Vice President Performance Optimization Jobs in Missouri

Location: St. Louis, Missouri

Relocation assistance available

The Vice President of Global Supply Chain is a key leader on the Executive Leadership Team. This role is responsible for setting the enterprise supply chain strategy and leading all core global supply chain functions, including sourcing, purchasing, inventory management, logistics, transportation, and supplier partnerships. This leader will ensure supply chain capabilities support The Gund Company’s growth, operational excellence, and long‑term strategic priorities.

Reporting to the Executive Vice President or President, the Vice President of Global Supply Chain will be responsible for:

Develop and execute a global supply chain strategy that aligns with corporate goals. Lead enterprise planning for sourcing, procurement, logistics, inventory management, and transportation. Ensure the supply chain roadmap supports efficiency, cost reduction, quality improvement, and scalability across all sites.

Oversee end‑to‑end supply chain operations to ensure reliable, cost‑effective performance. Implement lean, agile, and continuous improvement methodologies. Drive the adoption of advanced analytics, forecasting tools, and emerging technologies to enhance visibility, accuracy, and decision‑making.

Lead strategic supplier relationship management, ensuring strong performance, reliability, and value creation. Negotiate contracts and partnerships that support cost‑competitiveness, quality, and risk mitigation. Build a resilient supplier network capable of supporting global growth.

Develop contingency plans to address supply chain disruptions, geopolitical risks, and market volatility. Ensure ethical sourcing, regulatory compliance, and alignment with sustainability and corporate social responsibility standards.

Build and develop a high‑performing global supply chain team. Strengthen leadership capability, clarify roles, and foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Support professional development and succession planning across the function.

Lead supply chain budgeting, cost control, and financial planning. Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess effectiveness, drive accountability, and support enterprise decision‑making.

Represent The Gund Company in industry associations, conferences, and professional networks. Stay current on global supply chain trends, technologies, and best practices to inform strategic recommendations.

• Bachelor’s degree required; Engineering, Supply Chain, or Technical field preferred
• Master’s degree (MBA) strongly preferred
• 15+ years of progressive supply chain, logistics, and operations leadership
• 5+ years of international trade experience
• Demonstrated experience leading enterprise‑level supply chain strategies
• Strong negotiation skills and financial acumen
• Experience with risk management, sustainability, and global compliance
• Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams and drive cultural change
• Excellent communication skills and executive presence
• Ability to resolve conflicts, manage grievances, and build strong vendor relationships
• Lean, Six Sigma, or quality systems certification preferred
• Ability to travel 25–30% (domestic and international)

Our employees have a vested interest in our company’s success. The Gund Company is 30% employee‑owned through our ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan). Shares are awarded annually based on profitability, tenure, and earnings—no out‑of‑pocket investment required.

In addition, our employees enjoy:

• A safe and healthy work environment
• Competitive wages
• Comprehensive, cost‑effective benefits: health, dental, vision, life, and disability
• 401(k) program with a 50% employer match up to 6%
• Regular employee feedback through our IDP (Individual Development Plan)

The Gund Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities for the role of Vice President Global Supply Chain.