Director of Supply Chain

Ventek Solutions (Ventek) is a leading manufacturer specializing in engineered shape molded foam components, protective packaging, and multi-material assembly solutions. The organization helps customers address complex challenges in product protection, component light-weighting, insulation, and design simplification. Ventek’s services span a variety of industries, including construction, automotive, electronics, medical, and more. Ventek Solutions leverages creative design, thoughtful engineering, and meticulous program management to deliver customized solutions. Ventek operates 8 plants in the US and Mexico with corporate headquarters in Charleston, SC.

In 2024, Black Diamond Capital Management acquired the Protective Solutions segment of Sonoco Products Company, rebranding the business as Ventek Solutions LLC. This acquisition encompassed the existing manufacturing footprint along with the embedded design engineering, program management, and commercial resources. As Ventek Solutions, we are dedicated to maintaining our advanced capabilities in creative design, thoughtful engineering, meticulous program management, operational excellence, and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction.

The Director of Supply Chain is responsible for developing and executing procurement strategies that drive cost savings, enhance supplier relationships, and support overall business objectives. This role focuses on strategic sourcing, vendor negotiation, contract management, and cost control while ensuring optimal purchasing decisions to enhance profitability. This role will be aligned to our plants in either Middle Tennessee or Owosso, Michigan.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in procurement, supplier management, and contract negotiations, with a strong ability to balance cost efficiency and quality. Prior experience in the plastics industry is highly preferred.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing initiatives to optimize procurement processes and drive cost savings.
• Lead vendor negotiations to secure favorable pricing, terms, and long-term partnerships.
• Oversee contract management, ensuring compliance with legal, financial, and operational requirements.
• Analyze market trends and supplier performance to identify cost reduction opportunities and mitigate supply risks.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including finance, operations, and production, to align procurement strategies with business needs.
• Establish and monitor procurement KPIs to measure cost efficiency, supplier performance, and contract effectiveness.
• Develop and execute risk management strategies to address supplier disruptions and market volatility.
• Utilize data analytics and technology to improve purchasing decisions and supplier performance evaluations.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and ethical procurement practices.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in procurement processes to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, or a related field is strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain management, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Strong expertise in contract negotiation, supplier management, and cost control.
• Prior experience in the plastics industry is highly preferred.
• Proficiency in procurement software, ERP systems, and data analytics tools.
• Excellent negotiation, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong analytical abilities with a data-driven approach to procurement strategy.
• Ability to manage multiple sourcing projects and drive cost-saving initiatives.
• Effective communication and leadership skills.

Preferred Certifications:

• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)
• APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
• Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM)
• Lean Six Sigma Certification