Position
Director of Procurement (SCM Management)

Summary
Lead the end-to-end Supply Chain Management (SCM) function, encompassing demand and supply planning, procurement, production
scheduling, inventory optimization, and logistics. Ensure supply chain resilience, cost efficiency, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction,
while driving strategic initiatives such as supplier diversification, system integration, and new product commercialization.

Essential Duties

1. End-to-End Supply Chain Strategy & Leadership
○ Develop and execute SCM strategy aligned with company goals.
○ Set and monitor KPIs for supply chain performance, including cost, service, and working capital efficiency.
2. Integrated Demand & Supply Planning
○ Lead S&OP process to align sales forecasts with procurement and production plans.
Use market intelligence and data analytics to improve forecast accuracy and reduce supply-demand gaps.
○ Develop and implement a robust demand planning process, utilizing sales trends and market intelligence, to generate accurate
demand forecasts.
3. Procurement & Supplier Management
○ Maintain strong relationships and daily communication with key suppliers.
○ Oversee global sourcing strategy, lead high-value contract negotiations, and manage supplier risk.
○ Ensure Food Safety, ESG and sustainability compliance in the supplier base.
4. Logistics & Distribution Optimization
○ Develop strategies for cost-effective and reliable transportation and warehousing.
○ Negotiate long-term agreements with carriers and freight forwarders to improve cost and service levels.
5. Timely COGS Updates and Management
○ Update cost elements such as raw material, import, and logistics costs promptly and accurately
○ Monitor and communicate changes in supplier pricing, exchange rates, and tariffs.
○ Analyze COGS variances and identify root causes for discrepancies.
○ Collaborate with relevant departments (e.g., Accounting) to ensure accurate cost allocation and reporting.
○ Propose and implement initiatives to mitigate cost increases and achieve COGS optimization.
6. Inventory Optimization & Working Capital Management
○ Drive initiatives to improve inventory turnover and reduce excess stock.
○ Implement systems for real-time inventory visibility and accuracy.
7. Cross-Functional Collaboration
○ Work closely with O2C, sales, accounting and QA to ensure data accuracy and operations alignment.
8. SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) Development and Updates
○ Create and document SOPs for purchasing and inventory management.
○ Review and update procedures periodically to ensure continuous improvement.
9. NPD (New Product Development) Support
○ Support commercialization of new products by securing supply and aligning production capabilities.
○ Identify and onboard suppliers for NPD initiatives.
10. Other Duties as Assigned
○ Propose initiatives to improve supply chain and operational efficiency.
○ Handle additional tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Working Hours, Working style
on site

Working Location
Ridgefield NJ

Salary/Benefit
Salary Range: 100k-160k annually
Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life/AD&D
401(k), 100% match up to 6%, immediate vesting
PTO
Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

Holidays
weekends, national holidays

Qualifications

● 10+ years in international SCM or procurement leadership in the food industry.
● Proven experience in global sourcing, logistics, and inventory optimization.
● Bachelor’s degree (preferably in Supply Chain, Logistics, or Business).
● Proficiency with ERP systems and spreadsheets (Google Sheets) for purchasing and inventory management.
● Strong analytical skills (demand forecasting, cost analysis, inventory days, and COGS monitoring).
● Excellent written and verbal communication skills
● Business-level proficiency in Japanese for communication with suppliers
● Ability to collaborate with multiple departments to execute tasks with high accuracy and efficiency.
● A proactive, problem-solving mindset with readiness to tackle challenges.
● Proven negotiation skills, especially in contract and volume-based agreements with suppliers, carriers, and freight forwarders.
● Strong understanding of international logistics, shipping modes (ocean freight preferred), and import regulations.
● APICS Certification highly desired