Director of Supply Chain

Job Title: Director of Supply Chain

Location: Evanston, IL

Department: Supply Chain

Reports To: VP, Supply Chain

Position Type: Full-Time

Company Background:

Ornua is a dairy co-operative which sells dairy products on behalf of its members, Ireland’s dairy processors and, in turn, Irish dairy farmers. It is Ireland’s largest exporter of Irish dairy products, exporting to 110 countries worldwide. Headquartered in Dublin, Ornua has annualized sales of over €3.5 billion and a global team of 3,000 employees. 

Ornua is structured across two divisions: Ornua Foods and Ornua Ingredients. We operate from 10 business units worldwide, including 16 production facilities, and have sales and marketing teams working in-market across the globe in Africa, Asia, Germany, Ireland, the Middle East, Spain, the UK, and the US. 

You may know us by our brands Kerrygold, Dubliner, Pilgrim’s Choice, Avantage, Forto, and BEO. 

Ornua Foods North America Inc is based in Evanston, Illinois and we market and sell Kerrygold butter and cheese in the North American and LATAM markets.  We are the number two butter brand in the US and number one in the specialty cheddar cheese market. 

Ornua Ingredients is responsible for the procurement of Irish and non-Irish dairy products and for the sale of dairy ingredients to food manufacturing and foodservice customers across the world.  Ornua Ingredients is also responsible for managing volatility through de-risking and trading strategies. The business is supported by production facilities in Saudi Arabia, Spain, the UK, the US and by in-market teams in Africa and the Middle East.

Ornua’s Values: 

At Ornua, our Values lie at the core of everything that we do and how we behave both individually and as a business. Our five values, and their underlying behaviours, encourage us to Seek and Embrace New Ideas, Make It Happen, Be Our True Selves, Show You Care and Achieve Great Things Together. 

Ornua’s Growth: 

At Ornua, our co-operative ethos lies at the heart of how we do business. We care passionately about driving sustainable, profitable growth, underpinned by our ambitious ‘Path to Prosper’ strategy. We have delivered significant growth in our core business, and we have ambitious plans for continued growth over the next five years. 

Job Summary:

The Director of Supply Chain will play a critical role in ensuring the seamless flow of goods from suppliers to customers, optimizing inventory management, and fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders.  We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Director of Supply Chain to lead and oversee all aspects of our supply chain operations. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in supply chain management, strong leadership skills, and the ability to develop and implement strategies that enhance efficiency and productivity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Planning and Implementation: Develop and implement comprehensive supply chain strategies that align with the company's goals and objectives. Continuously assess and improve supply chain processes to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Inventory Management: Oversee inventory management processes, ensuring optimal stock levels, minimizing excess inventory, and reducing holding costs.
• Procurement and Supplier Management: Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and vendors. Negotiate contracts, manage procurement activities, and ensure timely delivery of high-quality materials and products.
• Logistics and Distribution: Manage logistics operations, including transportation, warehousing, and distribution. Optimize the supply chain network to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of goods.
• CoManufacturing Optimization: Work with internal manufacturing partners to optimize production of supply plan. Leverage CoManufacturing network to satisfy excess demand.
• Team Leadership and Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing supply chain team. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth within the department.
• Budget Management: Develop and manage the supply chain budget, monitor expenses, and implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality and efficiency.
• Risk Management: Identify potential supply chain risks and develop mitigation strategies. Ensure compliance with industry regulations, safety standards, and company policies.
• Performance Metrics: Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate supply chain performance. Prepare and present regular reports to senior management.
• Technology Integration: Identify and leverage advanced supply chain technologies and systems to enhance visibility, efficiency, and decision-making capabilities.

 Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree or relevant professional certifications (e.g., CSCP, CPIM) is preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in FMCG/Foods supply chain management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role. Proven experience in successfully managing and improving end-to-end supply chain operations.
• Key Requirements:
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent leadership and team development track record.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in supply chain management software and ERP systems.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Strong understanding of global supply chain trends and best practices.
• Naturally collaborative, with proven ability to work cross-functionally and geographically.

 Ornua competencies

·         Expertise: Applies effective professional skill, analysis, decision making, planning and reviewing.

·         Communicative: Communicates confidently, adapting style for different situations.

·         Forward Looking: Responds positively to change and looks ahead to anticipate tasks.

·         Working Together: Is supportive, co-operative and inclusive.

Total Rewards at Ornua Foods North America will include a competitive salary and annual bonus scheme. The following are a list of other benefits you can avail of: low employee contribution for Medical, Vision and Dental benefits cover; 401k; Paid Time Off; Maternity Leave (20 weeks); Parental Leave; Flexible working; Fitness Reimbursement; Charity Donation; Complimentary Kerrygold products; Free car parking and secure bicycle storage; Free healthy snacks and drinks in the office; Reward & Recognition program; Volunteering opportunities; Long Service Awards. The base salary range for this role is $140 – $170k.

Ornua Foods North America Inc is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. 

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS SEPTEMBER 29th