About the Role:We are seeking an experienced Supply Chain Director responsible for leading and optimizing the end-to-end supply chain function for Eriez Manufacturing, including demand planning, production scheduling, procurement alignment, inventory management, logistics, and related support functions. This role ensures alignment between customer demand, production capacity, supplier performance, and logistics execution while balancing cost, on-time performance, inventory, and operational efficiency.
The Supply Chain Director serves as a strategic partner to Manufacturing, Engineering, Sales, and Finance and plays a key role in supporting business growth, operational scalability, and customer satisfaction. At the Director level, the role also sets broader supply chain strategy and leads cross-site or network-level initiatives.
Reporting Structure: This position reports directly to the General Manager
Direct Reports include:
- Manager, Production Services (includes Production Planning and Structure)
- Manager Purchasing (includes Buyers, Expediters, and Subcontract Services)
- Strategic Sourcing Manager
- Export Logistics Manager
Primary Responsibilities:Supply Chain Leadership- Lead the integrated supply chain function, aligning planning, purchasing, inventory, and logistics activities with business objectives.
- Ensure that supply chain processes support on-time delivery, quality, and cost targets for Eriez and its customers.
- Define and monitor key supply chain KPIs such as supplier performance, service levels, inventory turns, lead times, on-time delivery, freight cost and working capital.
- Develop and execute supply chain strategies aligned with company objectives for growth, operational performance, and customer service.
- Drive cross-functional alignment between Sales, Operations, Engineering, and Finance.
Demand Planning & Production Scheduling- Oversee demand planning and forecasting processes in collaboration with Sales, Marketing, and Finance.
- Ensure translation of demand plans into realistic production schedules that optimize capacity and resources.
- Monitor forecast accuracy and drive continuous improvement in planning processes.
Inventory & Materials Management- Develop and execute inventory strategies that balance availability, working capital, and risk.
- Oversee materials planning (MRP), safety stock settings, and replenishment parameters to support production while minimizing excess and obsolescence.
- Lead initiatives to improve inventory accuracy, reduce shortages, streamline material flows and reduce slow moving and obsolete inventory.
- This position is responsible for overall inventory strategy but does not oversee the daily warehouse and central stores operations which are integrated manufacturing operations.
- Partner with Director of Manufacturing to ensure optimization and compliance with inventory and warehousing strategy.
Purchasing & Supplier Management- Oversee strategic sourcing, supplier selection, supplier development, and procurement execution.
- Negotiate supplier agreements and support cost-reduction initiatives while maintaining quality and delivery expectations.
- Develop supplier risk mitigation and continuity plans.
- Monitor supplier performance metrics and implement corrective actions as necessary.
Export Logistics & Shipping- Oversee international logistics operations, including export compliance and documentation.
- Ensure efficient and cost-effective inbound and outbound freight management.
- Partner with carriers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and logistics providers to optimize delivery performance and transportation costs.
- Ensure compliance with applicable import/export regulations and trade requirements.
- This position is responsible for freight and shipping strategy but does not oversee the daily shipping activities which are integrated with the manufacturing operations.
- Partner with Director of Manufacturing to ensure optimization of logistics and shipping.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Strategy- Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Sales, and Finance to ensure supply chain strategies support business growth and customer expectations.
- At the Director level, participate in or lead strategic planning, S&OP/IBP processes, and long-term capacity and network planning.
- Drive cross-functional projects focused on lead-time reduction, cost-to-serve optimization, and customer service improvements.
Continuous Improvement & Systems- Lead continuous improvement initiatives across the supply chain using Lean, Six Sigma, or related methodologies.
- Improve supply chain visibility, reporting, and analytics through ERP/MRP systems and data-driven decision making.
- Support Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) processes and long-range operational planning.
- Assess supply chain risks (supplier, logistics, capacity) and develop mitigation plans, including contingency sourcing and alternative routes.
- Leverage data, analytics, and systems to improve visibility and decision-making.
- Identify opportunities to improve workflow, reduce lead times, and increase responsiveness.
- Identify and implement AI tools for improved efficiency in supply chain operations (where applicable and cost effective).
Leadership & Talent Development- Lead, coach, and develop supply chain team members and functional leaders.
- Build a culture focused on accountability, collaboration, problem solving, and continuous improvement.
- Support succession planning and organizational capability development
Requirements- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations Management, Business, Engineering, or related field.
- 10+ years of experience leading supply chain, materials, planning, logistics, inventory, or related functions in a manufacturing environment with significant leadership responsibility, ideally including multi-site or network-level scope.
- Demonstrated experience improving supply chain performance (e.g., service levels, inventory turns, lead times, freight cost) using data and cross-functional collaboration.
- Proven track record leading strategic supply chain initiatives (S&OP/IBP, network design, major inventory/logistics programs) and delivering measurable business results.
Preferred:- Master's degree preferred.
- Professional certifications such as CSCP, CPIM, CLTD or similar Supply Chain specific certifications.
- Experience in capital equipment, industrial manufacturing, or engineered-to-order environments.
- Lean/Six Sigma experience.
- Experience with international/export logistics and compliance.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Requirements:- Strong understanding of end-to-end supply chain processes in a manufacturing environment (planning, procurement, inventory, logistics).
- Proven leadership skills with the ability to manage and develop multi-functional teams.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities; comfortable working with data and metrics.
- Strong knowledge and proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and planning tools, supply chain analytics, and production planning processes; strong Excel and general MS Office skills.
- Experience managing supplier relationships and complex logistics operations.
- Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Benefits- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Medical Insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Paid time off
- Referral program
