SVP, Global Operations & Supply Chain

KEEN Footwear; Portland (ME); Hybrid; USD 347,000 - 366,000; Full time

Job summary

KEEN Footwear in Portland, OR, is seeking an SVP, Global Operations & Supply Chain to shape and execute the worldwide operations strategy. You will lead the end-to-end value chain from product concept to customer delivery, driving innovation, efficiency, and financial performance across global units in a hybrid work setting.

The role requires extensive executive leadership experience, strong strategic and financial acumen, and the ability to manage complex transformations across regions and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher required for leadership scope.
• Master’s degree preferred for advanced strategy.
• 20+ years of progressive executive leadership experience in global ops domains.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the company’s global operations strategy across manufacturing, sourcing, supply chain, product development, and technology-enabled operations.
• Manage end-to-end value chain from concept to customer delivery.
• Drive enterprise transformation, scalability, and financial performance across global units.

Skills

Global operations leadership

Executive communication

Strategic planning

Financial acumen

People leadership

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Information Systems, or related discipline

Master’s Degree or advanced degree preferred

Tools

ERP

PLM

WMS

TMS

APS

CRM

BI

AI-enabled tools

Job description

Job Summary

The SVP, Global Operations & Supply Chain is responsible for developing and executing the company’sglobal operations strategy across manufacturing, sourcing, supply chain, product development,technology-enabled operations, and business transformation. This executive manages the end-to-endvalue chain, from product concept through customer delivery, ensuring operational excellence, scalability, innovation, and financial performance across all global operations business units.

Essential Functions

Description

• Advanced knowledge of global business models, market dynamics, and theeconomic drivers of growth and profitability.
• Strong understanding of corporate finance, enterprise risk, governance, regulatory compliance, and fiduciary responsibilities.
• Working knowledge of mergers, acquisitions, integrations, and international business expansion.
• Understanding of organizational design, workforce planning, talent development, and succession management.
• Awareness of emerging technologies, geopolitical trends, and regulatory developments affecting global operations.
• Exceptional executive communication, presentation, negotiation, and stakeholder‑management skills.
• Strong financial acumen, analytical reasoning, and data‑informed decision‑making skills.
• Demonstrated skill in leading enterprise transformation and managing complex organizational change.
• Strong relationship‑building and influencing skills across functions, cultures, and organizational levels.
• Proven ability to attract, develop, coach, and retain senior leaders and diverse global talent.
• Exercise sound judgment and make timely decisions in complex,ambiguous, and high‑pressure environments.
• Think systemically, identify enterprise‑wide implications, and balance competing strategic priorities.
• Inspire confidence, build consensus, and constructively challenge executive leadership.
• Operate effectively across geographic regions, cultures, regulatory environments, and business models.
• Demonstrate integrity, accountability, adaptability, resilience, and a strong customer‑focused mindset.

Please note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without cause.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Information Systems, or related discipline required.
• Master’s Degree or advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 20+ years
  • of progressive executive leadership experience across global operations, supply chain, manufacturing, logistics, or technology‑enabled operations.
• Demonstrated success leading large‑scale global organizations through transformation and growth.
• Experience implementing enterprise technology platforms including ERP, PLM, WMS, TMS, APS, CRM, business intelligence, and AI‑enabled operational tools.
• Deep expertise in global sourcing, manufacturing, logistics, procurement, inventory optimization, and demand planning.
• Experience leading digital transformation, automation, process redesign, and operational excellence initiatives.

Any equivalent combination of experience and education which clearly indicates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position may substitute on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of global manufacturing, sourcing, procurement, planning, logistics,inventory, fulfillment, and distribution.
• Deep understanding of IBP/S&OP, demand forecasting, capacity planning, and supply network optimization.
• Strong knowledge of P&L management, budgeting, working capital, capital investment, cost optimization, and margin improvement.
• Knowledge of global trade, regulatory compliance, geopolitical risk, sustainability, ESG, and responsible sourcing.
• Understanding of Lean, Six Sigma, quality systems, ERP platforms, automation, AI, and supply chain analytics.
• Strategic planning and execution, including translating enterprise objectives into scalable operating plans.
• Financial analysis, data interpretation, problem‑solving, and executive decision‑making.
• Supplier negotiation, strategic sourcing, contract management, and external partner management.
• Digital transformation, program management, process improvement, and organizational change leadership.
• Executive communication, influencing, stakeholder management, talent development, and cross‑cultural leadership.
• Ability to lead geographically dispersed teams across multiple regions, cultures, and business units.
• Ability to balance cost, service, quality, speed, sustainability, and risk in complex decisions.
• Ability to anticipate and mitigate supply chain, geopolitical, transportation, and operational disruptions.
• Ability to align Product, Sales, Marketing, Finance, Technology, HR, and Operations around enterprise priorities.
• Ability to influence executive strategy, support growth and acquisitions, and build high performing, accountable teams.

Travel Required

Yes, 35%+ of the time.

Base Salary

$346,500.00 - $365,750.00

The salary range posted for this position represents the anticipated hiring range for this role. Offers are made within this range based on factors such as relevant experience, skills, education, internal equity, and market considerations. This is the hiring range for the position; compensation above the posted maximum is not typically available at the time of offer.

Work Location

Hybrid

This role is based in the Portland, OR area and follows a hybrid work model. Employees are expected to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of our Portland office and generally work on‑site four days per week, with flexibility based on business and team needs.

Why Work at KEEN

Driven by a passion for life outside, KEEN is a values‑led, independently owned brand from Portland, Oregon, that’s on a mission to create original and versatile products, improve lives, and inspire outside adventure. Founded in 2003, KEEN launched a revolution in the footwear industry with the introduction of the Newport adventure sandal and has donated more than $18 million to non‑profit organizations and causes around the world to promote responsible outdoor recreation, including conservation efforts to protect open spaces. KEEN strives to show the world through its products and its actions that a business for good can actually be good for business. By giving back, reducing impact, and activating communities and individuals to protect the places where we work and play, KEEN puts its values in motion and takes action to leave the world a better place.

At KEEN, we believe in a more just and equitable future for all people. As a global brand, we acknowledge that our business, buildings, and daily lives exist within the traditional territories of indigenous peoples. We strive for a future that recognizes the knowledge, rights, and resilience of these peoples.

Fuerst Group, KEEN, and Chrome are equal opportunity employers. We value an inclusive and diverse community. Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.