Director of Supply Chain

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this position leads a team of purchasing professionals in managing a global network of suppliers to ensure the supply chain meets cost, quality and fulfillment requirements for the Defense division.  The Director of Supply Chain is responsible for providing strategic oversight and direction to ensure effective and cost-efficient purchasing systems, positive supplier relationships and consistent quality of product at economical prices.  The role also oversees the purchase, quality, and record keeping of all materials and services for AirBoss Defense Group.

Responsibilities:

• Development and implementation of short- and long-term purchasing strategies that deliver best-in-class results in the areas of people, processes, costs and supply, as well as the implementation and ongoing integrity of purchasing policies, practices, and systems
• Proactively monitor the existing supply base to ensure they remain and evolve into market leaders in quality, cost, delivery, and technology offerings
• Assess, manage, and mitigate risks related to supply base
• Partner with and provide purchasing leadership and insight to the Operations, Finance, Quality, R&D, Supply Chain, Sales and Marketing groups
• Maintain productive working relationships with both suppliers and internal departments to ensure the procurement and development of raw materials proceeds smoothly
• Display a high level of internal customer service to support the growth and profitability of the company
• Assess suppliers’ capabilities on quality, delivery and commercial capability, including the development, tracking and reporting of key functional metrics to reduce expenses and improve effectiveness.
• Manage special projects including troubled supplier analysis and improvement plans and supplier resourcing
• Develop and lead a high performing team of purchasing professionals and providing appropriate training, development, performance feedback and establishing stretch objectives.
• Demonstrate leadership and best practice with respect to as a role model within the Supply Management department associates to ensure compliance with all plant, and Occupational Health and Safety policies, including the performance of all duties of a manager as outlined in the Internal Responsibilities section of the AirBoss Health & Safety program manual.
• Oversee the initiation of action to resolve any delivery, packaging, identification or quality verification problems that arise.
• Resolve all supplier Corrective/Preventive Action Requests in conjunction with the Quality Manager.
• Provide support, direct, guidance, and problem-solving assistance, in addition to being an available resource to the other facilities.
• Provide forecasting and trend analysis in support of the annual budgeting process.

Required Experience, Education, and Skills:

• BS Degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Finance, or Business-related field required, Masters Degree preferred.
• Minimum ten years technical procurement, contract management and materials management experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of and experience with rubber market commodities, suppliers and pricing strongly preferred.
• Prior experience contracting and dealing with suppliers in the defense industry preferred.
• Positive leadership skills and team based attitude.
• Progressive experience across various Supply Chain and Operations roles including Planning, Procurement, Order Management and Order Fulfillment.
• Experience with both Canadian and United States companies; International experience an advantage.
• Demonstrated proficiency Microsoft Office and computer skills. 
• Strong negotiation, contracting skills and problem-solving skills. Demonstrated ability to confront, address and negotiate through difficult situations in a diplomatic manner to achieve desired outcomes.
• Proven track record of identifying and implementing purchasing process improvements.
• Demonstrated understanding of quality requirements and knowledge to evaluate supplier's ability to meet quality requirements.
• Previous experience with business, cost/benefit and financial analysis.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication and listening skills; ability to communicate professionally with people within all levels of the organization and external contacts.
• Conflict resolution and negotiation; the ability to handle complaints, settle disputes, and resolve conflicts.
• Experience in managing role required with a demonstrated ability to gain consensus in a cross functional team atmosphere;
• Strong analytical and problem solving (technical and non-technical).
• Availability for domestic and international travel.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.