Role Overview for VP, Supply Chain Network Planning with a Major Food Company – Sacramento, CA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, nationally recognized leader in the food manufacturing and distribution industry in their confidential search for a Vice President of Supply Chain Network Planning. This is a pivotal executive leadership role based in Sacramento, CA, designed for a strategic, analytical, and forward-thinking professional. The successful candidate will be responsible for architecting the future of our client’s end-to-end supply chain network, ensuring it is optimized for efficiency, resilience, and scalability to support ambitious company growth.
As the VP of Supply Chain Network Planning, you will be the chief strategist for the company’s physical distribution footprint. You will lead a dedicated team of analysts and managers, leveraging sophisticated modeling tools and advanced data analytics to make multi-million dollar decisions that will directly impact cost-to-serve, customer satisfaction, and overall profitability. This role requires a unique blend of deep technical expertise in network optimization, exceptional financial acumen, and the executive presence to influence and align stakeholders at all levels of the organization. You will be tasked with answering critical questions such as: Where should we locate our next distribution center? How can we optimize inventory flow from plant to customer? What is the most effective way to respond to shifts in consumer demand or disruptions in the supply chain? This is a career-defining opportunity to shape the operational backbone of a beloved brand and drive a tangible competitive advantage in a dynamic marketplace.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Supply Chain Network Planning with a Major Food Company – Sacramento, CA
Strategic Network Design & Long-Range Planning
Lead the end-to-end development, evaluation, and execution of the company’s multi-year supply chain network strategy. This includes network modeling, capacity planning, and flow-path optimization to create a highly efficient and responsive supply chain.
Advanced Modeling & Scenario Analysis
Utilize state-of-the-art network modeling software (e.g., Coupa/LLamasoft, Blue Yonder) to conduct comprehensive analyses of the existing network. Develop and evaluate sophisticated “what-if” scenarios to assess the impact of market shifts, new product introductions, M&A activities, and changes in transportation costs.
Capital Investment & Business Case Development
Identify and recommend strategic network changes, including the optimal location, size, and function of new distribution centers, manufacturing plants, and cross-dock facilities. Develop robust, data-driven business cases and ROI analyses to justify significant capital investments.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
Build, lead, mentor, and inspire a world-class team of supply chain network planning professionals. Foster a culture of continuous improvement, data-driven decision-making, intellectual curiosity, and proactive problem-solving. Set clear performance objectives and support the professional growth of your team members.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Executive Alignment
Serve as the key strategic partner to senior leadership across Operations, Finance, Sales, Procurement, and IT. Translate overarching business strategies and growth projections into actionable supply chain network requirements. Present complex analyses and strategic recommendations to the executive team and Board of Directors in a clear, concise, and compelling manner.
Technology & Analytics Innovation
Champion the use of advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI to enhance network planning capabilities and predictive insights. Oversee the selection, implementation, and continuous improvement of supply chain modeling and optimization technologies.
Performance Management & KPIs
Establish, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for the supply chain network, including cost-to-serve, transportation costs, inventory holding costs, order fulfillment rates, and network resiliency. Use these metrics to identify areas for improvement and drive targeted initiatives.
Continuous Improvement & Industry Best Practices
Stay at the forefront of industry trends and best practices in supply chain management to drive innovation within the organization. Lead initiatives to optimize inventory deployment strategies, transportation routing, and overall logistics processes to unlock value and enhance service levels.
Requirements for the VP, Supply Chain Network Planning with a Major Food Company – Sacramento, CA
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related quantitative field is required. An MBA or Master’s degree in a relevant discipline is highly preferred.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in supply chain management, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership role with a specific focus on supply chain strategy, network design, and logistics modeling.
Industry Expertise
Direct and extensive experience within the food and beverage, consumer packaged goods (CPG), or a related fast-paced manufacturing and distribution industry is essential. A deep understanding of the complexities of temperature-controlled supply chains is a significant plus.
Technical Proficiency
Expert-level proficiency with industry-leading supply chain network modeling software (e.g., Coupa/LLamasoft, Blue Yonder, o9 Solutions, AnyLogistix) is mandatory. Strong command of data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Alteryx) and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Familiarity with major ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) is required.
Strategic & Analytical Acumen
Exceptional strategic thinking and complex problem-solving abilities. A proven track record of successfully leading large-scale network transformation projects from conception through to successful implementation, delivering measurable financial and operational results.
Leadership & Influence
Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams. Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the proven ability to influence and align senior executives and cross-functional stakeholders around a shared vision.
Financial & Business Acumen
Strong financial literacy with experience in developing complex business cases, managing departmental budgets, and linking supply chain initiatives to key financial outcomes like P&L performance and ROI.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent and offers a comprehensive and competitive executive compensation package, including:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a meaningful long-term incentive plan (equity/stock options).
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents, along with robust wellness programs and resources.
Retirement Savings
A best-in-class 401(k) retirement plan featuring a generous company match to help you prepare for your future.
Generous Time Off
A substantial paid time off (PTO) package, paid company holidays, and a commitment to supporting a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for ongoing professional growth, including executive coaching, industry conferences, and advanced certifications.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive, executive-level relocation package is available for the selected candidate and their family.
Additional Perks
Employee product discounts, an inspiring and collaborative company culture, and the opportunity to work with a team of passionate and talented professionals.
How to Apply
If you are a visionary supply chain leader with a passion for building optimized, resilient, and high-performing networks, we strongly encourage you to apply. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting and transformative impact on a leading company in the food industry.
To be considered for this confidential executive search, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and accomplishments. Our team at JRG Partners specializes in placing top-tier talent in critical leadership roles across the globe. You can learn more about our dedicated focus and successful placements by visiting the practice page for our expert Supply Chain & Operations recruiting team. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing this exceptional opportunity with you.
