Job Summary
My client is seeking a strategic and operationally proven Supply Chain Director – Bulk & Commodities to lead end-to-end supply chain architecture, multimodal logistics, terminal storage infrastructure, and inventory distribution across our bulk materials and commodity portfolio.
This executive role is responsible for aligning commercial trading and sales demand with operational capacity—overseeing multi-site bulk terminals, blending/processing workflows, marine chartering, land transport networks, and inventory loss control. The ideal candidate will bring extensive executive leadership from independent bulk storage terminals, commodity trading enterprises, energy logistics, or industrial supply chain operators.
Key Responsibilities
1. Supply Chain Strategy & Commercial Alignment
- Design and execute end-to-end supply chain strategies for high-volume bulk, liquid, or raw material commodities to optimize margins and delivery reliability.
- Partner closely with commercial trading, procurement, and sales teams to align supply availability, berth capacity, and throughput schedules with market demand.
- Oversee demand planning, inventory allocation, and safety stock management across regional terminals, coastal depots, and inland hubs.
2. Terminal Operations & Asset Management
- Direct multi-site bulk terminal operations, including product receipt, tank/silo storage management, pipeline transfers, and jetty/berth operations.
- Ensure optimal terminal throughput, turn-around times for marine vessels, and efficient truck/rail load-out workflows.
- Oversee quality management, product blending, batching, and additive processes while maintaining strict Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) to avoid contamination.
- Direct preventive maintenance, asset integrity standards (API/ISO standards), and operational uptime across pumps, pipelines, loading racks, and terminal infrastructure.
3. Multimodal Logistics, Fleet & Chartering
- Lead end-to-end multimodal transportation networks, including road tanker fleets, inland barges, coastal shipping vessels, and rail logistics.
- Oversee vessel chartering contracts, freight negotiations, route optimization, and third-party logistics (3PL) service provider management.
- Enforce transport safety programs, dangerous/hazardous goods transport compliance, real-time GPS fleet tracking, and driver safety protocols.
4. Inventory Control, Risk & Loss Management
- Establish rigorous inventory accounting, mass balance reconciliations, and loss control strategies across all storage and transit points.
- Implement risk mitigation strategies for supply chain disruptions, port congestion, weather events, and geopolitical impacts.
- Oversee vendor contracting, 3PL Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and demurrage management to minimize operational leakage.
5. HSSE, Sustainability & Compliance
- Lead a strong Safety-First and Zero Harm culture across all supply chain, terminal, and transit operations.
- Maintain full regulatory compliance with maritime authorities, environmental protection agencies, and industrial safety boards.
- Drive sustainable supply chain initiatives, including emissions tracking, route efficiency, and bio/renewable product integration.
6. Strategic Leadership & Digital Transformation
- Manage operational budgets (OPEX) and capital expenditure (CAPEX) for logistics technology, terminal automation, and fleet upgrades.
- Lead supply chain digitalization, including automated terminal management systems (TMS), ERP integration, and digital inventory tracking.
- Build, mentor, and lead high-performing, cross-functional teams across supply chain planning, logistics, terminal management, and safety.
Key Candidate Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Chemical/Mechanical Engineering, or Business Administration.
- Experience: 12-15+ years of progressive executive experience managing large-scale supply chains, bulk terminal storage operations, or commodity logistics networks.
- Track Record: Proven leadership background at bulk liquid terminal operators, commodity trading firms, integrated 3PL logistics platforms, or industrial bulk suppliers.
- Core Expertise:
- Deep expertise in end-to-end supply chain planning, bulk terminal management, and multimodal freight distribution (marine, road, rail).
- Hands-on experience with bulk inventory accounting, product blending/formulation, and throughput optimization.
- Strong contract negotiation skills for 3PL logistics, shipping charters, and port/terminal throughput agreements.
- Solid understanding of regional trade logistics regulations, dangerous goods transport, and quality control protocols.
- Leadership Competencies: Executive presence, strong commercial and financial acumen, crisis management capabilities, and a commitment to operational excellence.