Supply Chain & Optimization Director

POSITION SUMMARY

Fosbel, Inc. is a global leader in refractory products and repair services supporting the steel, aluminum, cement, and glass industries. The Supply Chain & Optimization Director is a high-impact strategic leadership role responsible for shaping and executing Fosbel’s global procurement, materials strategy, and optimization framework — with a central mandate to improve cost position, strengthen supplier agreements, optimize global sourcing, and drive Working Capital reduction.

This position provides enterprise-level leadership of Fosbel’s global supply chain ecosystem, overseeing the strategy and governance for regional purchasing teams across the U.S., Europe, India, Japan, and Brazil. Approximately 8 regional buyers and purchasing professionals operate under the global framework set by this role. The Director sets purchasing criteria and processes for all global agreements and leads all contract negotiations and strategic sourcing activities above the $200K threshold. Regional buyers manage transactional and tactical purchasing under the strategy set by this role.

This position drives major global initiatives including:

· Global contract improvement and supplier agreement redesign

· Enhanced refractory raw material sourcing

· Cost-position improvement and global pricing strategy

· Working Capital optimization across inventory, supplier terms, and sourcing models

· International logistics efficiency and supply continuity

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following is an outline of the basic duties and responsibilities of the above-titled position. It describes the duties and responsibilities in the broad scope, and is not intended to be all-inclusive, and does not constitute a contract of employment. Individual(s) in this position may from time-to-time be assigned other duties as appropriate.

Global Optimization & Working Capital Strategy

1. Serve as enterprise leader for Fosbel’s Working Capital Reduction initiative, setting strategy, leading cross-functional workstreams, and presenting results to executive leadership.

2. Improve cost position and cash flow through:

a. Inventory optimization

b. Global inventory velocity improvements

c. Reduction of slow-moving and obsolete materials

d. Strategic sourcing that minimizes cash exposure

e. Supplier consignment and vendor-managed inventory opportunities

f. Improved global terms negotiation and payment structures

3. Lead global analysis, KPI development, and decision-making frameworks that enable optimization of sourcing, freight, contracts, and materials flow.

4. Drive continuous improvement in forecasting, planning, and international supply chain design with a focus on reducing total landed cost.

5. Identify and implement opportunities to transition to more cost-effective product sourcing models, including enhanced refractory material strategies.

6. Champion global initiatives that strengthen Fosbel's competitive position, operational resilience, and financial performance.

Global Supply Chain Leadership

1. Develop and execute Fosbel’s global supply chain strategy, creating unified procurement standards, supplier frameworks, and purchasing criteria across all regions.

2. Lead, guide, and develop a global network of regional buyers and purchasing professionals, ensuring alignment with corporate strategy and procurement governance.

3. Own all high-value global purchasing and contract negotiations (>$200K), including refractory materials, tolling agreements, and global supplier partnerships.

4. Strengthen and improve toll manufacturing, global contract structures, and supply agreements to enhance cost position and supply reliability.

5. Set the purchasing playbook for all regions, ensuring consistency in sourcing practices, contract compliance, and supplier performance management.

6. Steer long-range materials strategy for Fosbel and Wahl, including alternative materials, new supplier qualification, and long-term price strategy development.

7. Partner closely with Operations, Technical, Manufacturing (U.S., Europe, India, Japan), Sales, and Finance to ensure supply chain alignment with global business objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES)

· Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, contract structures, and global sourcing models.

· Deep experience developing global supply chain strategy in a complex, multi-region manufacturing environment.

· Demonstrated ability to lead global teams, influence across cultures, and drive executive-level decision-making.

· Strong negotiation capability, particularly in supplier agreements, pricing strategy, and long-term contracts.

· Advanced analytical and strategic planning skills, including KPI development, forecasting, and cost modeling.

· Experience with ERP/MRP systems and large-scale supply chain transformation.

· Excellent communication and executive presentation skills.

· Ability to lead multiple high-impact initiatives and drive optimization-focused outcomes.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

· Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management, Business, Engineering, or related field.

· 10+ years of progressive global supply chain leadership experience, preferably in manufacturing.

· Experience leading strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, and cross-border procurement.

· Strong background in optimization work, materials strategy, and Working Capital reduction initiatives.

· Commensurate experience will be considered in lieu of formal degree requirements.

RELEVANT CERTIFICATIONS (PREFERRED)

· APICS / ASCM Certifications

o CSCP – Certified Supply Chain Professional

o CPIM – Certified in Planning and Inventory Management

WORKING CONDITIONS (ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS)

- Exposure and occasional work in distribution warehouse environment.

- Infrequent lifting of up to 25 pounds.

Benefits:

- 401(k)

- 401(k) matching

- Dental insurance

- Employee assistance program

- Employee discount

- Health insurance

- Health savings account

- Life insurance

- Paid time off

- Professional development assistance

- Referral program

- Relocation assistance

- Retirement plan

- Vision insurance

Work Location: In person