance, savings, inventory health, service levels, and risks.
• Spot and reduce supply chain risks tied to continuity of supply, capacity limits, quality issues, and geopolitical or market disruptions.
• Keep current with supply chain best practices, market developments, and new technologies to improve resilience and performance.
• Flag likely cost increases early, including those driven by raw materials, supplier pricing, tariffs, and logistics, and partner with Product Management to support timely pricing actions and protect margins.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in business administration, supply chain management, operations, finance, or a related discipline is required; equivalent relevant experience may also be considered. A master’s degree is preferred.
• At least 10 years of progressive experience in senior supply chain, procurement, sourcing, or operations leadership.
• Successful background leading full supply chain operations, including sourcing, purchasing, supplier management, inventory planning, demand planning, and supply continuity.
• Strong understanding of procurement and inventory management methods and best practices, with measurable success improving service, cost, quality, and working capital.
• Proven people leadership skills, including the ability to build strong teams, develop talent, and drive accountability across cross-functional groups.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, relationship-building, influencing, and negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking ability, with a data-focused approach to turning operational and financial information into business decisions.
• Hands-on experience with ERP platforms, procurement tools, Excel, databases, and other planning/reporting systems.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities at once while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail in a fast-paced setting.
• Demonstrated capability to identify and manage supply chain risks while improving processes and operational resilience.

Work environment and physical requirements

This is an office-based role, but the employee will also need to enter an industrial environment regularly. Travel may be required occasionally, including international travel. The position requires strong verbal and written communication skills, the ability to work in both office and industrial settings, and the ability to lift up to 20 lbs.

Core competencies

• Strategic supply chain leadership
• Data-driven decision making
• People leadership
• Supplier negotiation and relationship management
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Bias for action
• Risk identification and problem solving
• Process improvement mindset
• Executive-level communication