Director Supply Chain Innovation

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