Director, Supply Chain Management (Burnaby, CA)

Job Summary

The Director, Supply Chain Management is a critical leadership role within Ballard, focused on the procurement and management of Ballard’s material supply. The successful candidate will manage a team of approximately 40, including functional professionals and direct labour staff. This position will be based in our Burnaby Head Office.

The Director, Supply Chain Management is responsible for the following functions within Operations:

• Planning
• Purchasing
• Logistics and Shipping/Receiving
• Warehouse Management and Material Handling

This position oversees the management of a global supply base: ensures best in class vendors and best cost, along with identification of alternate sources of supply for business continuity. They will drive initiatives and continuous improvement projects targeted at achieving or exceeding operational metrics. The successful candidate will be an effective communicator, exceptional team player and will manage activities within this group targeted to deliver high impact results.

Responsibilities:

• Manage activities of staff including goal setting and performance evaluations. Ensure the team’s skill sets meet current and future needs by regular feedback and coaching.
• Support sales forecast and order booking through the appropriate planning and procurement method. This supports production while meeting targeted inventory turns.
• Analyze critical inventory details to drive decisions on product mix and obsolescence.
• Provide direct leadership for the management of global supply partners. This includes contract and price negotiations, alignment of technology and product roadmaps as well as capability and capacity alignment with Ballard’s growth plans.
• Meet ongoing production and product development requirements. Provide oversight of the materials warehouse and storage. Ensure:
  • Inventory accuracy
  • Correct use of Lot and Location controls
  • On time completion of transactions
  • Efficient flow of materials between buildings and production lines
• Engage with Product Development Teams to provide input on supply base and ensure that new products are designed according to best principles for:
  • Design for Manufacturability
  • Design for Test
  • Design for Serviceability
• Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma tools to reduce waste and improve quality. Identify, manage and lead continuous improvement projects to achieve or exceed operational metrics.
• Provide thought leadership to support large scale commercialization as it relates to supply chain and materials management activities.
• Act as a role model for the Ballard cultural values.

Requirements:

• Business or engineering degree
• 10+ years of progressive experience within a technical manufacturing environment
• 10+ years’ experience in a leadership role within Operations or Supply Chain
• History of managing a complex global supply base, including Asian and European supply markets
• Strong knowledge and experience of international trade logistics, including requirements of commercial trade documents such as letters of credit
• Deep understanding of ERP systems, including exposure to DDMRP
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Flow processing
• Strong understanding of MES and linkage to ERP
• Proven ability to manage challenges while continuing to meet deadlines and achieve goals
• Able to build commitment to ideas, plans, and courses of action across the organization
• Exceptional negotiation skills and proven ability to draft strategic agreements
• Exceptional leadership and highly effective communication skills

About Ballard

We Are Ballard Power. Our vision: be the leading global provider of innovative clean energy solutions offering superior performance at a reduced operating cost.