Director, Supply Chain

Role overview

Nécessaire is seeking a senior supply chain leader to own the full end-to-end supply chain function, including strategy, cost management, supplier partnerships, risk oversight, and team leadership. This position is expected to strengthen supply chain performance as the brand grows and turn the function into a meaningful business advantage.

The person in this role will set the supply chain direction, lead high-level commercial negotiations, and work closely with Finance, Planning, Product Development, and Operations so that supply chain choices support broader company goals. The role currently manages a Supply Chain Associate and is expected to develop the team and add headcount as the business expands.

This is a hands-on leadership role that blends strategy with day-to-day execution. The right candidate will be equally comfortable making sourcing-structure decisions, handling operational issues, and resolving supplier escalations. The position reports to the VP of Operations and is based in the New York City area.

Supply chain strategy and design

• Build and own the multi-year supply chain plan, translating growth goals into supplier capacity, inventory placement, and procurement infrastructure.
• Make critical supply base decisions such as make-versus-buy, single-versus-dual sourcing, and near-shore-versus-offshore models, while balancing cost, risk, and speed.
• Spot gaps in people, process, and systems, then shape the operating model needed for the next phase of growth.
• Set supply chain KPIs and accountability measures, and provide regular updates to the VP and cross-functional leaders on performance and risk.

Supplier strategy and commercial management

• Own the supplier portfolio and maintain senior-level relationships with contract manufacturers and key component suppliers, including annual business reviews and SLA accountability.
• Create and run a preferred supplier strategy that lowers concentration risk, supports innovation needs, and improves negotiating leverage.
• Act as the senior escalation contact for supply interruptions, leading response planning and executive communication.

Cost ownership and financial leadership

• Take ownership of supply chain cost structure and lead annual COGS target setting with Finance, with accountability for margin performance across the product portfolio.
• Lead major commercial negotiations with contract manufacturers and component suppliers, and develop multi-year pricing structures that improve stability and protect margins.
• Address unexpected supplier price increases through analysis, negotiation, and commercially sound decision-making.
• Build scenario models for launches, supplier changes, and market expansion to support fast, data-driven decisions.
• Embed supply chain assumptions into the annual operating plan and long-range financial model, working with Finance as a strategic partner.

New product development and launch support

• Lead the supply chain portion of all new product development projects from brief to launch, with ownership of go/no-go milestones from the supply side.
• Get involved early in development to influence sourcing, component selection, and BOM structure so launch risks and hidden cost issues are reduced before they are locked in.
• Establish lead-time standards and procurement timelines that match the brand’s pace of innovation, and surface any supply constraints that may affect launch timing.
• Work with the Senior Supply Planner on BOM setup, inventory planning, and safety stock decisions for new products.

Procurement, inventory, and operations

• Oversee procurement execution for finished goods and components, ensuring PO management, receipt processing, and ERP records remain accurate and current.
• Maintain response plans for supply disruptions and lead proactive risk mitigation with cross-functional partners.
• Own supply chain data governance in NetSuite, including item master data, BOMs, vendor records, and tier pricing, and ensure the team follows the same standards.
• Lead monthly WIP inventory reconciliation and manage vendor-side validation of component usage against invoices, including direct resolution of discrepancies with contract manufacturers.

Process improvement and systems

• Create and implement SOPs and operating standards that support consistent execution, clear delegation, and team scalability.
• Assess supply chain technology capabilities and own the roadmap for system improvements that reduce manual work and increase visibility.

Qualifications

• More than 10 years of progressive supply chain experience in consumer goods, including at least 3 years leading a team and owning cross-functional strategy.
• A strong record of leading supplier negotiations, controlling COGS, and making supply chain architecture decisions as the accountable owner.
• Deep experience in supply chain management for new product development across the full lifecycle, including sourcing strategy, component development, BOM setup, and launch execution.
• Direct experience working with contract manufacturers in cosmetics, personal care, or a related CPG category; existing supplier relationships in the category are a plus.
• ERP proficiency is required, and NetSuite experience is strongly preferred, along with a record of maintaining strong data governance in cross-functional environments.

Preferred background

• Experience building a supply chain function from the ground up rather than simply operating within an existing playbook.
• Strong commercial judgment with the ability to connect supply chain decisions to P&L outcomes and defend recommendations with data.
• Clear, confident communicator who can explain complex supply chain issues to senior leaders and perform well in both supplier negotiations and executive reviews.
• High accountability and ownership, with a focus on results rather than activity and the ability to create clarity in ambiguous situations.
• Structured, decisive, and able to balance multiple strategic priorities without losing attention to operational detail.

About Nécessaire

Nécessaire is built around the idea of “less, but better.” The company creates personal care products designed to support health and wellness while aiming to create positive environmental impact wherever possible. It is certified as a B Corp, Climate Neutral, and Plastic Neutral, is How2Recycle verified, and is a 1% for the Planet member.

Additional information

Location information provided for this role includes Redondo Beach, CA, while the role description also states that it is based in the New York City area and reports to the VP of Operations.