Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
10+ years of progressive experience in supply chain, purchasing, or inventory management, including leadership roles.
Strong analytical and quantitative skills to turn data into actionable insights.
Knowledge of ERP and advanced planning systems (GAINS, SAP, Oracle, or similar).
Effective staff management and team development skills.
Strong communication skills to influence across functions and organizational levels.
Responsibilities
Lead North American Supply Planning operations across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Ensure timely, accurate, and strategically aligned purchase order placements.
Oversee supplier accountability for operational delivery, fill-rate, and quality.
Collaborate cross-functionally with various departments including IT and Sales.
Develop strategies to reduce excess inventory and improve asset utilization.
Drive continuous process improvement initiatives for better supply planning outcomes.
Influence the inventory systems roadmap and partner with IT and Suppliers.
Benefits
Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.
Exposure to a diverse and dynamic work environment across North America.
Collaboration with various departments and external partners to enhance strategic initiatives.
Supportive leadership focused on team and professional growth.
Full Job Description
Position Summary
The Director, North American Supply Planning, is responsible for leading all supply planning activities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This leadership role ensures timely and accurate purchasing, drives supplier accountability, optimizes inbound inventory flow, and supports Vallen's enterprise strategy for best-in-class inventory management.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Lead North American Supply Planning operations across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Ensure timely, accurate, and strategically aligned purchase order placement, minimizing excess while maintaining high service levels.
Oversee supplier scorecard and hold suppliers accountable to operational, on-time delivery, fill-rate, and quality expectations.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Category Management, Regional Demand Planning, IT, Distribution, Sales, Finance, and Supplier Partners.
Develop strategies to reduce excess inventory and improve asset utilization.
Drive continuous process improvement initiatives to improve supply planning outcomes and operational efficiency.
Influence the inventory systems roadmap, partnering with IT, Operations, and Suppliers to implement tools and processes that improve planning accuracy and scalability.
Job Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
10+ years of progressive experience in supply chain, purchasing, or inventory management, including leadership roles.
Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with demonstrated ability to turn data into actionable insights.
Knowledge of ERP and advanced planning systems (GAINS, SAP, Oracle, or similar).
Effective staff management and leadership skills, with emphasis on team development.
Strong communication and presentation skills; able to influence across functions and at all organizational levels.
Work Environment & Physical Demands:
Reasonable accommodations will be evaluated and may be implemented to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of this position.
Routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, etc.
Regularly required to talk and hear.
Frequently required to sit.
Occasionally required to stand and walk.
Must be able to get self to and from various work locations. This typically requires a valid driver's license to operate a moving vehicle (personal, company, and/or rental).
May be required to wear various forms of protective equipment (shoes, gloves, protective eyewear, etc.) when making sales calls and/or visiting warehouse, manufacturing, customer and/or supplier facilities.
May be exposed to facilities subject to seasonal temperature fluctuations (hot in summer, cold in winter) and conditions (dirt, smoke, concrete surfaces, etc.) when viewing and/or demonstrating products.
Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.
Long periods of time working on a computer and performing repetitive key-boarding activities is required.
About Vallen
Vallen is a leading provider of industrial distribution solutions for the manufacturing, construction, and maintenance industries. The company offers a wide range of products and services, including safety equipment, tools, and supplies, as well as inventory management and logistics solutions. Vallen was founded in 1977 and is headquartered in Belmont, North Carolina. The company has more than 170 locations across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Vallen is committed to providing high-quality products and services to its customers, and has received numerous awards and recognitions for its performance and innovation.
