Director, Supply Chain

Novanta•Irvine, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Novanta is seeking a Director, Supply Chain to lead sourcing strategy, commodity management, and supplier partnerships within its Precision Medicine business. This role is crucial for driving supply chain performance, operational excellence, and delivering technologies that improve patient outcomes globally. The Director will influence business strategy, lead executive-level supplier negotiations, and build resilient sourcing solutions to enable innovation, growth, and operational excellence. This position involves cross-functional collaboration with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Finance, and Program Management, as well as developing a high-performing team. The Novanta Precision Medicine team focuses on photonics, vision, motion control, and automation technologies for medical innovations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field required.
12+ years of progressive leadership experience in supply chain, procurement, strategic sourcing, commodity management, or supplier management within a manufacturing or technology environment.
Demonstrated success leading executive-level supplier negotiations, strategic sourcing initiatives, and long-term supplier partnerships that deliver measurable business value.
Strong business acumen and analytical capabilities, with expertise in strategic sourcing, commodity management, spend analytics, supplier performance management, and supply risk mitigation.
Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders ranging from individual contributors to executive leadership and supplier C-suite executives.
Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop high-performing teams while collaborating across functions to achieve business objectives.
Proficiency with ERP and procurement systems, Microsoft Excel, and data-driven decision-making tools.

Nice To Haves

MBA or advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute global commodity and supplier strategies that support business growth, supply continuity, risk mitigation, and cost competitiveness.
Build and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers, serving as Novanta's executive sponsor and lead negotiator for major commercial agreements, capacity commitments, and long-term partnerships.
Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Finance, and Program Management to support new product introductions, cost reduction initiatives, and long-term business objectives.
Lead supplier performance management and risk mitigation activities, leveraging market intelligence, analytics, and business insights to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Develop and lead a high-performing team of supply chain professionals, fostering accountability, talent development, collaboration, and a culture of continuous improvement.