Position Summary

The Director of Supply Chain provides strategic and operational leadership for JC Ford’s Purchasing, Inventory Control, and Shipping & Receiving functions. This leader is accountable for material availability, supplier performance, inventory accuracy, efficient inbound and outbound movement, cost management, and the development of strong department leaders. Working closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Production Planning, Project Management, Finance, and Sales, the Director aligns end-to-end supply chain execution with production schedules and customer commitments.

Leadership and Organizational Accountability

· Directly manage, coach, and evaluate the Purchasing Manager, Inventory Lead, and Shipping Lead; establish clear responsibilities, goals, and development plans.

· Hold department leaders accountable for daily execution, staffing, cross-training, performance metrics, safety, and continuous improvement.

· Set supply chain priorities, budgets, policies, and escalation processes; resolve cross-functional issues and remove operational barriers.

· Lead workforce and succession planning for the three functions, ensuring appropriate coverage and supervisory continuity.

Purchasing and Supplier Management

· Direct purchasing strategy for raw materials, components, equipment, and services supporting engineered manufacturing operations.

· Oversee supplier sourcing, qualification, negotiation, contract terms, cost reduction, and performance reviews.

· Manage supply risks, long-lead items, shortages, and supplier quality or delivery issues in coordination with Engineering and Manufacturing.

· Ensure purchase approvals, ERP transactions, and supplier records meet company controls and requirements.

Inventory Control and Materials

· Lead inventory accuracy, cycle counts, physical inventories, transaction discipline, and discrepancy resolution.

· Establish inventory policies that balance material availability, working capital, and excess or obsolete stock.

· Improve material identification, storage, replenishment, and flow to production; partner with planning to anticipate shortages.

· Use ERP/MRP reporting and operational data to identify trends, root causes, and improvement opportunities.

Shipping and Receiving

· Oversee accurate and timely receipt, inspection coordination, documentation, storage, picking, packaging, and shipment of goods.

· Partner with Production, Project Management, and Sales to meet equipment and parts shipment commitments.

· Manage carrier and freight performance, dock safety, shipping accuracy, and damage prevention.

· Ensure appropriate domestic and international shipping documentation and compliance processes.

Cross-Functional Improvement

· Develop and monitor measurable KPIs across purchasing, inventory, and shipping/receiving.

· Lead process standardization, ERP utilization improvements, cost savings, and corrective actions.

· Support new products, capacity expansion, supplier transitions, and major customer projects.

Required Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business, Logistics, or related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.

· 8–10 years of progressive supply chain, purchasing, materials, logistics, or manufacturing experience, including at least 5 years leading teams or functions.

· Demonstrated ability to lead managers or team leads across multiple operational disciplines.

· Strong understanding of manufacturing procurement, inventory controls, shipping/receiving, ERP/MRP, and supplier negotiations.

· Strong analytical, financial, communication, and cross-functional leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience with industrial machinery, OEM equipment, engineered-to-order manufacturing, or food processing equipment.

· Experience with international suppliers, freight, and import/export processes.

· Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement; CPIM, CSCP, or CPSM certification.

· Familiarity with Traverse and Disbatch systems.

Measures of Success

· Supplier on-time delivery, material shortages, and purchasing savings or cost avoidance.

· Inventory accuracy, turns, excess/obsolete stock, and cycle count performance.

· Shipping accuracy, on-time shipments, freight costs, and receiving throughput.

· Team development, safety performance, and cross-functional service levels.

Work Environment

Primarily on-site at JC Ford’s Columbia, Tennessee manufacturing operation, with regular presence in production, inventory, and dock areas. Occasional business travel may be required.

Equal Employment Opportunity

JC Ford is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants without regard to legally protected status.