Director, Global Supply Chain & Strategic Partnerships

Novanta Inc.; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 172,000 - 258,000; Full time

Job summary

Novanta Inc. in Irvine, CA is seeking aDirector of Supply Chain to lead global commodity strategies, supplier relationships, and executive negotiations.

You will drive performance, risk management, and cost competitiveness while partnering with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Finance to support new products and long-term business objectives. The role requires 12+ years in senior supply chain leadership, strong analytical skills, and proven ability to develop high-performing teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field; MBA preferred.
• 12+ years of progressive leadership experience in supply chain, procurement, strategic sourcing, commodity management, or supplier management in manufacturing/tech.
• Proven success leading executive-level supplier negotiations and long-term partnerships with measurable business value.
• Strong business acumen and analytical capabilities, with spend analytics and supplier performance management.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder influencing skills across staff to executive levels.
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency with ERP and procurement systems, Microsoft Excel, and data-driven decision-making tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global commodity and supplier strategies for growth, continuity, risk mitigation and cost competitiveness.
• Build strategic relationships with key suppliers and act as executive sponsor and lead negotiator for major agreements.
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Finance, and Program Management on new product introductions and cost reduction.
• Lead supplier performance management and risk mitigation using market intelligence and analytics.
• Develop and mentor a high-performing supply chain team and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering

MBA or advanced degree

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Novanta Inc. in Irvine, CA is seeking aDirector of Supply Chain to lead global commodity strategies, supplier relationships, and executive negotiations.

You will drive performance, risk management, and cost competitiveness while partnering with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Finance to support new products and long-term business objectives. The role requires 12+ years in senior supply chain leadership, strong analytical skills, and proven ability to develop high-performing teams.