Site Supply Chain Director - Food Manufacturing

Site Supply Chain Director - Food Manufacturing

(Role requires relocation to California with relocation assistance provided to facilitate the relocation if required)

The Supply Chain Director is responsible for leading all supply chain activities at the site, overseeing the full flow of operations from demand forecasting and materials planning through to production scheduling, warehousing, inventory management, and order fulfillment. The role ensures that operational performance supports company goals related to product quality, operational efficiency, productivity, and customer experience.

Working from the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) framework, this position converts the Master Demand Plan into a practical and reliable supply plan that maintains high service standards while effectively managing inventory levels, reducing waste, and ensuring full compliance with food safety standards and regulatory requirements.

The successful candidate will bring strong experience in distribution and warehouse leadership, in-depth knowledge of MRP planning systems, disciplined ERP usage (Microsoft Dynamics 365 preferred), and a track record of operating in a high-speed manufacturing environment where product shelf life is a key consideration.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead site materials planning and production scheduling to ensure a consistent and reliable supply of finished goods while maximizing operational efficiency through the use of demand forecasts, the master production plan, and MRP tools.

• Oversee customer order processing, shipment coordination, and service performance to ensure delivery commitments and service level targets are achieved.

• Direct and develop warehouse operations, implementing policies and controls to maintain accurate inventory records, manage operating costs, improve warehouse productivity, and contribute to overall financial performance.

• Manage warehouse processes that support manufacturing operations such as batching preparation, kitting, and returns handling while maintaining appropriate operational independence from production activities.

• Ensure effective use of the Dynamics 365 ERP system for planning and execution by applying sound supply chain principles, maintaining high data accuracy, and optimizing MRP parameters. Identify and recommend improvements to reporting and analytical tools that support operational decision-making across planning, warehousing, materials management, and finance.

• Review operational practices and procedures to identify opportunities for improvement in product availability, storage utilization, inbound and outbound logistics, sanitation, security, and inventory accuracy, driving increased productivity and efficiency.

• Guide the team in managing working capital tied to raw materials and finished goods by balancing supply levels, reducing excess inventory, and preventing material shortages.

• Implement measures to reduce product loss resulting from expiration or obsolete stock.

• Produce and distribute inventory and operational reports that provide insights for cross-functional teams.

• Maintain effective collaboration with departments including Sales, Product Development, Commercialization, Quality Assurance, Customer Service, Operations, and Procurement to ensure alignment with company plans and priorities.

Leadership & Administrative Responsibilities

• Establish and drive the strategic direction for the site's supply chain function, ensuring alignment with both plant objectives and broader divisional strategies.

• Track operational performance against defined targets and key performance indicators, ensuring corrective actions are implemented when required.

• Lead, coach, and develop team members through training, performance management, career development, and TPM initiatives. Support recruitment and selection activities in accordance with company policies.

• Contribute to the development and management of annual budgets related to inventory levels, operating expenses, and capital investment.

• Define, monitor, and report key performance metrics for the supply chain function.

• Carry out additional responsibilities as required to support business objectives.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, Operations, or a related discipline from an accredited institution

• Professional supply chain certification such as ASCM or CPIM is advantageous

Experience

• Approximately 7-15 years of progressive leadership experience in supply chain or operations roles

• Demonstrated experience in planning, scheduling, and warehouse management within a food manufacturing environment

• Practical experience with MRP systems and enterprise ERP platforms (Dynamics 365 preferred)

• Proven ability to manage working capital and inventory in operations where product shelf life is a critical factor