Global Supply Chain Director

The organisation

Our client Kebony is the leading global modified wood brand. Underpinned by proven wood modification technologies, it produces an enhanced wood of a superior quality that is both environmentally friendly and cost-effective. From its production facilities located in Skien (Norway) and Antwerp (Belgium), Kebony redefines standards in the timber industry and new possibilities for wood as a sustainable construction material. Kebony’s vision is to reduce CO2 emissions and tropical deforestation using its patented wood modification techniques.

Developed in Norway, the Kebony-technique is an environmentally friendly, patented process that enhances the properties of sustainable softwood with a bio-based liquid (furfuryl alcohol). The process of impregnation, curing and drying permanently modifies the wood cell walls, giving it premium hardwood characteristics and a rich brown color.

The position

Kebony recently announced a successful EUR 30 million funding round. The capital injection will expand and accelerate Kebony’s growth initiatives in core markets in Europe and the US. A major challenge in the growth strategy lies in optimizing, managing and controlling the global supply chain activities. Therefore, we are currently looking for a candidate for the position of Supply Chain Director.

Tasks & responsibilities

The Global Supply Chain Director is responsible for establishing and optimizing the global supply chain organization, including sourcing, purchasing, warehousing, distribution, planning and order office (customer service). Your goal is to maximize supply chain efficiency and effectiveness in meeting the demands of sales and manufacturing. Your team (25-30 employees) is located in Norway and Belgium, you report to the COO.

The sourcing processes are very challenging at this moment. Suppliers are spread around the world and the markets for wood and furfuryl alcohol are very volatile. With the current high demand for materials and shipping there is a lot of pressure on the supply side. Also, the rapid developments in new products and techniques leads to a need for new suppliers.

With the ambitious growth strategy there is need for a global supply chain strategy that meets the continuously changing setting. Next to the sourcing processes, other important themes for the near future are:

• Planning and allocation of production to create a (cost and time) efficient and environmentally friendly process;
• Developing a distribution infrastructure that meets the high demands of customers globally;
• Achieving all agreed targets together with your direct colleagues of the Operational Leadership Team for People (safety, absence, engagement), Customer Service (OTIF, serviceability), Quality, Business Process (order fill rate, forecast accuracy, waste management), Financial (OPEX, CAPEX, inventory days) and other metrics;
• Managing relationships with partners (e.g. 3PL providers and machining partners) and professionalizing the service level agreements;
• Maintaining and optimizing the current and future ERP-system to support the process;
• Working together with all the internal and external stakeholders to create the most sustainable supply chain as possible;
• Leading the ongoing management and effectiveness of the Sales & Operations Planning program.

Candidate profile

For this position we are looking for candidates with a master’s or bachelor’s degree in Business, Logistics or Supply Chain Management. You have at least 5 years of leaderships experience in supply chain management in process manufacturing (e.g. chemicals, building materials, food, liquids, paints, textiles) with a track record of operational service level and efficiency improvement. Strong working knowledge of supply chain management principles, ERP, WMS, transport routing software and Lean implementation. You are used to working in a global setting and are familiar with all aspects of supply chain management.

You are strategic and able to manage multiple complex projects in a rapidly changing setting. You have excellent communicative and problem solving skills, at all levels (Multilevel Stakeholder Management). You are open minded, creative and you are both strategic as hands on when necessary.

The ideal candidate is sustainability-driven and is looking for a challenge in a fast growing international scaleup company. You are willing to travel frequently and you are fluent in English (spoken and written).

The offer

A challenging and independent position in an ambitious company. Sustainability and innovation are core values in this global organization.

Interested?

You can apply to this position by using the link below. For more information please contact the consultant in charge: Wim de Kruijf +31 346 – 87 00 20.