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Director Supply Chain Innovation (Program Management Role)
This organization is seeking a Director Supply Chain Innovation with a strong technical and engineering foundation, hands-on manufacturing experience, and the business acumen to drive transformational improvements across a complex supply chain network.
This role operates at the intersection of engineering, operations, and business strategy, leading the end-to-end execution of innovation and product initiatives from concept through commercialization. The successful candidate will combine deep manufacturing expertise with strategic thinking to unlock growth opportunities, challenge existing processes, and deliver scalable, impactful change.
Compensation & Benefits: $190,000 - $210,000 base salary + 25% bonus + LTIP (RSU plan, $30k annual value), 401k Match 9%, Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD, Flexible PTO.
Relocation: Comprehensive relocation plan dependent on the individual situation.
Location/Schedule: Newark, NJ (Hybrid, 3 days on site 2 days remote).
Job Description & Responsibilities:
Strategic Planning and Network Optimization
Partner with site leadership to develop and execute facility strategies and long-term roadmaps, integrating innovation and renovation initiatives into supply plans
Lead network design and optimization efforts, including long-range capacity planning and scenario modeling to evaluate investments, consolidations, and expansion opportunities
Provide strategic insight through scenario analysis, identification of interdependencies, and structured recommendations to senior stakeholders
Collaborate cross-functionally with Commercial, Finance, R&D, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams to develop and implement growth and productivity strategies
Serve as a central liaison across functions to align priorities and enable effective decision-making
Conduct capacity and sourcing assessments to address current and future demand requirements
Support capital planning and budgeting in partnership with Engineering, ensuring disciplined prioritization of investments
Innovation and Commercialization
Lead the end-to-end commercialization of new products and initiatives from concept through market launch
Oversee structured innovation and project management processes at the site or regional level
Lead design reviews and readiness assessments to ensure successful project execution
Ensure effective change management for new and existing products, packaging, and processes
Conduct post-implementation evaluations and communicate outcomes to key stakeholders
Project Execution and Governance
Drive consistent, high-quality project execution using established methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, Agile, or Stage-Gate
Develop and manage project budgets, timelines, and resource plans
Identify and mitigate risks, escalating issues when necessary
Provide regular updates through dashboards, reports, and stakeholder reviews
Ensure projects meet defined quality standards and are fully ready for launch
Operational Efficiency and Productivity
Partner across functions and sites to continuously improve processes and support product commercialization
Lead simplification and de-complexity initiatives to enhance operational efficiency
Align site-level change initiatives to maintain service levels while delivering transformation
Ensure adherence to operational standards and performance targets
Stakeholder Management
Build and maintain strong relationships across cross-functional teams and manufacturing sites
Influence stakeholders at all levels, from operational teams to executive leadership, to drive alignment and results
Team Leadership and Capability Development
Build and lead high-performing, cross-functional teams across internal and external partners
Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and capability development
Qualifications Seeking:
Bachelor’s Degree in engineering, technical discipline, or equivalent practical experience
Significant hands-on manufacturing experience, preferably within consumer goods or high-volume production environments
Proven background in supply chain operations, program or project management, or strategy
Experience in network design, capacity planning, and long-term scenario modeling, including investment and footprint optimization decisions
Demonstrated success in commercializing new products or initiatives from development through launch
Track record of driving large-scale transformation and cross-functional initiatives
Strong understanding of end-to-end supply chain and manufacturing processes
Experience with capital planning, financial analysis, and resource allocation
Working knowledge of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Lean, Six Sigma, and related methodologies
Proficiency in project management frameworks and tools (e.g., Agile, Stage-Gate, MS Project, or equivalent)
Strong analytical capabilities, including data-driven decision-making and scenario modeling
Familiarity with enterprise systems such as ERP and manufacturing execution systems (MES)
Strategic and entrepreneurial mindset with a focus on driving transformational results
Strong business acumen with the ability to connect operational decisions to commercial outcomes
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all organizational levels
Proven ability to influence stakeholders and lead through complexity
Capable of balancing strategic thinking with hands-on execution
Demonstrated leadership, coaching, and team development capabilities