Manager, Supply Chain

J.D. Irving, Limited; Saint John; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics company in New Brunswick is seeking a Manager of Supply Chain to oversee procurement and sourcing activities. This role requires strong leadership skills and a hands-on approach to drive operational performance across multiple sites. The ideal candidate should have over 5 years of experience in supply chain management, a degree in a related field, and exceptional interpersonal skills. A focus on continuous improvement and a results-driven mindset are essential for success in this position.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in supply chain management, procurement, or sourcing.
• Proven success in operational environments, demonstrating adaptability and responsiveness.
• Strong understanding of procurement practices, sourcing strategies, and supply chain fundamentals.
• Demonstrated ability to improve and standardize workflows.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage end-to-end supply chain operations, ensuring alignment with goals.
• Lead the development and implementation of standardized procurement and sourcing processes.
• Monitor supply chain performance metrics and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Supply Chain Management

Procurement

Operational Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Continuous Improvement

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field

Job description

As the Manager of Supply Chain, you will be a hands‑on, operational leader responsible for overseeing day‑to‑day procurement, sourcing, and supply chain activities. This position demands an active, on‑the‑ground presence to ensure efficiency, standardization, and problem‑solving across sites. You will engage directly with teams, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to drive operational performance while developing people leadership capabilities to support future growth and succession planning.

Travel and Site Presence

This role requires a strong site presence and regular travel between locations. You will spend time on‑site with operations teams, suppliers, and partners to understand challenges firsthand and ensure alignment between procurement and operational objectives.

Qualifications

• Degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field,
• 5+ years of experience in supply chain management, procurement, or sourcing.
• Proven success in operational environments, demonstrating adaptability and responsiveness.
• Strong understanding of procurement practices, sourcing strategies, and supply chain fundamentals.
• Experience with supply chain systems, reporting tools, and performance metrics.
• Demonstrated ability to improve and standardize workflows.
• Comfortable working across multiple sites and engaging directly with operational teams and suppliers.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.
• Practical, results‑driven mindset focused on operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Working knowledge of financial principles related to supply chain operations.
• Fluency in English; French considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Operational Supply Chain Leadership

• Oversee and manage end‑to‑end supply chain operations, ensuring alignment with divisional and corporate goals.
• Lead the development and implementation of standardized procurement and sourcing processes across teams and locations.
• Monitor supply chain performance metrics and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

Strategic Sourcing & Procurement

• Build and execute sourcing strategies for critical materials, services, and capital equipment.
• Negotiate commercial terms and contracts with suppliers to ensure optimal value, quality, and delivery timelines.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to align procurement decisions with technical requirements and project schedules.

Vendor & Stakeholder Management

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and service providers.
• Evaluate supplier performance and develop strategies to mitigate risk and improve reliability.
• Act as a liaison between supply chain and internal stakeholders to ensure seamless coordination and communication.

Team Development & Leadership

• Lead, coach, and mentor a high‑performing supply chain team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence.
• Support succession planning by identifying and developing future leaders within the team.
• Strengthen team capabilities in procurement and supply chain management.
• Promote a safety‑first mindset and ensure compliance with all corporate policies and regulatory standards.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Identify and implement process improvements, cost efficiencies, and technology enhancements.
• Lead initiatives that enhance agility, responsiveness, and scalability of supply chain operations.
• Stay informed of industry trends and best practices to drive innovation and maintain competitive advantage.