Director of Supply Chain

Essense of Australia Inc; Lenexa (KS); On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Essense of Australia, a global bridal brand, seeks a Director of Supply Chain to lead Perth-based Planning, Purchasing and Logistics, guiding end-to-end product flow from forecasting to store delivery worldwide.

You will manage three functional managers, drive inventory optimization, and partner with Finance and Factory Operations to balance capacity and demand in a fast-growing, globally connected business.

Qualifications

• 8+ years’ senior leadership experience across supply chain planning, purchasing and logistics.
• End-to-end supply chain management experience from PO to delivery.
• Experience with offshore warehousing or distribution preferred.
• APICS qualification (CSCP, CPIM, CDDP) or equivalent highly desirable.
• Lean Six Sigma or continuous improvement experience.
• Data-driven decision making using BI tools; ERP knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead Planning, Purchasing and Logistics managers and teams, setting objectives and accountability.
• Set and align Supply Chain strategy with commercial and financial goals.
• Own demand/supply planning, forecast accuracy, inventory strategy and stocking policy.
• Oversee PO, factory shipment, returns, and international freight with key managers.
• Ensure invoicing and margin reporting with finance and CEO insights.
• Lead AI tool integration to automate workflows and boost efficiency.
• Collaborate with Factory Operations and Product Ops on capacity and risk.
• Drive continuous improvement reducing waste and improving service levels.
• Provide visibility through dashboards with BI and exec reporting.
• Build cross-country supplier relationships and offshore partnerships.
• Travel internationally as needed to support offshore warehouses.

Skills

Leadership

End-to-end supply chain

Forecasting

Inventory optimization

BI tools

ERP systems

AI tools adoption

Excel

Communication with execs

Global supplier relationships

Education

APICS CSCP/CPIM/CDDP

Tools

BI tools

ERP systems

Job description

Overview

For over 25 years, Essense of Australia has led the way in bridal fashion as a dynamic, international bridal wholesaler and retailer with key offices in Lenexa, Kansas (U.S.), Perth, Australia, and Zug, Switzerland. Our reach extends across the globe, operating in the United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, New Zealand, and beyond. With nearly 1,000 stores carrying our exquisite designs, we are one of the most trusted and innovative brands in bridal fashion today. At Essense, every gown we create is crafted with passion, and every partnership we forge is built on trust. We are more than just a global bridal brand—we are an experience, woven into wedding celebrations around the world.

Building on decades of success in wholesale, Essense of Australia expanded its expertise in 2019 with the launch of True Society, a global bridal collective. Today, True Society is one of the fastest-growing names in bridal retail, with a worldwide network of stores offering brides the ultimate wedding dress shopping experience. With locations across the U.S., Australia, and Europe, we help brides celebrate their personal style and discover the dress of their dreams.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Director of Supply Chain to lead our Perth-based Supply Chain function, spanning Planning, Purchasing and Logistics. This is a senior leadership role accountable for the end-to-end flow of product, from demand forecasting and factory purchase orders through to warehouse replenishment and delivery to our stores worldwide.

You will lead three functional Managers, Planning, Purchasing and Logistics, and their teams, balancing supply and demand, optimising inventory and cash flow, and ensuring our stores receive the right product at the right time. You will work closely with the Director of Factory Operations to reconcile factory capacity against demand, and with Product Operations on quality and fabrication risk affecting supply.

Most importantly, we are seeking a leader who is aligned with our culture, who will create and support an inspiring environment that promotes productivity, innovation and fun!

Responsibilities

What You’ll Do

• Lead and develop the Planning, Purchasing and Logistics Managers and their teams, setting clear objectives and building a high-performing, accountable function
• Set the overall Supply Chain strategy and operating model, ensuring Planning, Purchasing and Logistic operate as an integrated function aligned to commercial, customer and financial objectives
• Own demand and supply planning outcomes, including forecast accuracy, inventory strategy and stocking policy working closely with the Planning Manager
• Own purchase order, factory shipment and returns performance in partnership with the Purchasing Manager
• Own international freight, customs compliance and warehouse replenishment in partnership with the Senior Logistics Manager
• Own the preparation, analysis and delivery of company-wide invoicing and margin reporting, providing accurate and timely financial insights to senior stakeholders, including the VP of Finance and CEO
• Lead the integration of AI tools and technology across Supply Chain, identifying opportunities to automate workflows, reduce inefficiencies, and improve team output, while embedding AI adoption into everyday ways of working
• Partner directly with the Senior Director of Factory Operations to reconcile factory capacity against demand forecasts, creating a single, shared view of capacity, constraints and supply risk
• Demonstrate strategic thinking with scenario modelling to inform inventory planning, factory load balancing and cash flow decisions
• Lead continuous improvement programs across Supply Chain, reducing waste, improving service levels and improving financial performance
• Provide clear visibility of Supply Chain performance, risks and opportunities through effective operational reporting and dashboards, in partnership with Business Intelligence
• Develop responsive, customer-focused solutions in a complex, multi-country environment
• International travel as required to support offshore warehouse and supplier relationships

Qualifications

What You'll Bring

• 8+ years’ senior leadership experience across supply chain planning, purchasing and logistics
• Demonstrated experience managing an end-to-end supply chain, from factory purchase order through to customer delivery
• Experience managing an offshore warehouse or distribution operation highly regarded
• APICS qualification (CSCP, CPIM, CDDP) or equivalent highly desirable
• Qualification in, or demonstrated experience with, Lean Six Sigma or similar continuous improvement methodology
• Proficient in making data-based decisions and building actionable insights using BI tools; strong ERP knowledge with system improvement experience highly regarded
• A forward-thinking approach to operational excellence, with the ability to evaluate and apply AI tools strategically — driving measurable efficiency gains and equipping your team to work smarter at every level of the operation.
• Advanced interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to influence executive leadership and build trusted relationships across the organisation, both locally and globally
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, advanced Excel preferable
• Demonstrated success within a wholesale, retail or manufacturing environment
• Ability to drive change, adapt and respond to business needs in a fast-paced, high-growth environment
• Thorough, research-driven approach and a willingness to consult and collaborate with others (both locally and globally) to overcome obstacles and achieve the best results

What We Offer

We look forward to welcoming the successful candidate to our global team! In return for your skills, we offer you the opportunity to join an international industry leader and be part of a creative and collaborative culture that empowers its people, promotes teamwork and embraces sustainability. We recognise and reward excellence, innovation, and loyalty. Our goal is to offer an inspirational and modern workplace that allows for talent individuals to thrive.