Highlights of Director of Supply Chain Position

A significant role, the incumbent will join a team of 4500 team members spread throughout the globe.  This new leadership role will have responsibility for multiple spend categories, and will manage globally across businesses.  The commodities of focus will be major components, including engines and powertrains.  The Director of Supply Chain is accountable for developing and implementing a global purchasing strategy by leveraging client global spend and developing strategic relationships with global partners.  These initiatives will support lean production by achieving lower costs, improved quality, lead times and delivery.

The scope of the role will also include supporting the full product life cycle from new product development, production, to aftermarket for the respective commodity groups.  The position will work across the organization, including Supply Chain Product Support, Engineering, Product General Management, Supply Assurance, Parts, Services, Operations, Finance and other functions.

Company Information

Our client is a Fortune 400 global leader.  With a workforce of nearly 18,000 employees, the client operates globally, with 5 business divisions.  The company is strong financially with consistent 1-year sales growth.  Overall, sales exceeded 9 billion with a near 20% sales growth.  Their products serve the growing industries of construction, mining, transportation, infrastructure, refining and utilities.

Responsibilities of Director of Supply Chain Position

• Provide global commodity leadership to support businesses.
• Build and maintain an in-depth knowledge of global market and competitive conditions of the assigned commodities.
• Support the product manufacturing globalization initiatives.
• Lead the sourcing process, including supplier selection to support Lean business requirements.
• Maintain active risk assessment profiles for suppliers and mitigation plans.
• Seek the best suppliers globally.
• Reduce commodity and process complexity.
• Coordinate the task of monitoring supplier performance, communicating performance issues and managing significant problem areas to ensure needed improvements.
• Lead relationship management with suppliers, establishing multi-faceted relationships at regional and business level.   Coordinate with global AWP and Supply Chain functions.
• Build and maintain constructive, value added relationships with key suppliers. Establish an expectation of continuous improvement with all suppliers relative to product quality and cost.
• Establish benchmark measures at the start of the project and track success, including savings, improved delivery and simplified processes.
• Ensure fact and data based decision management decision making.
• Implement and enforce Supply Chain processes and procedures.
• Develop and maintain supply base key performance indicators.
• Support AWP Supply Assurance requirements.
• Provide a proactive approach to managing commodities.
• Lead team members by supporting their achievement of goals.  This may include training, assisting in overcoming challenges, coaching, etc.

Qualifications and/or Requirements

• Experience with at least $300-500 Million spend.
• The ideal candidate will have a broad background in a variety of business areas and activities including significant experience and a track record of success in Procurement in a global environment.
• Exposure to commodities related to major components, including engines and powertrains.
• He or she should have creative skills and the ability to visualize and develop alternative approaches that lead to a competitive advantage.
• He or she ideally will have project management skills that include the establishment of a global procurement system.
• The candidate must demonstrate competence in being able to sustain delivery over a long term period.
• Experience with companies practicing Lean and with a reputable Supply Chain is preferred.
• Bachelor degree in a relevant subject such as Business Administration, Supply Chain, Operations, or Engineering.
• An MBA is preferred.

About the Author:

The Teldar Group is an Executive Search and Recruiting Firm specializing in placing professionals in Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, Purchasing, Logistics and Supply Chain positions.

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