Director of Supply Chain & Procurement

Director, Supply Chain and Procurement

Location: Charlotte, NC or Székesfehérvár, Hungary

Job Summary/Overview

The Director, Supply Chain & Procurement will lead the strategic direction and operational execution of supply chain, inventory management, and procurement functions across Columbus McKinnon’s worldwide operations. With a major focus on the Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning (SIOP) process, this role is accountable for driving global alignment, operational excellence, and supplier partnerships to support manufacturing operations across all regions. As a senior leader and member of the global operations leadership team, you will ensure supply chain strategies support business growth, optimize efficiency, and deliver on customer commitments worldwide.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global supply chain and procurement strategies aligned with corporate objectives, focusing on cost reduction, supplier quality, and delivery performance.
• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives, supplier negotiations, and contract management to ensure optimal value and risk mitigation.
• Oversee demand planning, inventory optimization, and logistics operations to support manufacturing and distribution needs.
• Implement and maintain robust procurement policies, procedures, and systems to ensure compliance and operational excellence.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the supply chain using Lean, Six Sigma, and Columbus McKinnon Business System (CMBS) methodologies.
• Direct global inventory management strategies, including internal stock, consignment stock, and advanced methods (Kanban, master scheduling).
• Lead strategic and operational purchasing, production planning (master scheduling) and responsibility for the Sales Inventory and Operations Planning process (SIOP).
• Create, deploy, and monitor global scorecards and KPIs to ensure throughput, efficiency, and delivery performance.
• Ensure global production schedules translate into site-level requirements, balancing labor, materials, and capacity.
• Lead supplier development and risk management programs to ensure continuity of supply and quality assurance.
• Manage and mentor a high-performing team of supply chain and procurement professionals across multiple sites.
• Support global sourcing efforts and coordinate with international teams to leverage scale and optimize global supply networks.
• Maintain industry knowledge and stay current on market trends, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies impacting supply chain and procurement.

Knowledge, Skills, Competencies, and Abilities

• Proven leadership in supply chain and procurement within a complex manufacturing environment.
• Strong organizational skills and detailed oriented.
• Results orientation and strong sense of urgency.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and strategic thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities across all organizational levels.
• Demonstrated success in supplier relationship management and contract negotiations.
• Experience with ERP systems and supply chain analytics tools.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive change in a matrixed organization.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results under pressure.
• Collaborative mindset with a focus on team development and mentorship.
• Must be able to communicate with management, business units, and project teams to share progress and timelines, technical information, and training needs. This includes both formal presentations to medium to large audiences and informal discussions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in supply chain and procurement, with 5+ years in a leadership role.
• Experience in industrial manufacturing, preferably in motion control or material handling equipment.
• Willingness to travel domestically and outside the US up to 35% of the time.

About Columbus McKinnon:

Columbus McKinnon is a leading worldwide designer, manufacturer and marketer of intelligent motion solutions that move the world forward and improve lives by efficiently and ergonomically moving, lifting, positioning and securing materials. Key products include hoists, crane components, precision conveyor systems, rigging tools, light rail workstations and digital power and motion control systems. We are focused on commercial and industrial applications that require the safety and quality provided by our superior design and engineering know-how. Columbus McKinnon is a publicly traded company that has been in business for almost 150 years – proud of our heritage, where we come from, and where we’re going. As Columbus McKinnon grows globally, so does our need for driven and inspired employees. Join our winning team!

Columbus McKinnon Corporation promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other Federal or State legally-protected classes. We also value the safety of all associates and work hard to maintain a Drug Free Workplace.