Director, Supply Chain

Novanta Inc.

. Develop and execute global commodity and supplier strategies supporting business growth, supply continuity, risk mitigation, and cost competitiveness .

Posted 9/18/2026full-timeIrvine • California • United StatesLead💰 $172,480 - $257,900 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in strategic sourcing, supplier management, and commodity management, with a strong focus on building relationships and leading high-performing teams. Proven ability to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement while engaging effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Strategic SourcingSupplier ManagementCommodity ManagementSupplier Performance ManagementNegotiation Skills

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Supply Chain ManagementSpend AnalyticsRisk MitigationData-Driven Decision-MakingBusiness Acumen

Soft Skills

Communication SkillsRelationship-BuildingInfluencing SkillsTeam LeadershipCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

ERP SystemsProcurement SystemsMicrosoft Excel

Industry Keywords

ManufacturingTechnologyExecutive-Level NegotiationsCross-Functional CollaborationContinuous Improvement

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

ERP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and execute global commodity and supplier strategies supporting business growth, supply continuity, risk mitigation, and cost competitiveness
Build and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers
Serve as Novanta's executive sponsor and lead negotiator for major commercial agreements, capacity commitments, and long-term partnerships
Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Finance, and Program Management on new product introductions, cost reduction initiatives, and long-term business objectives
Lead supplier performance management and risk mitigation activities using market intelligence, analytics, and business insights
Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence
Develop and lead a high-performing supply chain team
Foster accountability, talent development, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Participate in executive supplier reviews, negotiations, escalations, supplier visits, and cross-functional collaboration activities

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field required
12+ years of progressive leadership experience in supply chain, procurement, strategic sourcing, commodity management, or supplier management within a manufacturing or technology environment
Demonstrated success leading executive-level supplier negotiations, strategic sourcing initiatives, and long-term supplier partnerships that deliver measurable business value
Strong business acumen and analytical capabilities
Expertise in strategic sourcing, commodity management, spend analytics, supplier performance management, and supply risk mitigation
Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and influencing skills
Ability to engage effectively with stakeholders ranging from individual contributors to executive leadership and supplier C-suite executives
Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop high-performing teams
Ability to collaborate across functions to achieve business objectives
Proficiency with ERP and procurement systems, Microsoft Excel, and data-driven decision-making tools
Ability to work in a standard office or hybrid environment
Ability to participate in meetings, presentations, supplier visits, and business reviews
Ability to lift and carry light materials, with or without reasonable accommodation
Ability to travel approximately 25-40% of the time
Flexibility to travel as business needs require

Benefits

Comp & perks

Full range of medical, financial, and other benefits
Equal employment opportunity and affirmative action workplace