Admin- Director of Supply Chain - Columbus, IN

NTN DRIVESHAFT, INC.

Job Title: Director of Supply Chain (Purchasing, Corporate Planning & New Programs)
Department: Purchasing
Reports To: VP and CFO
Location: Administrative Building
Classification: Salary / Exempt

Position Summary

NTN Driveshaft, Inc. (NDI) is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Director of Supply Chain to oversee the company's purchasing, corporate planning, and new program functions. This leadership role is responsible for developing and executing integrated supply chain strategies that ensure optimal cost, quality, and delivery performance. The Director will lead cross-functional collaboration with suppliers, internal manufacturing teams, and senior management to drive efficiency, support new product introductions, and align supply chain operations with business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement long-term supply chain strategies that align with corporate goals and support business growth, operational efficiency, and sustainability.
• Provide leadership and direction for Purchasing, Corporate Planning, and New Program functions, ensuring collaboration and alignment across departments.
• Partner with executive leadership to forecast demand, manage capacity, and ensure readiness for new programs and market opportunities.

Purchasing & Supplier Management

• Lead the procurement function to secure high-quality materials and services at the best total cost.
• Negotiate and manage supplier contracts, ensuring strong relationships that foster continuous improvement and innovation.
• Monitor and mitigate supplier risk through proactive contingency planning and alternate sourcing strategies.
• Establish supplier performance metrics and drive accountability through regular reviews and improvement initiatives.
• Manage cost-reduction initiatives, with a focus on high-impact categories such as steel and critical raw materials.

Corporate Planning & New Program Integration

• Oversee corporate production planning and scheduling to ensure efficient alignment of supply, demand, and inventory.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Operations to ensure supply chain readiness and material availability for new product launches.
• Develop systems and processes to streamline new program introductions, balancing speed, flexibility, and cost control.
• Lead cross-functional project planning to ensure smooth transitions from development to mass production.

Digital Transformation & Data-Driven Operations

• Champion the implementation and optimization of ERP/MRP systems, supplier portals, and digital planning tools.
• Use data analytics and real-time inventory insights to improve forecasting, material planning, and supplier performance.
• Develop dashboards and KPIs to monitor supply chain efficiency, cost trends, and transformation progress.
• Partner with IT and operations to ensure seamless integration of new systems and tools.

People Leadership & Culture

• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing team focused on excellence, accountability, and innovation.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, adaptability, and continuous improvement.
• Communicate effectively across all levels of the organization, providing transparency and alignment with company goals.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with company policies, regulatory standards, and contractual obligations.
• Manage departmental budgets and performance targets effectively.
• Promote NDI's core values, SQCCD philosophy, and Code of Conduct in all supplier and employee interactions.
• Support Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) initiatives and ensure adherence to all safety and environmental policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field; Master's degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in purchasing, production control, or supply chain management - ideally in a Tier 1 automotive or high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Proven expertise in supplier negotiation, contract management, and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of ERP/MRP systems, supply chain planning tools, and digital transformation processes.
• Deep understanding of Lean Manufacturing, JIT, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated success in leading teams through change management and cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple priorities.