What are the responsibilities and job description for the Supply Chain Director - Distribution position at Power/mation?
Power/mation has an immediate opening for a Supply Chain Director in Saint Paul, Minnesota to lead our purchasing, inventory, pricing, and costing functions across the business. This is a high-impact role that blends strategic vision with hands-on execution-perfect for someone who's ready to roll up their sleeves to shape the future of our supply chain.
We're a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. You'll have the opportunity to make a real impact, work with talented professionals, and grow your career in a supportive, forward-thinking environment.
Purchasing & Vendor Management
- Develop and execute procurement strategies that align with company goals
- Partner with sales leadership to negotiate vendor contracts to secure competitive pricing and service levels
- Evaluate supplier performance and manage risk across the supply base
- Collaborate with product and operations teams to forecast demand and plan purchases
Inventory Management
- Oversee inventory planning and optimization across all distribution centers (MN, WI, ND, IA, IL)
- Implement KPIs to monitor turnover, shrinkage, and obsolescence
- Ensure accurate inventory records and compliance with internal controls
- Lead initiatives to reduce carrying costs while maintaining service levels
Pricing Strategy
- Partner with sales leadership to implement pricing models
- Oversee supplier rebate programs and monitor pricing effectiveness
Costing & Financial Analysis
- Develop and maintain product costing models including landed cost, overhead allocation, and margin analysis
- Partner with finance on budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis
- Provide insights on cost drivers and recommend cost-saving initiatives
SUPPLY CHAIN DIRECTOR QUALIFICATIONS
The successful candidate will be curious and lead by example, fostering a culture of collaboration, transparency, and shared accountability across teams.
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or related field (MBA preferred)
- 10 years of experience in purchasing, inventory, pricing, or costing roles
- Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional teams
- Strong analytical skills and ERP proficiency (Epicor P21 experience a plus)
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and strategic thinking abilities
- Experience in distribution or manufacturing environments (experience in leading multi-state operations in a small to midsize private company is a plus)
- A proactive approach with entrepreneurial mindset
- Ability to lead with clarity, coach effectively, and drive results
- Previous experience leading fulfillment centers or warehouses is a plus
- Ability to travel as needed (overnight travel is estimated at approximately once per quarter)
ABOUT POWER/MATION:
With a rich history dating back to 1961, Power/mation is at the forefront of the automation industry. We partner with customers across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, and the Dakotas with innovative solutions in motion control, logic control, robotics, pneumatics, software, sensors, vision, machine safety, power transmission, control panel components, and services. Visit our website at www.powermation.com to learn more about our history and future.