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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Head of Supply Chain

💰 $180,000 - $265,000+

Supply ChainLogisticsOperationsManagementExecutive

🎯 Role Definition

As the Head of Supply Chain, you will be the chief architect and strategic leader of our entire supply chain ecosystem. You will own the vision, strategy, and execution of all functions from procurement and demand planning to logistics and final delivery. This critical leadership role involves building a resilient, scalable, and cost-effective supply chain that acts as a competitive advantage. You will be responsible for driving operational excellence, implementing cutting-edge technologies, and leading a high-performing team to meet and exceed our business objectives and customer expectations.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Supply Chain Director
  • Senior Manager, Global Supply Chain
  • Director of Logistics or Operations

Advancement To:

  • Vice President (VP) of Operations
  • Chief Operating Officer (COO)
  • Senior Vice President (SVP), Global Supply Chain

Lateral Moves:

  • Head of Operations
  • Head of Manufacturing

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Spearhead the design, implementation, and continuous evolution of the global end-to-end supply chain strategy, ensuring robust alignment with corporate objectives, market dynamics, and long-term growth targets.
  • Direct comprehensive inventory management strategies across all product lines and distribution centers, optimizing stock levels to maximize service levels while minimizing carrying costs, obsolescence, and working capital.
  • Lead all aspects of global logistics and distribution, including transportation, warehousing, and trade compliance, to ensure the timely, cost-effective, and compliant movement of goods from suppliers to end customers.
  • Champion strategic sourcing and procurement initiatives, leading high-stakes negotiations with key suppliers and 3PL partners to secure favorable terms, reduce costs, and build resilient, long-term partnerships.
  • Develop and manage the annual supply chain operating budget, driving cost-saving initiatives and ensuring financial discipline across all functions while delivering on performance targets.
  • Own the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, collaborating with Sales, Marketing, and Finance to create accurate demand forecasts and align supply capacity with commercial goals.
  • Establish, monitor, and report on a comprehensive set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure supply chain performance, including on-time delivery, cost-per-unit, inventory turns, and forecast accuracy.
  • Drive a culture of continuous improvement by identifying and eliminating inefficiencies, championing Lean, Six Sigma, or other methodologies to enhance operational excellence.
  • Oversee the entire supplier relationship management lifecycle, from qualification and onboarding to performance evaluation and risk mitigation, ensuring a stable and high-quality supply base.
  • Lead and develop a world-class supply chain organization, providing mentorship, coaching, and clear career pathing to attract and retain top talent.
  • Evaluate, select, and implement new supply chain technologies, including ERP modules, WMS, TMS, and planning software, to drive automation, visibility, and data-driven decision-making.
  • Ensure strict compliance with all international trade regulations, customs requirements, and quality standards across the global supply network.
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive supply chain risk management program to identify potential disruptions and create robust contingency plans for business continuity.
  • Partner with the Product Development team to ensure seamless new product introductions (NPI), managing supply chain readiness from component sourcing to launch.
  • Direct network design and optimization studies to determine the ideal footprint for manufacturing plants, distribution centers, and fulfillment hubs to support future growth.
  • Foster strong, collaborative relationships with executive peers and cross-functional leaders to ensure the supply chain strategy effectively supports the entire business.
  • Drive sustainability initiatives within the supply chain, focusing on reducing carbon footprint, ethical sourcing, and creating a more environmentally responsible operation.
  • Manage and optimize the reverse logistics and returns management process to minimize costs and maximize value recovery.
  • Act as the primary point of contact and escalation for critical supply chain issues, providing decisive leadership and clear communication to all stakeholders.
  • Authorize and oversee major capital expenditure projects related to supply chain infrastructure, such as warehouse automation or new facility builds.

Secondary Functions

  • Serve as the executive sponsor for supply chain technology initiatives, championing the adoption of new systems and digital tools to unlock efficiency.
  • Mentor and develop a high-performing supply chain team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and professional growth.
  • Present supply chain performance, strategic initiatives, and budget updates to the executive leadership team and Board of Directors.
  • Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and geopolitical factors that could impact the global supply chain, translating insights into actionable strategies.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • S&OP Leadership: Expertise in designing and leading a mature Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) or Integrated Business Planning (IBP) process.
  • ERP/WMS/TMS Proficiency: Deep working knowledge of enterprise-level systems like SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite, as well as Warehouse Management and Transportation Management Systems.
  • Advanced Analytics: Ability to utilize data and analytics to drive insights and make strategic decisions regarding inventory optimization, network design, and cost analysis.
  • Strategic Sourcing & Negotiation: Proven mastery in developing sourcing strategies, managing complex supplier negotiations, and drafting favorable contracts.
  • Financial Acumen: Strong ability to develop and manage multi-million dollar budgets, conduct ROI analysis, and understand the P&L impact of supply chain decisions.
  • Global Logistics & Trade Compliance: In-depth understanding of international freight, customs regulations, tariffs, and incoterms.
  • Lean / Six Sigma: Certification or significant practical experience in applying continuous improvement methodologies to streamline operations.

Soft Skills

  • Strategic & Visionary Thinking: Ability to see the big picture, anticipate future trends, and create a long-term plan that aligns with business goals.
  • Executive Leadership: Inspiring and decisive leader capable of managing large, diverse teams and influencing C-level stakeholders.
  • Exceptional Communication: Articulate and persuasive communicator, able to present complex information clearly to a variety of audiences.
  • Problem-Solving & Resilience: Adept at navigating ambiguity, solving complex logistical challenges, and leading through crises with a calm and structured approach.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: A natural relationship-builder who can work effectively with peers in Sales, Finance, Marketing, and R&D to achieve common goals.
  • Change Management: Skilled in leading organizational change, overcoming resistance, and driving the adoption of new processes and technologies.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field.

Preferred Education:

  • Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA), Supply Chain Management, or a related discipline.
  • Professional certifications such as APICS (CSCP, CPIM) or a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt are highly desirable.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics
  • Business Administration
  • Engineering
  • Operations Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 15+ years of progressive experience in supply chain management, with at least 5-7 years in a senior leadership role (Director-level or above) managing a significant team and scope.

Preferred: Experience managing a global supply chain within a relevant industry (e.g., CPG, retail, manufacturing, technology). A proven track record of successful strategic transformation and delivering significant cost, quality, and service level improvements.

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