Director International Sourcing & Supply Chain

INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT & HR EXPERTS ACROSS THE PLASTICS, PACKAGING, SPECIALITY CHEMICALS, LIFE SCIENCES, BIOPOLYMER, FOOD ADDITIVES & INGREDIENTS, ENERGY AND RECYCLING SECTORS SINCE 1975.

Based in Wisconsin, USA

Client overview

Listgrove has been retained by a global conglomerate within the polymer sector who provide compounds, additives and masterbatches for a plethora of markets. They are recruiting an experienced International Sourcing and Supply Chain Director.

Role Overview:

This position will be responsible for every step in the supply chain process. This includes supplier relations, and integrated systems development impacting suppliers, developing a world class supply chain organization, and owning the supply side of the new product introduction team. This position requires cross-functional skills as the position works closely with sales, engineering, information systems, manufacturing and finance. Develop strong win/win relationships with suppliers that will allow for combined efforts that will take cost and steps out of the process, thereby improving performance and profits.

Responsibilities:

• Develop the overall supply chain vision. There is a need for new creative ideas regarding philosophy, process and systems that need to be formalized and agreed to across all functions involved in procurement and production. This vision and business strategy should include first year steps and goals, as well as long-term direction. It should also involve the ideas and thoughts of others throughout the organization.
• Formulate and deploy procedures governing all aspects of supply chain management (materials procurement, material planning, inventory management, and supplier development), supporting the Company’s operational excellence, customer satisfaction and product leadership. Lead the transition to an internationally (including India, China & ASEAN region) focused enterprise by coordinating with sales, operations and logistics functions.
• Directs and oversees operations within the organization's logistics department, including the transportation and storage of goods, vendor selection and negotiation, distribution, and inventory control.
• Develops logistics plans and procedures to ensure that internal and client needs are met.
  Provide overall strategic and tactical direction and support to the organization to support best cost manufacturing strategy.
• Develop high-potential and high-performing staff and implement strategies to become a more competitive procurement function, driving enhanced economic value to the enterprise.
• Communicate the vision to suppliers to engage them as partners in the new direction of international supply chain management. Develop and maintain on-going relationships with key suppliers and establish effective programs and processes of ensuring “best in class" supplier performance.
• Seek out and capitalize on strategic opportunities with the supply base to yield significant advantages for the enterprise to improve overall profitability.
• Participate in the strategic and tactical negotiation of major supplier contracts.
• Leverage the Company’s resources through the implementation of cost-effective purchasing agreements on an International scale.
• Lead in the evaluation of sourcing strategies, assessment and deployment.
• Implement continuous improvement processes within the supply chain group, as well as with suppliers.

Person Spec:

• We are seeking a Director of International Sourcing & Supply Chain whose responsibilities with mid to large sized companies have encompassed the planning and management of all activities involved in sourcing, procurement, currency conversion, and logistics management as well as experience in developing and executing international sourcing, procurement and logistics strategies (to include India, China and the ASEAN region), including supplier certification and partnering in an international manufacturing and distribution environment.
• The successful candidate will have direct knowledge of ERP systems (QAD preferred), Lean/Sigma manufacturing concepts and world-class supply chain practices.
• Will also have experience in basic chemical manufacturing processes and of the major factors that influence the markets and prices for the major materials within our supply chain.
• Must also possess solid knowledge in the international supply markets for polymers related chemicals.
• In addition, the candidate must have the ability to provide leadership, vision and direction to the changing role of sourcing, procurement and international supply chain management.
• This person will possess a balanced approach in evaluating and improving systems, processes and resources as they pertain to the overall supply chain organization.
• The preferred candidate will have a minimum of 10+ years of relevant work experience with an international manufacturing company in purchasing, materials management, contract management and supply chain leadership ideally in a polymers manufacturing environment, along with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, supply chain management or business. Having received an MBA, supply chain management or advanced chemical engineering degree will be considered a plus.

For reasons of better legibility, the simultaneous use of the language forms male, female and diverse (f/m/d) is avoided. All personal designations apply equally to all genders..

Throughout 2025, you can meet with Listgrove at the following exhibitions:

Packaging Innovations, JEC World, European Coatings Show, Kunststoffenbeurs, K2025, Plastics Live Ireland