Supply Chain Director

At Frick’s, we’re more than great smoked meats; we are five generations of dedicated professionals committed to delivering exceptional products that families trust and enjoy. From sourcing the finest ingredients to ensuring timely delivery, every step of our process reflects our unwavering commitment to quality. As we continue to grow and innovate, we’re looking for a Director of Supply Chain to lead the charge in supply chain optimization and ensure excellence every step of the way. If you’re a seasoned professional with a passion for strategic leadership and supply chain management, this is your chance to grow with a company that values integrity, teamwork, transparency, service, and quality.

Summary

The Director of Supply Chain will lead the development, execution, and optimization of all supply chain activities for the plant. This role ensures that procurement, production planning, inventory management, logistics, and distribution functions align with the company’s strategic goals. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, industry expertise, and a proven ability to drive efficiency and cost savings while maintaining quality standards and regulatory compliance.

Essential Functions

Supply Chain Strategy and Leadership

·        Work closely with production scheduling, demand planning and VP of Sales to create and communicate detailed weekly, monthly and annualized schedules to manage optimal inventory levels, cash flow requirements and sustain a 98% or better customer order fill rate.

·        Develop and implement a comprehensive supply chain strategy to support business growth, efficiency, and sustainability goals.

·        Lead, mentor, and manage the supply chain team, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

·        Collaborate with senior leadership to align supply chain initiatives with organizational goals.

·        Participate in Commodity Team Meetings with executive management team to discuss current markets, future markets, and inventories. Short- and long-term strategies for the company are placed from the information generated on these meeting.

·        Work closely with Operations, Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, Accounting, Demand Planning, Research Development and Upper Management to fulfill customer’s needs at the lowest possible cost.

·        Lead capacity planning discussions with management team.

Procurement and Supplier Management

·        Oversee procurement of raw materials, ensuring high quality, competitive pricing, and reliable supply.

·        Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating contracts and ensuring adherence to service level agreements (SLAs).

·        Monitor commodity markets to mitigate risks associated with price fluctuations.

Production Planning and Inventory Management

·        Optimize production scheduling to balance demand, plant capacity, and inventory levels.

·        Implement inventory control systems to minimize waste and ensure product availability.

·        Analyze and forecast demand to support effective decision-making.

·        Manage material resource planning tools and implement system improvements as needed.

Logistics and Distribution

·        Manage logistics and transportation operations to ensure timely delivery of products to customers.

·        Evaluate and optimize the performance of third-party logistics providers and carriers.

·        Ensure compliance with cold chain requirements and food safety standards.

·        Negotiate with cold storage providers.

Compliance and Risk Management

·        Ensure supply chain processes adhere to all regulatory, quality, and safety standards, including USDA and OSHA requirements.

·        Identify and mitigate risks in the supply chain, including disruptions, quality issues, and compliance breaches.

Performance Measurement and Continuous Improvement

·        Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to track and report on supply chain performance.

·        Lead initiatives to improve cost efficiency, reduce lead times, and enhance service levels.

·        Leverage technology to enhance supply chain visibility and decision-making.

Competencies

Leadership and Team Management

·        Ability to inspire and lead cross-functional teams toward shared goals.

·        Skilled in mentoring and developing talent within the organization.

·        Strong decision-making and conflict-resolution capabilities.

Strategic Thinking and Problem-Solving

·        Ability to analyze complex supply chain challenges and develop innovative solutions.

·        Expertise in balancing short-term operational needs with long-term strategic objectives.

·        Capacity to identify and mitigate risks proactively.

Technical and Industry Knowledge

·        In-depth understanding of meat processing operations, including sourcing, production, logistics, and compliance.

·        Proficiency in utilizing supply chain technology, such as ERP systems, demand planning software, and analytics tools.

·        Familiarity with food safety standards and regulatory requirements, including HACCP, USDA, and guidelines.

Communication and Collaboration

·        Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information effectively.

·        Collaborative mindset to work with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and customers.

·        Skilled in negotiating with suppliers and service providers to achieve mutually beneficial agreements.

Analytical and Financial Acumen

·        Data-driven approach to evaluating supply chain performance and identifying improvement opportunities.

·        Ability to manage budgets, control costs, and assess financial impacts of supply chain decisions.

·        Expertise in forecasting and demand planning to ensure efficient resource allocation.

Change Management and Continuous Improvement

·        Track record of implementing process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

·        Ability to lead change initiatives and gain buy-in from key stakeholders.

·        Commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning within the supply chain team.

Supervisory Responsibilities

The Director of Supply Chain is responsively for the direct supervision, develop and evaluation of the Production Scheduler, Senior Buyer, Logistics Supervisor, Logistics Coordinator, Warehouse Supervisor, and indirectly to the respective departmental employees. 

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position with a minimum of 40 hours per week. Occasional nights and/or weekend shifts may be required to meet production needs.

Travel

Travel is not regularly expected but occasionally required. Employees are reimbursed for pre- approved company expenses and gas in their personal vehicle.

Education and Experience

·        Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).

·        Minimum 10 years of experience in supply chain management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.

·        Industry experience in food manufacturing, or perishable goods is preferred.

·        Extensive experience using Microsoft Excel as well as other components within Microsoft Office, AS400, Basis Tract it and Sales Discovery System.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

·        The Director of Supply Chain will conduct their daily business on-site. Duties performed will be primarily in an office setting with frequent visits to the warehouse where temperatures range from 18-30 degrees Fahrenheit.

·        Able to freely move about inside the facilities

·        Able to lift while twisting, turning, and bending weighing materials weighing up to 60 pounds

·        Able to ascends/descends stairs and ladders to access product and equipment

·        Able to stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl

·        Exposure to loud noises and bright, flashing lights

·        Frequently communicates with co-workers and subordinates regarding production requirements; must be able to clearly exchange accurate information

Disclaimer

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. Additional tasks that support our company mission “to delight customers and families with high-quality products and unmatched service” may be assigned.

Equal Employer Opportunity Statement

Frick’s provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Benefits

Relocation assistance available

Annual bonus opportunity

Robust benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance plans

Paid vacation & holidays

and more!