Director of Supplier Management

National Safety Apparel•Chicago, IL

17h•Hybrid

About The Position

National Safety Apparel (NSA) is seeking an experienced Director of Supplier Management to lead the strategy, performance, and global relationships that drive our supply network. This role is responsible for defining and executing NSA’s supplier management and sourcing strategy, ensuring the organization maintains a resilient, high-performing supplier ecosystem that delivers quality, reliability, innovation, and cost competitiveness. The Director will play a critical leadership role in strengthening global supplier partnerships, improving supply chain performance, enabling new product development, and supporting NSA’s continued growth. This position requires a strategic leader who can influence across the organization, build strong supplier partnerships, and develop high-performing teams while delivering measurable business results.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent experience) in Business, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Organizational Management, or other relevant field of study.
7- 10 years functional experience in managing external supplier relationships and / or procurement in a Supply Chain driven organization.
Minimum of 5 years relevant leadership experience.
Strong working knowledge of ERP / MRP systems and functionality.
Demonstrated knowledge of Purchase Planning and Forecasting.
Strong coaching and mentoring skills, with the ability to build strong, cohesive, high-performing teams.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to influence and build relationships across all levels of the company.
Strong negotiation skills.
Functional expertise in Inventory Management / Supply Chain.
Initiative and ability to identify, prioritize, build plans and deliver business results.
Demonstrated success working with and through cross-functional teams.
Critical thinking and innovative problem-solving.
Collaborative work style / effective team player.
Continuous process improvement approach.
High standards for quality.
High ethical standards & strong work ethic.
Strong customer focus.
Take ownership and drive accountability.
Effective relationship building.
Champions change; manages ambiguity; helps others navigate transitions.
Sets expectations; addresses performance; recognizes contributions.
Gives actionable feedback; builds capability; supports growth plans.
Creates an environment where people feel valued, motivated, and committed to doing their best work.
Recognizes contributions, builds morale, and fosters team spirit.
Anticipates and manages the priorities of multiple groups.
Builds alignment and seeks win-win solutions that address business and stakeholder needs.
Integrates multiple perspectives into solutions.
Identifies critical roles; grows pipelines; supports mobility and readiness.
Identifies critical roles and future talent needs for the organization.
Develops internal pipelines by providing meaningful development experiences.
Sees the big picture; anticipates trends; translates strategy into clear choices.
Thinks several steps ahead to anticipate changes in the market, industry, or organization.

Nice To Haves

Master’s or other advanced degree in related field a plus.

Responsibilities

Define and lead NSA’s supplier management and strategic sourcing strategy across global operations.
Build and maintain long-term strategic partnerships with key suppliers to ensure supply continuity, innovation, and competitive advantage.
Establish frameworks that strengthen supplier collaboration, accountability, and operational performance.
Lead strategic sourcing initiatives supporting product innovation, cost optimization, and operational growth.
Oversee supplier negotiations and contractual agreements including pricing, terms, rebates, performance metrics, and inventory programs.
Ensure sourcing strategies support availability, quality, and cost competitiveness across NSA’s product portfolio.
Drive supplier performance management through scorecards, quality metrics, compliance standards, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Lead initiatives to strengthen supply continuity, risk mitigation, and supplier diversification, including dual sourcing strategies for critical materials.
Guide resourcing strategies based on supplier performance, cost optimization, country-of-origin considerations, and long-term supplier sustainability.
Partner with Supply Chain Operations, Product Development, Planning, and Finance to ensure alignment between supplier strategy and operational needs.
Ensure procurement practices support accurate inventory levels, forecasting, and cost management.
Lead sourcing support for new product development initiatives and supply chain innovation.
Lead indirect sourcing activities supporting all NSA facilities, including MRO and facility operations, manufacturing maintenance and equipment, and capital investments.
Establish and maintain robust supplier analytics and reporting capabilities, including supplier forecasting, supplier performance scorecards, purchase trends and cost analysis, and seasonal demand insights.
Use data to drive informed sourcing decisions and continuous supply chain improvement.
Build and lead a high-performing supplier management and procurement team.
Develop talent through coaching, mentorship, and clear performance expectations.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Other tasks and duties, as required.