Director of Supply Chain

Ahead•Libertyville, IL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

AHEAD builds platforms for digital business. By weaving together advances in cloud infrastructure, automation and analytics, and software delivery, we help enterprises deliver on the promise of digital transformation. At AHEAD, we prioritize creating a culture of belonging, where all perspectives and voices are represented, valued, respected, and heard. We create spaces to empower everyone to speak up, make change, and drive the culture at AHEAD. We are an equal opportunity employer, and do not discriminate based on an individual's race, national origin, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, marital status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law, whether actual or perceived. We embrace all candidates that will contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives at AHEAD. The Director of Supply Chain continually works to maximize the value generated by the AHEAD Foundry supply chain by optimizing the flow of goods and information between vendors, AHEAD Foundry, and customers. They strengthen and expand vendor relationships, maintain efficient inventory levels, and work closely with sales to develop strong forecasting disciplines. They are keenly aware of market trends in computer server components and work closely with vendors on supply-side planning. They work to reduce logistics and warehousing costs while developing accurate, vital metrics with which to measure success and ongoing progress. They oversee all purchasing, warehousing, and logistics functions, along with key vendor relationships, and lead a team of Buyers with varying degrees of responsibility and specialties.

Requirements

Proven track record of effectively managing high-level vendor relationships.
Proven knowledge and experience in all aspects of warehousing, freight, and logistics management, both domestic and international.
Advanced skills in MS Excel.
Ability to successfully manage, coach, and mentor direct reports.
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
Excellent listening skills.
In-depth understanding of supply chain concepts and metrics.
Self-starter with the ability to analyze needs and develop and execute effective action plans.
Team player with the confidence to voice their opinion, listen to opposing views, and strive toward achievement of the chosen strategy for the good of the team.
Prior work experience in an ISO environment and in contract manufacturing or distribution.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated or willingness to learn proficiency in ERP and purchasing systems
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Google application suites
Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through
Professional phone/email communication skills
Demonstrated experience in purchasing and quoting systems
Experience in demand planning and forecasting
Experience sourcing in an ISO 9001:2015 / ISO 13485:2016 environment.

Responsibilities

Develop a close relationship with strategic vendors. Identify and become well known to the key contacts in all areas of the vendor's business, including product managers, sales and technical support staff, shipping, credit and finance departments, and top executives.
Formulate procurement strategy and negotiate favorable supply agreements for high-volume, high-value components in order to reduce costs, reduce supply-side risk, and ensure the organization's ability to meet customer service level agreements.
Perform regularly scheduled vendor evaluations, follow up with each vendor on results, and develop action plans for areas of needed improvement.
Coordinate new sourcing opportunities with the engineering department and perform initial vendor qualification analysis.
Work with the CFO to establish targeted inventory levels and develop reports and processes for measuring and managing operations to those levels (allocated, safety stock, unallocated, obsolete).
Analyze inventory items by category to identify opportunities for parts standardization/SKU rationalization. Work with the engineering department to effectuate changes.
Monitor component end-of-life and embedded roadmaps; consult with vendors, customers, engineering, and production to develop and execute strategy for transitioning to new components.