Supply Chain Officer – Executive Search & Leadership Advisory

Companies with superior supply chain performance achieve superior financial performance. That means your supply chain is not just a cost, but a powerful strategic asset. Indeed, a growing number of CEOs see the supply chain as the single most important aspect of competing successfully, and how essential executive search and leadership advisory have become.

The central challenge is complexity. Supply chain encompasses a tight integration of functions from Sourcing and Procurement, Manufacturing Operations, Transportation and Logistics to Customer Service and Quality. The best supply chain leaders are able to integrate multiple functions into supply chains that reach seamlessly around the world. But these executives are in intense demand. Finding the right person has profound implications for your bottom line.

As many manufacturing, technology, consumer and retail organizations globalize their operations, and work to cut costs, improve service, expand their product mix and increase their product availability, they are seeking exceptional supply chain leaders who have global experience, cross-functional capabilities, strong communication skills and the ability to manage change.

Today’s supply chain leaders must be strategic thinkers, collaborators, and coordinators who optimize complex networks and global capabilities.

Value creation, competitive advantage, and enabling growth are at the forefront of today’s supply chain agendas. Many companies recognize the need for a more comprehensive, integrated approach to supply chain management; however, they struggle to identify and develop the best talent to lead this evolution. Cross-functional experience in product innovation; customer-facing functions; broader P&L responsibility; knowledge of current automation and systems technologies; multi-industry or channel backgrounds; and a balance of vision, results orientation, expert skills, and collaborative/relationships skills all exemplify success factors for today’s supply chain leaders.

Globalization, the financial markets, low-cost country sourcing and customer service pressures have transformed supply chain from a tactical function into a strategic one. Management also began to lean more heavily on supply chain leaders during the economic downturn, drawing on their mix of short-term and long-term planning abilities and ideas to cut costs. In addition, as speed to market, fulfillment rates and a global footprint become competitive advantages, companies need supply chain leaders with the right mix of business and financial acumen, risk management skills, and international experience.

From R&D and product innovation to M&A and customer development, the supply chain touches nearly every aspect of the business. Allen Austin is experienced in finding supply chain, procurement, manufacturing and logistics leaders who can meet the growing scope of the function.