We are seeking an experienced Director of Supply Chain Management to lead end-to-end supply chain operations within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. This role will oversee sourcing and procurement, demand planning, production scheduling, inventory management, warehousing, logistics, and fulfillment while developing scalable processes that support growth, service levels, and cost efficiency.

Position Responsibilities

Supply Chain Strategy & Leadership

Lead end-to-end supply chain execution across multiple manufacturing sites.
Develop and implement supply chain strategies that balance customer requirements, production capacity, inventory, and financial objectives.
Establish and lead demand planning and Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes.
Partner with Operations, Quality, Finance, and Sales to align supply chain activities with business and customer needs.
Develop sourcing strategies for ingredients and packaging, including supplier selection, performance management, and cost optimization.

Procurement & Sourcing

Lead procurement activities and supplier relationships.
Evaluate supplier performance, costs, quality, and service levels.
Identify opportunities for cost reduction and supply continuity.
Establish purchasing strategies that support production requirements and business growth.

Demand Planning & Production

Oversee demand forecasting, production planning, and scheduling.
Balance customer service levels, manufacturing capacity, inventory targets, and working capital.
Develop processes for both make-to-stock and make-to-order products.
Monitor production and supply constraints and implement solutions to maintain reliable product availability.

Inventory & Logistics Management

Oversee inventory control and optimization across manufacturing operations.
Manage warehousing, external third-party logistics providers, and transportation activities.
Ensure accurate, complete, and on-time fulfillment of customer orders.
Monitor inventory turns, service levels, and logistics performance.
Develop strategies to improve working capital efficiency and reduce supply chain costs.

Performance & Continuous Improvement

Establish and monitor key supply chain performance indicators, including OTIF, COGS, inventory turns, and forecast accuracy.
Analyze operational data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives across planning, procurement, inventory, and logistics.
Establish scalable processes and accountability as the organization grows.

Systems & Process Development

Leverage ERP/MRP systems to improve planning accuracy and execution discipline.
Improve supply chain processes, systems, and reporting capabilities.
Ensure data integrity and visibility across supply chain functions.
Identify opportunities to automate or streamline supply chain activities.

Team Leadership

Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing supply chain organization.
Establish clear goals, performance expectations, and accountability.
Develop team capabilities through coaching, training, and professional development.
Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and data-driven decision-making.

Prerequisites

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
8–12+ years of progressive supply chain or operations experience.
At least 5 years of experience in food manufacturing or food contract manufacturing.
Demonstrated experience leading supply chain operations across multiple manufacturing sites is preferred.
Strong ERP/MRP experience within a manufacturing environment.
Proven experience with sourcing, procurement, demand planning, S&OP, inventory management, and logistics.
Experience managing refrigerated and/or frozen ingredients and finished products.
Familiarity with food safety, supplier compliance, and manufacturing quality requirements.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Hands-on, resourceful leadership style with the ability to operate effectively in a fast-growing environment.
Strong communication, organizational, and cross-functional leadership skills.

Certifications (Preferred, but not Required)

MBA or advanced degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, or a related discipline.
APICS/ASCM certification such as CPIM or CSCP.
Lean Six Sigma certification.
Experience with SQF, GFSI, or other recognized food safety standards and certifications.

What the Role Offers

Salary: $160,000 – $180,000 per year.
Senior leadership opportunity with responsibility for the complete supply chain function.
Opportunity to shape supply chain strategy and scalable processes within a growing manufacturing environment.
Significant influence over procurement, production planning, inventory, logistics, and fulfillment.
Opportunity to build and develop a high-performing supply chain team.
Cross-functional partnership with Operations, Quality, Finance, and Sales leadership.
Ability to drive measurable improvements in service levels, costs, inventory, and operational efficiency.

Why Chicago?

Chicago is a major hub for food manufacturing, distribution, transportation, and logistics, providing access to a deep network of supply chain professionals and industry resources. Its extensive transportation infrastructure and proximity to major markets make it an attractive environment for a supply chain leader managing complex manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution operations.