Director, Supply Chain

📋 Description

• Leads the IFPA Supply Chain of the Future initiative, fostering partnerships and taking ownership of the initiative's objectives and outcomes.

• Drives measurable adoption of traceability, data standards, and supply chain innovations through initiatives, partnerships, and tools led by the IFPA.

• Collaborates closely with members and IFPA’s advocacy team to educate regulators and decision-makers.

• Functions as a subject matter expert on FSMA204, traceability, and the application of AI for improving supply chain efficiency.

• Monitors and anticipates trends in the supply chain, including the application of case, pallet, and item-level identification and tracking tools such as GS1 case/pallet coding standards, GS1 DataBar, standardized UPCs and PLUs, RFID, and other emerging technologies to enhance the association’s programs.

• Identifies business opportunities, partnerships, and methods to position the organization as a leader in Supply Chain areas, including AI-enabled use cases for shelf-life extension, forecasting, logistics optimization, and risk detection and management.

• Aids in the development of the Supply Chain budget and ensures compliance with the association's financial regulations.

• Establishes and nurtures strategic partnerships with leaders in retail and foodservice to align supply innovation with buyer demands and facilitate commercial adoption.

• Maintains effective relationships with domestic (FDA, USDA) and international regulatory agencies to further the organization’s Supply Chain, traceability, and industry data objectives.

• Oversees an organization-wide portfolio of supply chain programs with defined revenue, cost, and impact targets.

• Cultivates a collaborative environment where teams excel and achieve results.

• Supervises full-time staff, including the Manager of Supply Chain and Sustainability.

• Initiates and leads cross-functional teams to develop educational content and programs that address member needs and foster connections among members.

• Develops and manages strategic partnerships with technology providers, standards organizations, and data platforms.

• Collaborates with the IFPA Government Relations team to inform policy stances on traceability, data standards, and supply chain regulations.

• Acts as the subject matter expert for Supply Chain and serves as the staff liaison to member councils and committees with expertise.

• Represents the organization on taskforces and coalitions dedicated to enhancing supply chain efficiency, traceability, data, and AI initiatives.

• Leads all data synchronization and alignment efforts for the association in close collaboration with international standards organizations and allied trade associations.

• Serves as the staff lead and technical resource for the industry’s Produce Traceability Initiative.

• Maintains and advances professional competencies in supply chain management and the produce industry for oneself, direct reports, and peers.

• Directs the implementation of the strategic plan and the creation of the business plan to support the organization’s mission, objectives, and goals pertaining to Supply Chain initiatives.

• Ensures global alignment of supply chain initiatives across regions, ensuring consistency while adapting to local regulatory and market conditions.

• Monitors and forecasts supply chain trends, including the application of case, pallet, and item level identification and tracking tools, with the aim of developing the association’s programs.

• Contributes to revenue growth by implementing programs that support member retention and attract new memberships through new business initiatives, events, media, inbound inquiries, and visits.

• Enhances personal competencies through participation in professional meetings, seminars, trade shows, and continuing education programs as appropriate.

• Supports and/or leads the development of the organization’s events, content, programs, and media in Supply Chain areas crucial for enhancing the organization’s performance, member experience, and global brand reputation.

• Steward and nurture the association’s brand to drive awareness, engagement, and lead generation with members and key audiences.

• Develop and execute a Food and Agtech Innovation content strategy to strengthen brand identity, broaden visibility of its programs, and establish a strong public voice.

• Represents the association authoritatively to industry organizations, regulators, and the press on matters related to food and agtech innovation.

• Acts as a primary resource for members regarding Food and AgTech Innovation issues.

• Serves as a resource for the product development, education, and marketing teams to create, promote, and assess products, services, and events that address industry needs while aligning with the association’s financial and branding objectives.

• Maintains a network of contacts within the produce industry, food sector, scientific community, relevant government agencies, and other related nonprofits.

⛳️ Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in the fresh produce industry, working in roles such as Grower/Shipper/Packer, Foodservice Distributor, or Retailer.

• In-depth expertise in traceability.

• Comprehensive knowledge of logistics data and associated data standards.

• Proven experience in leading industry-related volunteer groups.

• Advanced skills in project management.

• Ability to navigate ambiguity and develop new initiatives.

• Extensive knowledge of the industry and established credibility among industry peers to effectively challenge norms and drive change.

🏝️ Benefits

• N/A