Director, Supply Chain

International Fresh Produce•Anywhere, DE

15h•Remote

About The Position

The Director of Supply Chain serves as IFPA’s strategic and technical leader for modernizing the produce and floral supply chain, owning the outcomes of the Supply Chain of the Future (SCOTF) initiative, and advancing data-driven, interoperable, and sustainable practices aligned with Board-approved priorities. The incumbent will be the face and the champion of industry-wide efforts on data interoperability and piloting AI tools in real workflows for supply chain efficiency. The role provides strategic direction, member support, content leadership, translation of strategic priorities into implemented tools/programs and cross-functional coordination across IFPA programs and in partnership with the IFPA volunteer-led Supply Chain Council. The Director reports to the Chief Science Officer.

Requirements

Minimum of 5 years of fresh produce industry experience working in a Grower/Shipper/Packer or Foodservice Distributor or Retailer.
Expert knowledge in traceability.
Expert knowledge of logistics data and related data standards.
Experience in leading industry related volunteer groups.
Advanced project management skills.
Comfort with ambiguity and building new initiatives.
Deep knowledge of the industry and trust from industry peers to be able to challenge industry norms and drive change.

Responsibilities

Leads IFPA Supply Chain of the Future initiative, fosters partnerships and owns the outcomes of the initiative’s objectives.
Drives measurable industry adoption of traceability, data standards, and supply chain innovations through IFPA-led initiatives, partnerships and tools.
Works closely with both the members, and IFPA’s advocacy team to educate regulators and decision makers.
Serves as a subject matter expert on FSMA204, traceability, and the use of AI for supply chain efficiency.
Monitors and forecasts trends related to supply chain including, but not limited to application of case, pallet, and item level identification and tracking tools including GS1 case/pallet coding standards, GS1 DataBar, standardized UPCs and PLUs, RFID and other emerging tools with the goal of developing association’s programs.
Identifies business opportunities, partnerships, and mechanisms to establish organization’s leadership in Supply Chain areas, including but not limited to AI-enabled use-case for shelf-life extension, forecasting, logistics optimization, risk detection and management.
Assists in the development of the Supply Chain budget and executes in compliance with association financial rules.
Builds and maintains strategic and productive partnerships with retailer and foodservice leaders to align supply innovation with buyer requirements and commercial adoption.
Maintains productive relationships with regulatory agencies domestically (FDA, USDA) and globally to advance organization’s Supply Chain, traceability and industry data agendas.
Directs organization-wide portfolio of supply chain programs with clear revenue, cost and impact targets.
Fosters a collaborative environment where teams thrive and deliver against results.
Supervises full-time employees including but not limited to the Manager of Supply Chain and Sustainability.
Catalyzes and leads cross functional teams to develop educational content and programs that meet member needs and creates connections between members.
Develops and manages strategic partnerships with technology provides, standards bodies and data platforms.
Partners with the IFPA Government Relations to inform policy positions related to traceability, data standards, and supply chain regulation.
Serves as the subject matter expert for Supply Chain and serve as staff liaison to member councils and committees with expertise.
Represents the organization on taskforces and coalitions focused on supply chain efficiency, traceability, data and AI initiatives.
Leads all data synchronization and alignment initiatives for the association by working closely with international standards organizations and allied trade associations.
Serves as the staff lead and technical resource on the industry’s Produce Traceability Initiative.
Maintains and advances professional competencies in supply chain, and the produce industry in self, direct reports, and peers.
Leads the implementation of strategic plan and the development of the business plan to support the organization’s mission, objectives, goals as related to Supply Chain agendas.
Leads global alignment of supply chain initiatives across regions, ensuring consistency while adapting to local regulatory and market realities.
Contribute to revenue growth through programs that support member retention and new membership through new business programs, events, media, inbound inquires and visits.
Expands personal competencies attending professional meetings, seminars, trade shows, and continuing education programs as appropriate.
Supports and/or leads the development of the organization’s events, content, programs and media around Supply Chain areas essential to enhancing the organization’s performance, membership experience and brand reputation globally.
Stewards and nurtures the association’s brand to drive awareness, engagement and lead generation with members and key audiences.
Develops and implements a Food and Agtech Innovation content plan to advance brand identity, broaden and increase the visibility of its programs and build a strong public voice.
Speaks authoritatively and represents association’s interests to industry organizations, regulators and press on issues regarding food and agtech innovation.
Serves as a primary resource to members regarding Food and AgTech Inovation issues.
Serves as a resource to the product development, education, and marketing teams to develop, promote, and evaluate products, services, and events that meet industry needs and association’s financial and brand objectives.
Maintains network of contacts in produce industry, food industry, scientific community, relevant government agencies, and other related nonprofits.