Chief Supply Chain Officer
Our privately-held, fast-growing client is a well-established, nearly $1B+ industrial distribution business that has retained us to identify the first Chief Supply Chain Officer in the history of their company. This organization has grown very quickly in the last 25 years, both organically and through a number of acquisitions…and they aren’t slowing down anytime soon!
Our client has committed to a large supply chain transformation over the coming years to maintain their position as a market leader in their industry, and this person will lead a growing team of 25 people across Purchasing, Logistics, Facilities, and Business Integration.
Reporting to the CEO, while also providing thought leadership to the board of directors, the CSCO will own our client’s supply chain strategy, its principles and roadmap, establishing and evolving the plan, ensuring that it meets the expectations and needs of internal and external customers.
The CSCO will also lead our client in improving ways of working and delivering a superior customer experience in alignment with our enterprise priorities. A successful candidate will be a dynamic leader able to champion a new and modern supply chain strategy, specifically network design to optimize transportation costs, inventory efficiency, and final mile delivery. They will also be proficient with industrial engineering principles, including process mapping and continuous improvement within a matrixed environment.
*** The preference for this position is to be located at our client’s headquarters in Minneapolis, or travel semi-regularly there. ***
*** This position offers a very strong base salary, annual bonus, and long-term incentive package, along with a great benefits package. ***
Responsibilities
- Developing a long-term supply chain strategy that aligns with the company's goals and objectives, ensuring scalability and adaptability.
- Overseeing the sourcing and procurement activities, negotiating contracts with suppliers, and optimizing costs while maintaining quality standards.
- Establishing and maintaining solid relationships with key suppliers to enhance collaboration, mitigate risks, and drive innovation.
- Implementing effective inventory management practices to minimize excess stock and stockouts, ensuring optimal levels to meet demand.
- Managing the efficient movement of goods from suppliers to distribution centers and ultimately to customers, optimizing transportation and warehousing.
- Utilizing advanced technologies such as supply chain software, analytics, and automation to enhance efficiency and visibility across the supply chain.
- Identifying and managing potential risks in the supply chain, including disruptions, geopolitical factors, and regulation changes.
- Leading and developing a high-performing supply chain team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including finance, sales, and operations, to ensure alignment and integration of supply chain activities with overall business strategy.
- Establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure and improve supply chain performance, ensuring alignment with organizational goals
Desired Skills and Experience
- A bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business administration, or a related field is preferred.
- Proven experience in a senior leadership role within the wholesale distribution or retail industry.
- Strong understanding of the leadership style required to support an employee-owned and people-centric culture.
- In-depth knowledge of supply chain best practices, industry trends, and emerging technologies.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Proficient in industrial engineering principles, including process mapping and continuous improvement.
- Experience in network design to optimize transportation costs, inventory efficiencies, and final mile delivery is preferred.
- Excellent negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain strategic partnerships.
- Experience in a matrix environment that allows influence and collaboration with areas and departments not in the direct reporting structure.
- Demonstrated success in driving process improvement and operational efficiencies.
- Diligent and firm with high ethical standards.
- Ability to travel up to 50%
Submit Your Resume
ABOUT SKYWATER SEARCH
Start with your Short List
Led by a group of seasoned search industry professionals, SkyWater Search Partners brings new focus to a novel concept, “Short List Search.” Our purpose is to leave a lasting impression on the clients we serve by providing individuals who will make a measurable difference in their business. We strive to consistently deliver great results to our clients in a very timely manner.
Practice Areas
Our practice areas are led by highly experienced executive recruiters who take great care in fully understanding client requirements and candidate qualifications.
• Accounting and Finance
• Information Technology
• Operations
• Engineering
• Sales
• Marketing
• Human Resources
• Legal
• Construction
• Supply Chain
• Consumer Package Goods (CPG)
Founded on long-standing relationships and hundreds of successful placements throughout the Twin Cities business community, SkyWater Search Partners is a proven resource for clients and candidates looking to quickly and confidently explore their “short list” of best choices. Count on us to find the best people – and the best fit.
