Role Overview for VP, Supply Chain Transformation with a Food Manufacturer – Indianapolis, IN
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, forward-thinking food manufacturer in their search for a visionary Vice President of Supply Chain Transformation. Based in the vibrant city of Indianapolis, IN, this is a career-defining executive leadership opportunity to architect and execute a groundbreaking transformation of a complex, national supply chain. Our client is a household name, renowned for its commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability. They are at a pivotal point in their growth trajectory and are seeking a dynamic leader to build a world-class, resilient, and technologically advanced supply chain that will serve as a competitive advantage for decades to come.
In this role, you will be more than a functional leader; you will be a key member of the executive team, a strategic architect, and a change agent. You will be empowered to challenge the status quo, reimagine processes from farm to fork, and implement cutting-edge technologies to drive unprecedented efficiency, visibility, and agility. This position requires a unique blend of strategic foresight, operational expertise, technological savvy, and inspirational leadership. You will be responsible for the entire supply chain ecosystem, including strategic sourcing, procurement, demand and supply planning, inventory management, logistics, warehousing, and distribution. If you are a transformative leader with a passion for building the future of the food supply chain, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Supply Chain Transformation with a Food Manufacturer – Indianapolis, IN
As the VP of Supply Chain Transformation, you will have a broad and impactful mandate. Your primary objective is to lead the strategic design, development, and implementation of a multi-year supply chain roadmap that aligns with the company’s long-term business goals.
Strategic Vision & Transformation Leadership
- Develop and champion a compelling, long-term vision and strategic roadmap for the company’s end-to-end supply chain transformation.
- Lead the organization through significant change, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and accountability.
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of the current supply chain infrastructure, processes, and systems to identify key areas for strategic improvement and investment.
- Partner with the CEO, CFO, and other executive leaders to ensure supply chain strategy is fully integrated with overall corporate strategy, sales objectives, and financial targets.
- Stay at the forefront of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices to ensure the company maintains a competitive edge.
Operational Excellence & Process Optimization
- Drive the re-engineering of all core supply chain processes, including demand planning (S&OP/IBP), procurement, materials management, network optimization, logistics, and customer fulfillment.
- Implement Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies to eliminate waste, reduce costs, and enhance operational efficiency across all supply chain functions.
- Establish and monitor a robust set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure performance, drive accountability, and report on progress to the executive team and board.
- Optimize inventory levels across the network to improve working capital and service levels, utilizing advanced modeling and inventory management techniques.
- Ensure rigorous compliance with all food safety, regulatory (FDA, USDA), and quality standards throughout the supply chain.
Technology & Digital Innovation
- Lead the digital transformation of the supply chain by identifying and implementing next-generation technologies, such as advanced analytics, AI/ML, IoT, and automation.
- Oversee the selection and implementation of new or upgraded ERP, WMS, TMS, and advanced planning systems to create a fully integrated and visible technology ecosystem.
- Champion a data-driven culture, leveraging analytics to enhance forecasting accuracy, optimize logistics, and enable proactive, informed decision-making.
- Develop strategies for achieving end-to-end supply chain visibility, enabling real-time tracking and traceability of products from source to consumer.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing, multi-disciplinary supply chain organization, fostering a culture of collaboration, empowerment, and excellence.
- Attract and retain top-tier talent, building a strong leadership pipeline and ensuring the team has the skills and capabilities needed for future success.
- Structure the supply chain organization for optimal effectiveness and scalability as the business grows.
- Promote cross-functional collaboration with Sales, Marketing, Operations, Finance, and R&D to ensure seamless execution and alignment on business objectives.
Requirements for the VP, Supply Chain Transformation with a Food Manufacturer – Indianapolis, IN
The ideal candidate is a seasoned and strategic supply chain executive with a proven history of leading successful, large-scale transformation initiatives within the food manufacturing or a related consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry.
Educational & Professional Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field is required.
- An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.
- Professional certifications such as APICS (CSCP, CPIM) or a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt are highly desirable.
Experience & Industry Expertise
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in supply chain management, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership role (Director, VP) overseeing multiple functions.
- Direct and extensive experience within the food & beverage manufacturing or CPG industry is a mandatory requirement.
- Demonstrable track record of successfully designing and leading at least one major, end-to-end supply chain transformation project, resulting in significant improvements in cost, service, and efficiency.
- Deep experience in managing complex, national distribution networks, including cold chain logistics.
- Proven experience in strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, and contract negotiation on a large scale.
Leadership & Technical Competencies
- Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate complex concepts into actionable plans.
- Inspirational leadership presence with a proven ability to lead, influence, and manage change across a large organization.
- Strong financial acumen, including P&L management, budgeting, and business case development.
- Expert-level knowledge of modern supply chain technologies and enterprise systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, JDA/Blue Yonder, Manhattan Associates).
- Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels, from the shop floor to the boardroom.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to investing in their employees and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive executive compensation and benefits package, including:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary, significant annual performance-based bonus, and a long-term incentive plan (LTIP) designed to reward strategic success.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your family, plus robust wellness programs, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Retirement Savings
A generous 401(k) plan with a strong company match to help you plan for your future.
Paid Time Off
A generous vacation policy, paid holidays, and sick leave to support a healthy work-life balance.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family.
Career Development
Significant opportunities for professional growth, including executive coaching and support for continuing education.
Additional Perks
Employee product discounts, company-sponsored events, and engagement in community outreach programs.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive search managed by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative supply chain leader ready to make a lasting impact on a leading food manufacturer, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience in leading supply chain transformation initiatives.
JRG Partners is a leader in executive recruitment, and this role falls within our specialized practice area. To learn more about our expertise in this field, please visit our page on Supply Chain & Operations Executive Search. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how your background aligns with this exciting role.
