Director of Supplier Management

National Safety Apparel

Chicago, IL

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JOB DETAILS

JOB TYPE

Full-time

SKILLS

Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D), Alliance/Partner Management, Business Plan, Business Strategy, Candidate Sourcing, Coaching, Communication Skills, Continuous Improvement, Contract Negotiation, Cost Analysis, Cost Control, Cost Forecasting, Cross-Functional, Customer Relations, Distribution Warehousing, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), Ecosystems, Establish Priorities, Finance, Follow Through, Forecasting, Identify Issues, Insurance, International Operations, Inventory Levels, Inventory Management, Investment Capital, Leadership, Logistics Management, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Equipment Maintenance, Mentoring, National Security Agency (NSA), Negotiation Skills, Operational Strategy, Organizational Development/Management, Performance Management, Performance Metrics, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Pricing, Problem Solving Skills, Process Improvement, Product Development, Product Programs, Product Support, Project Tracking, Purchasing/Procurement, Quality Metrics, Regulatory Compliance, Reporting Skills, Risk Management, Root Cause Analysis, Scorecarding, Sourcing Strategy, Supplier Relationship Management (SRM), Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Supply Chain Operations, Sustainability, Talent Management, Team Lead/Manager, Team Player, Trend Analysis, Vendor/Supplier Evaluation, Vendor/Supplier Management, Vendor/Supplier Planning, Vendor/Supplier Quality Management, Vendor/Supplier Relations, Vendor/Supplier Selection, Warehousing, Writing Skills

LOCATION

Chicago, IL

POSTED

30+ days ago

Reports To: Executive Vice President of Operations
Direct Reports: None
FLSA Status: Exempt
Employment Type: Full Time
Pay: $130,000-$150,000/ Annual

Position Overview: National Safety Apparel (NSA) is seeking an experienced Director of Supplier Management to lead the strategy, performance, and global relationships that drive our supply network.

This role is responsible for defining and executing NSA’s supplier management and sourcing strategy, ensuring the organization maintains a resilient, high-performing supplier ecosystem that delivers quality, reliability, innovation, and cost competitiveness.

The Director will play a critical leadership role in strengthening global supplier partnerships, improving supply chain performance, enabling new product development, and supporting NSA’s continued growth.

This position requires a strategic leader who can influence across the organization, build strong supplier partnerships, and develop high-performing teams while delivering measurable business results.

Essential Job Functions:

Define and lead NSA’s supplier management and strategic sourcing strategy across global operations.
Build and maintain long-term strategic partnerships with key suppliers to ensure supply continuity, innovation, and competitive advantage.
Establish frameworks that strengthen supplier collaboration, accountability, and operational performance.
Lead strategic sourcing initiatives supporting product innovation, cost optimization, and operational growth.
Oversee supplier negotiations and contractual agreements including pricing, terms, rebates, performance metrics, and inventory programs.
Ensure sourcing strategies support availability, quality, and cost competitiveness across NSA’s product portfolio.
Drive supplier performance management through scorecards, quality metrics, compliance standards, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Lead initiatives to strengthen supply continuity, risk mitigation, and supplier diversification, including dual sourcing strategies for critical materials.
Guide resourcing strategies based on supplier performance, cost optimization, country-of-origin considerations, and long-term supplier sustainability.
Partner with Supply Chain Operations, Product Development, Planning, and Finance to ensure alignment between supplier strategy and operational needs.
Ensure procurement practices support accurate inventory levels, forecasting, and cost management.
Lead sourcing support for new product development initiatives and supply chain innovation.
Lead indirect sourcing activities supporting all NSA facilities, including:
MRO and facility operations
Manufacturing maintenance and equipment
Capital investments
Establish and maintain robust supplier analytics and reporting capabilities, including:
- Supplier forecasting
- Supplier performance scorecards
- Purchase trends and cost analysis
- Seasonal demand insights
Use data to drive informed sourcing decisions and continuous supply chain improvement.
Build and lead a high-performing supplier management and procurement team.
Develop talent through coaching, mentorship, and clear performance expectations.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Non-Essential Job Functions:
Other tasks and duties, as required.

Qualifications:
Education & Certifications:

Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent experience) in Business, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Organizational Management, or other relevant field of study.
Master’s or other advanced degree in related field a plus.

Experience:

7- 10 years functional experience in managing external supplier relationships and / or procurement in a Supply Chain driven organization.
Minimum of 5 years relevant leadership experience.
Strong working knowledge of ERP / MRP systems and functionality.
Demonstrated knowledge of Purchase Planning and Forecasting.
Strong coaching and mentoring skills, with the ability to build strong, cohesive, high-performing teams.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to influence and build relationships across all levels of the company. Strong negotiation skills.
Functional expertise in Inventory Management / Supply Chain.
Initiative and ability to identify, prioritize, build plans and deliver business results.
Demonstrated success working with and through cross-functional teams.

Key Competencies: Critical thinking and innovative problem-solving, collaborative work style / effective team player, continuous process improvement approach, high standards for quality, high ethical standards & strong work ethic, strong customer focus, take ownership and drive accountability and effective relationship building.

Company Core Competencies: Core competencies are foundational skills and behaviors expected of all employees.

Problem Solving
Diagnoses root causes; uses data and structured thinking to resolve issues. Approaches
challenges with curiosity, structure, and discipline. Analyzes root causes and identifies practical,
evidence-based solutions. Weighs short-term fixes against long-term outcomes. Engages others
to test ideas and refine results collaboratively.

Collaboration & Teamwork
Builds trust; works across boundaries; leverages diverse perspectives. Builds strong relationshipsgrounded in trust and mutual respect. Encourages open communication, shared problemsolving,and the exchange of ideas. Values diverse perspectives and creates conditions forproductive conflict and innovation.

Execution
Follows through on commitments; monitors progress; course-corrects quickly. Translates plans
into action through disciplined follow-through. Anticipates potential obstacles and adjusts
course to stay on track. Promotes accountability by defining clear expectations and tracking
progress.

Resourcefulness & Agility
Finds creative ways to overcome challenges and deliver results, even with limited resources.
Stays focused on solutions, adapts plans quickly, and leverages networks to achieve goals. Responds quickly to changing priorities and remains calm under pressure.

Results Orientation
Sets clear outcomes; drives accountability; removes obstacles to delivery. Drives measurable
outcomes and holds self and others accountable for achieving goals. Focuses on priorities that
deliver the greatest business impact.

Manager Competencies: Manager competencies build on core skills and focus on leading teams and developing others.

Change Agility
Champions change; manages ambiguity; helps others navigate transitions. Embraces change as
a constant and helps others navigate transitions smoothly. Communicates clearly about the
reasons for change and its intended benefits.

Accountability & Performance Management
Sets expectations; addresses performance; recognizes contributions. Sets clear expectations for
performance and behavior. Provides regular feedback and addresses issues directly and
constructively.

Coaching & Developing Others
Gives actionable feedback; builds capability; supports growth plans. Actively invests time and
energy in helping others grow. Provides honest, actionable feedback that reinforces strengths
and addresses gaps.

Engages & Energizes Others
Creates an environment where people feel valued, motivated, and committed to doing their bestwork. Recognizes contributions, builds morale, and fosters team spirit.

Balances Stakeholder Needs
Anticipates and manages the priorities of multiple groups. Builds alignment and seeks win-win
solutions that address business and stakeholder needs. Integrates multiple perspectives into
solutions.

Talent Development & Succession
Identifies critical roles; grows pipelines; supports mobility and readiness. Identifies critical roles
and future talent needs for the organization. Develops internal pipelines by providing
meaningful development experiences.

Strategic Agility
Sees the big picture; anticipates trends; translates strategy into clear choices. Thinks several
steps ahead to anticipate changes in the market, industry, or organization.

Physical Requirements: Frequent use of computer, keyboard, mouse, and phone. Frequent walking through facility, production floor, prep, warehouse and distribution areas. May stand or sit for extended periods of time.

Travel (approximately 20-30%).

Working Conditions: Temperature-regulated office environment. Occasional work in manufacturing plant & warehouse.

Benefits Offered:

Medical & HSA Plan
Voluntary Dental & Vision
Company-paid Short-Term Disability
Life & AD&D Insurance (company-paid + voluntary options)
Voluntary benefits (Accident, Critical Illness, Legal, Identity Protection)
Retirement Savings Program
10 Paid Holidays
PTO & Paid Sick Leave
Tuition Reimbursement
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Referral Bonus Program
Transportation Benefits (Chicago)
Paid Leave (Bereavement, Jury Duty, School Visitation, Blood Donation)
Confidential Employee Relief Fund
Volunteer Opportunities

EEO Statement: National Safety Apparel provides equal employment opportunities for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, disability, ancestry, age, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or any other protected group status as defined by law.

Director of Supplier Management

National Safety Apparel

Chicago, IL

About the Company

National Safety Apparel

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