What to Expect

The Senior Director of Supply Chain & Purchasing is responsible for leading the global end-to-end supply chain operations that sustain serial production and aftermarket service for all company products. This role ensures material availability, cost competitiveness, and supply stability through disciplined planning, execution, and supplier performance management.

Operating as a strategic integrator between production, engineering, and finance, the Senior Director owns the global S&OP process, oversees material and capacity planning, manages logistics and distribution networks, and leads all purchasing activities once programs transition from Advanced Purchasing into full production. The role is pivotal to maintaining manufacturing continuity, optimizing working capital, and enabling operational excellence across the company’s global footprint.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic and Operational Leadership
   • Define and execute the global supply chain and purchasing strategy post-SOP to ensure continuous production flow and service parts availability.
   • Lead the global S&OP process to align demand, supply, and financial targets.
   • Develop capacity and inventory strategies supporting stable operations and growth.
   • Partner with executive leadership to optimize cost, cash, and delivery performance.
   • Oversee data-driven decision making and continuous improvement initiatives across the supply network.

2. Supply Chain Planning & Execution

• Direct demand, supply, and inventory planning for manufacturing sites and global distribution centers (EU, US, Asia).
• Ensure full material readiness and balanced supply plans through integrated planning systems (SAP S/4HANA, Anaplan).
• Manage planning transitions from launch to volume production, including seamless handover of components and suppliers from Advanced Purchasing into series production.
• Optimize inventory levels, logistics flows, and production scheduling to meet customer demand at minimum total cost.

3. Purchasing Operations & Indirect Purchasing

• Lead serial production purchasing activities including price management, cost reduction programs, supplier capacity coordination, and contract compliance.
• Develop and execute commodities management strategy, incorporating market intelligence, price forecasting, dual-sourcing and risk mitigation across key materials (e.g., metals, semiconductors, plastics).
• Maintain strong supplier performance and commercial alignment in collaboration with Quality and Engineering.
• Drive cost control, material availability, and long-term supplier relationships to secure operational reliability.
• Oversee indirect purchasing governance and standardize global P2P processes.

4. Logistics & Distribution

• Manage the global logistics network and distribution centers to ensure timely delivery of production and service materials.
• Optimize transportation modes, warehouse utilization, and 3PL performance to balance cost and service.
• Ensure global trade compliance, customs management, and export control adherence.

5. Team & Organizational Development

• Lead and develop an international team across planning, logistics, and purchasing functions.
• Build capability and succession through coaching, performance management, and process standardization.
• Foster collaboration across global Operations, Engineering, Finance, and Service organizations.
• Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and data-driven process improvement.