Role Overview for Chief Supply Chain Officer with a Global Automotive OEM – Detroit, MI
JRG Partners is proud to conduct an exclusive executive search for a transformative Chief Supply Chain Officer (CSCO) on behalf of our client, a premier global automotive Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) headquartered in the Detroit, MI area. Our client is a titan of the industry, renowned for its legacy of engineering excellence and its aggressive investment in the future of mobility, including electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous driving technology, and connected car ecosystems. This is a rare opportunity to join the C-suite of a dynamic organization and fundamentally shape the operational backbone that will drive its success for the next generation.
As the Chief Supply Chain Officer, you will be the principal architect and leader of the company’s global, end-to-end supply chain. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, you will hold ultimate responsibility for a multi-billion dollar operation encompassing strategic sourcing, procurement, logistics, inventory management, and distribution. In an era defined by unprecedented volatility—from semiconductor shortages and geopolitical tensions to the urgent demands of sustainability—this role is more critical than ever. We are seeking a visionary leader who can not only navigate today’s complexities but also build a resilient, agile, and technologically advanced supply chain that serves as a distinct competitive advantage. You will be instrumental in ensuring that our client can deliver innovative vehicles to a global market efficiently, cost-effectively, and responsibly.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned executive with a profound understanding of the automotive industry’s intricate supply chain. You are a strategic thinker who can anticipate market shifts, a master negotiator who can forge powerful supplier partnerships, and an inspirational leader who can motivate a vast, global team. Your work will directly impact profitability, product availability, and the company’s ability to innovate and lead in the highly competitive automotive landscape. This is a career-defining role for an executive ready to make a lasting impact on a global scale.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Supply Chain Officer with a Global Automotive OEM – Detroit, MI
The Chief Supply Chain Officer will have a broad and impactful mandate. Key responsibilities are strategically categorized as follows:
Strategic Vision & Global Leadership
- Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive, forward-thinking global supply chain strategy that is intrinsically linked to the company’s overall business objectives, including financial targets, market share growth, and the successful launch of new vehicle platforms (especially EVs).
- Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, providing critical insights and counsel on all supply chain-related matters to the CEO and the Board of Directors.
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement, operational excellence, and innovation across the entire supply chain organization, fostering an environment that embraces change and challenges the status quo.
- Lead long-range strategic planning, capacity planning, and network design to support global expansion, new product introductions, and evolving customer demands.
End-to-End Supply Chain Operations
Global Procurement & Strategic Sourcing
Oversee all direct and indirect procurement activities, managing billions of dollars in annual spend. Develop and implement sophisticated sourcing strategies for critical commodities, including batteries, semiconductors, and raw materials, to ensure supply continuity and cost optimization. Cultivate and manage strategic relationships with a global network of Tier 1, 2, and 3 suppliers.
Logistics & Distribution
Command the global logistics network, including inbound logistics to manufacturing plants, outbound vehicle distribution to dealerships, and aftermarket parts distribution. Optimize transportation modes, routes, and carrier relationships to minimize costs and lead times while maximizing reliability.
Inventory Management & Planning
Implement best-in-class Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes. Develop advanced inventory strategies to optimize working capital, mitigate obsolescence, and ensure material availability for uninterrupted production, balancing Just-in-Time principles with strategic buffering.
Risk Management & Resiliency
Design and implement a robust supply chain risk management framework. Proactively identify potential disruptions (geopolitical, economic, environmental, etc.), develop mitigation strategies, and build a resilient, multi-sourced supply base to safeguard operations.
Transformation, Technology, and Sustainability
Digital Transformation
Lead the digital evolution of the supply chain by championing and integrating cutting-edge technologies such as AI/ML for demand forecasting, IoT for asset tracking, and blockchain for enhanced traceability and transparency. Drive the optimization of ERP and advanced planning systems.
Sustainability & ESG
Architect and execute the company’s sustainable supply chain strategy. Drive initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint across the value chain, ensure ethical sourcing and labor practices, and enhance circular economy principles. Ensure compliance with all global environmental and social governance regulations.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
Lead and inspire a large, geographically dispersed team of supply chain professionals. Attract, retain, and develop top-tier talent, building a world-class organization with a strong succession pipeline. Foster a collaborative, results-oriented, and inclusive culture.
Financial Oversight & Performance Management
Assume full P&L responsibility for the global supply chain organization. Develop and manage the annual budget, drive cost-saving initiatives, and establish rigorous Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure performance in areas such as cost-to-serve, on-time delivery, inventory turns, and supplier quality.
Requirements for the Chief Supply Chain Officer with a Global Automotive OEM – Detroit, MI
The successful candidate will be a proven leader with an impeccable track record of success in complex, global manufacturing environments. The specific qualifications include:
Professional Experience
- A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive leadership experience within supply chain management, procurement, or logistics.
- At least 7 years of experience in a senior executive capacity (e.g., Vice President, SVP, or CSCO) with responsibility for a global supply chain within a large, complex organization.
Mandatory
Deep and extensive experience in the automotive manufacturing industry, ideally with a global OEM. A thorough understanding of automotive product development cycles, IATF 16949 standards, and the unique challenges of vehicle production is essential.
- Demonstrated success in leading large-scale supply chain transformation projects, including technology implementations and process re-engineering.
- Proven experience managing relationships and negotiating multi-million dollar contracts with global suppliers.
Education & Skills
- A Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field is required.
- An MBA or other relevant Master’s degree is strongly preferred.
- Mastery of advanced supply chain management principles, including lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and sophisticated S&OP processes.
- Exceptional financial acumen, with experience managing large, complex budgets and a deep understanding of the financial impact of supply chain decisions.
- Technologically savvy, with hands-on experience with modern ERP systems (e.g., SAP S/4HANA) and advanced supply chain planning and visibility tools.
- Professional certifications such as a Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) from ASCM or a similar credential are highly desirable.
Leadership Competencies
- An exceptional strategic and analytical thinker with the ability to see the big picture and translate vision into an executable strategy.
- An inspirational and decisive leader with a proven ability to build, motivate, and lead high-performing global teams.
- Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus with stakeholders at all levels, including the Board of Directors.
- Unquestionable integrity, ethics, and a commitment to corporate responsibility.
- High levels of resilience, agility, and the ability to lead effectively through periods of intense pressure, ambiguity, and crisis.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a C-suite compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain a leader of this caliber. The comprehensive package includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a substantial long-term incentive plan (including stock options and/or restricted stock units).
Health & Wellness
Premier, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your family. Access to executive wellness programs and health coaching.
Retirement & Financial Security
A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match. Access to personalized executive financial and retirement planning services.
Relocation
A comprehensive, white-glove executive relocation package to the vibrant Detroit metropolitan area for the successful candidate and their family.
Work-Life Integration
A generous executive paid time off (PTO) policy, company holidays, and a culture that respects the importance of work-life balance.
Professional Growth
A dedicated budget for executive coaching, continuing education, and attendance at key industry conferences and forums.
Additional Perks
An executive vehicle program, comprehensive life and disability insurance, and access to a wide range of corporate discounts and services.
How to Apply
This is a confidential, retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary supply chain executive with the experience and drive to lead a global automotive powerhouse into the future, we invite you to express your interest.
To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidence. We encourage you to learn more about our dedicated practice in this area and apply through our portal.
Please direct your application to the JRG Partners team via our Supply Chain & Logistics Executive Search Practice. We look forward to reviewing your credentials and discussing this transformative role with you.
