Vice President of Supply Chain at Athens Services

Position Summary

The Vice President of Supply Chain is a key executive leader responsible for setting and driving the overall procurement strategy to support the company’s long-term objectives. The VP of Supply Chain oversees the entire Procure to Pay (P2P) process, ensuring seamless integration with the company’s financial, operational, and IT strategies. This role requires a visionary approach to procurement, fostering innovation, maximizing vendor partnerships, and ensuring the procurement function contributes significantly to the company’s bottom line. The VP is also responsible for leading large-scale transformation initiatives, maintaining rigorous process controls, and championing best practices across the organization.

Essential Job Functions

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive procurement strategy that aligns with the company’s strategic goals and enhances competitive advantage.
• Lead the P2P process, ensuring that procurement practices are innovative, efficient, and aligned with overall business objectives.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to integrate procurement strategies into broader company initiatives, driving cost efficiencies and operational excellence.

Executive Vendor Management:

• Establish and nurture strategic partnerships with key suppliers, negotiating high-impact contracts that deliver value beyond cost savings.
• Oversee the evaluation and selection of major vendors, ensuring alignment with quality standards, financial goals, and strategic initiatives.
• Act as the primary escalation point for complex vendor negotiations and contract management issues, ensuring mutually beneficial outcomes.

Operational Excellence and Transformation:

• Lead large-scale procurement transformation initiatives, focusing on process improvement, automation, and digitalization to drive efficiencies and innovation.
• Oversee the development and implementation of robust procurement policies and procedures that ensure compliance, transparency, and risk mitigation.
• Manage and optimize the procurement department’s budget, setting ambitious goals that align with the company’s financial and operational targets.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with senior leaders across Operations, Finance, IT, and other departments to ensure procurement strategies support overall business goals.
• Drive collaboration with Executives, Division Vice Presidents, General Managers, Maintenance Managers, and Inventory Specialists to optimize inventory management and reduce waste.
• Champion the integration and effective use of procurement technologies, such as DDI and Dossier, across the organization.

Innovation and Continuous Improvement:

• Lead cross-functional teams in identifying and implementing cost-saving initiatives, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the procurement function.
• Stay ahead of industry trends, driving the adoption of innovative practices and technologies that enhance the company’s procurement capabilities.
• Ensure that supplier performance management initiatives are effective and lead to continuous improvement in supply chain performance.

Executive Reporting and Analysis:

• Deliver high-level reporting and analysis on procurement activities to the executive team, providing insights that inform strategic decision-making.
• Ensure that procurement data is integrated across all relevant systems and utilized to drive business performance and strategic planning.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Perform other executive duties as required to support the company’s strategic objectives.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in procurement, including senior leadership roles with a focus on strategic sourcing and supply chain management.
• Proven track record in negotiating and managing large, complex contracts with significant financial impact.
• Exceptional leadership skills with experience in leading and developing high-performing teams in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Advanced proficiency in procurement systems, data management, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong executive presence with outstanding negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to think strategically and drive organizational change while managing day-to-day operational demands.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple high-priority projects and achieve results in a deadline-driven environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CPIM, or PMP.
• Six Sigma or Lean Sigma certification.
• Experience in the waste management or trucking industries.
• Expertise in sustainable procurement practices and green supply chain management.