Director of Global Supply Chain

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Job Summary
The Director of Supply Chain will lead all supply chain functions for the Bedford MA manufacturing site, including procurement, planning, materials management, and logistics. This role is pivotal in ensuring supply continuity, cost efficiency, and operational excellence. The Director will collaborate cross-functionally with strategic sourcing teams across Celera Motion and will report directly to the VP of Operations. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who thrives in a matrixed environment and is passionate about continuous improvement and team empowerment.
Key Responsibilities
• End-to-End Supply Chain Leadership: Oversee procurement, planning, inventory control, and logistics to ensure material availability and production continuity.
• Cost Optimization: Lead the execution of cost reduction initiatives and supplier negotiations to meet annual savings targets.
• Supplier Management: Own supplier qualification, performance monitoring, and relationship development. Implement and maintain a supplier scorecard and RCCM process.
• Lean Procurement & Logistics: Champion lean practices such as supplier pull systems, milk runs, and supplier-managed safety stock.
• Operational Execution: Drive daily procurement reviews and ensure timely material flow from requisition to warehouse shelf.
• Forecasting & Planning: Lead the development and execution of the Supplier Procurement Plan and monthly PDCA cycles.
• Pull System Implementation: Lead the Bedford plant supply chain, including supplier scheduling, kanban-based replenishment, and point-of-use inventory strategies to reduce lead times, minimize excess inventory, and improve material flow efficiency.
• Strategic Planning: Develop differentiated planning strategies for long-lead and short-lead components, balancing customer responsiveness with inventory efficiency.
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, engineering, or related field; MBA or advanced degree in Supply Chain Management preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in supply chain leadership within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven success in supplier negotiations, cost reduction, and inventory optimization.
• Strong knowledge of Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proficiency in Oracle ERP or similar enterprise systems.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills with a track record of building high-performing teams.
Preferred Attributes
• APICS CPIM or CSCP certification.
• Experience in regulated industries (e.g., medical device, aerospace).
• Familiarity with global sourcing and multi-site operations.
• Data-driven decision-making mindset and comfort with analytics tools.
Travel Requirements
• Up to 30%, including supplier visits and cross-site collaboration.

Novanta is proud to be an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action workplace. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, military and veteran status, disability, genetics, or any other category protected by federal law or Novanta policy.

Please call +1 781-266-5700 if you need a disability accommodation for any part of the employment process.