Director, Supply Chain - Avantor Fluid Handling

The Director, Supply Chain is responsible for leading the strategic and operational management of procurement, inventory planning and control, and supply chain master data governance across the AFH and Masterflex business units. This role develops and executes supply chain strategies that optimize cost, improve service levels, ensure data integrity, reduce inventory risk, and support business growth. The Director partners closely with Operations, Finance, Commercial, Manufacturing, Distribution, and IT teams to drive end-to-end supply chain excellence.

What we're looking for

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations, Engineering, or related field.
• MBA or advanced degree preferred.

Experience

• 10+ years of progressive supply chain leadership experience.
• Experience leading procurement, inventory planning, and master data functions.
• Strong background in supplier management, and inventory optimization.
• Experience with ERP systems such as Epicor,  SAP, Oracle, JDE, or similar platforms.
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams in complex global organizations.

Preferred Certifications

• APICS/ASCM (CPIM, CSCP)
• CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management)
• Lean Six Sigma Certification
• PMP (Project Management Professional)

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Deep knowledge of procurement, inventory management, and supply chain best practices.
• Strong understanding of master data governance principles.
• Excellent analytical, financial, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with S&OP, and supply planning processes.
• Ability to influence senior leaders and drive organizational change.
• Advanced data analysis and dashboard reporting skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and leadership abilities.

How you will thrive and create an impact

Procurement Leadership

• Develop and execute global and regional procurement strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Support supplier selection, contract negotiations, and supplier relationship management programs.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, value engineering, and supply continuity improvements.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, contractual obligations, and regulatory requirements.

Inventory Management & Planning

• Lead inventory optimization strategies to balance service levels, working capital, and operational efficiency.
• Establish inventory policies, stocking strategies, and replenishment methodologies.
• Monitor inventory performance metrics, including inventory turns, days inventory outstanding (DIO), fill rates, and stockout occurrences.
• Drive the Supply step for Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) working closely with the Demand planning organization
• Develop processes to minimize excess and obsolete inventory while maintaining customer service requirements.

Master Data Governance

• Establish and maintain governance frameworks for supply chain master data.
• Oversee the accuracy, integrity, and standardization of material, vendor, customer, and inventory master data.
• Collaborate with IT and business stakeholders to improve data quality and support ERP optimization initiatives.
• Implement controls and procedures to ensure compliance with master data standards.
• Lead master data stewardship programs and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support system implementations, ERP transformations, and digital supply chain initiatives.

Operational Excellence

• Develop and implement KPIs and dashboards to monitor supply chain performance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies.
• Identify and Implement technology solutions that improve visibility, automation, and efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with quality, regulatory, and corporate governance requirements.
• Lead organizational change initiatives related to supply chain transformation.

Financial Management

• Manage procurement spend, inventory investment, and departmental budgets.
• Deliver annual cost savings and working capital improvement targets.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes.
• Develop business cases for strategic investments and supply chain enhancements.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead and develop teams responsible for procurement, inventory management, and master data.
• Establish performance expectations and development plans for team members.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Mentor future leaders and strengthen organizational capabilities within the supply chain function.
• Partner with HR on succession planning and talent management initiatives.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Procurement cost savings and cost avoidance
• Supplier on-time delivery performance
• Inventory turns
• Days Inventory Outstanding (DIO)
• Inventory accuracy
• Fill rate performance
• Excess and obsolete inventory reduction
• Master data accuracy and compliance rates
• Working capital improvement
• Supply chain productivity and efficiency metrics

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Why Avantor?

Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life-changing science.
 
The work we do changes people's lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom's voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor.
 
We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor, dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world. Apply today!

Pay Transparency:

The expected pre-tax pay for this position is

Actual pay may differ depending on relevant factors such as prior experience and geographic location.

EEO Statement:

We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province, or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the Know Your Rights poster.

Privacy Policy:

We will use the personal information that you have submitted to us in order to consider your application for the relevant role.
 

Your privacy is important to us. Please click here for our Privacy Policy which explains the purposes for which we will use your personal information and the ways in which we will handle and retain your information. It also explains the rights you have in relation to your information, and how to contact us with any queries or requests.

3rd Party Non-Solicitation Policy:

By submitting candidates without having been formally assigned on and contracted for a specific job requisition by Avantor, or by failing to comply with the Avantor recruitment process, you forfeit any fee on the submitted candidates, regardless of your usual terms and conditions. Avantor works with a preferred supplier list and will take the initiative to engage with recruitment agencies based on its needs and will not be accepting any form of solicitation.

Avantor offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, wellness programs, health savings and flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with company match, and an employee stock purchase program. Employees also receive 11 paid holidays, accrue 18 PTO days annually, are eligible for volunteer time off and 6 weeks of 100% paid parental leave (except in states that offer paid family leave). These benefits may not apply to employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement or those subject to other eligibility rules.