Role Overview for VP, Supply Chain Systems Implementation with a Food Producer – Sacramento, CA
JRG Partners is proud to exclusively represent a premier, vertically-integrated food producer based in the heart of California’s agricultural hub, Sacramento. Our client is a leader in their category, renowned for their commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation. As they embark on a significant phase of growth and operational transformation, they are seeking a visionary and results-driven Vice President of Supply Chain Systems Implementation to join their executive leadership team. This is a career-defining opportunity to architect and build the technological backbone that will power their supply chain for the next decade and beyond.
The VP of Supply Chain Systems Implementation is a strategic, high-impact role responsible for the end-to-end leadership of all technology initiatives within the supply chain. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, you will be the central force driving the selection, implementation, and optimization of critical business systems, including Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Transportation Management Systems (TMS), and advanced planning solutions. This is not merely an IT role; it is a business transformation role. You will be tasked with translating complex business needs into a cohesive technology roadmap, ensuring that every system implementation delivers tangible value in the form of increased efficiency, enhanced visibility, improved data integrity, reduced costs, and superior customer satisfaction. You will lead a multi-disciplinary team and work in close collaboration with stakeholders across Operations, Finance, Procurement, Logistics, and Sales to create a seamlessly integrated and highly responsive digital supply chain ecosystem.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned leader with a deep understanding of both supply chain operations and enterprise technology, specifically within the dynamic context of the food and beverage industry. You possess a proven track record of successfully leading large-scale, multi-million dollar system implementation projects from conception to completion. Your leadership will be pivotal in future-proofing the organization, enabling it to scale effectively while navigating the unique challenges of perishable inventory, cold chain logistics, and rigorous regulatory compliance.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Supply Chain Systems Implementation with a Food Producer – Sacramento, CA
Strategic Technology Roadmapping
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive, multi-year strategic roadmap for all supply chain systems. Align technology investments with overarching business objectives, ensuring systems architecture supports long-term growth, scalability, and competitive advantage.
End-to-End Project Leadership
Assume ultimate ownership for the entire lifecycle of system implementation projects. This includes developing detailed business cases, leading vendor selection and negotiation processes, defining project scope, establishing timelines and budgets, managing resources, and overseeing execution through to successful go-live and post-implementation support.
Cross-Functional Collaboration and Business Partnership
Act as the primary liaison between IT and supply chain business units. Foster strong partnerships with executive peers and department heads in Operations, Warehousing, Transportation, Finance, and Quality Assurance to gather requirements, ensure buy-in, and guarantee that new systems meet and exceed business needs.
Team Development and Mentorship
Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing team of project managers, business analysts, and implementation specialists. Cultivate a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement within the team.
Vendor and Partner Management
Manage complex relationships with software vendors, system integrators, and third-party consultants. Lead contract negotiations, define statements of work (SOWs), and hold partners accountable for deliverables and service level agreements (SLAs).
Change Management and User Adoption
Champion organizational change by developing and implementing robust change management strategies. Oversee the creation of comprehensive training programs and communication plans to ensure smooth transitions and high user adoption rates for new systems and processes.
Budgetary and Financial Oversight
Develop and manage multi-million dollar capital and operational budgets for all supply chain technology projects. Provide regular financial reporting to the executive team, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget. Perform rigorous ROI analysis to justify technology investments.
Data Integrity and Analytics
Establish and enforce data governance standards to ensure the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of supply chain data across all platforms. Champion the use of data analytics and business intelligence tools to drive informed decision-making and uncover optimization opportunities.
Compliance and Risk Mitigation
Ensure all supply chain systems and processes are designed to comply with industry regulations, including food safety standards (e.g., FSMA) and traceability requirements. Proactively identify and mitigate technology-related risks within the supply chain.
Continuous Improvement and Innovation
Stay abreast of emerging technologies and trends in supply chain management. Continuously evaluate the existing systems landscape for opportunities to innovate, automate, and enhance operational performance.
Requirements for the VP, Supply Chain Systems Implementation with a Food Producer – Sacramento, CA
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in supply chain, operations, or IT, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership capacity directly overseeing large-scale enterprise system implementations.
Industry Expertise
Demonstrable experience within the food & beverage, consumer packaged goods (CPG), or a related manufacturing industry is mandatory. A deep understanding of the unique challenges of perishable goods, cold chain logistics, lot traceability, and quality control is essential.
Technical Proficiency
Deep, hands-on experience leading implementations of Tier 1 or Tier 2 systems. Extensive knowledge of ERP platforms such as SAP S/4HANA, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics 365 is required. Proven expertise with modern WMS, TMS, and demand planning software is also critical.
Educational Background
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Information Technology, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field. An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.
Leadership and Influence
Exceptional leadership skills with a proven ability to build consensus, influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization, and lead cross-functional teams in a matrix environment. Must possess executive presence and outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
Project Management Acumen
Mastery of project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall). PMP, PgMP, or similar certification is a significant plus. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills are required.
Financial Acumen
Proven experience developing and managing large, complex project budgets and building compelling business cases to secure capital funding.
Certifications
Professional certifications from organizations like APICS (e.g., CSCP, CPIM) are highly desirable.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a comprehensive and competitive compensation package, including:
- Highly competitive executive base salary.
- Substantial annual performance-based bonus program.
- Long-term incentive plan (equity or phantom equity).
- Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for you and your dependents.
- 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company matching contribution.
- Significant Paid Time Off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and paid company holidays.
- Relocation assistance package available for exceptional candidates.
- An empowering and collaborative culture that values innovation and impact.
- Opportunities for continued professional development and executive coaching.
- Generous employee discount on company products.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive search conducted by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative supply chain technology leader ready to make a lasting impact on a thriving organization, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience.
For more information or to explore other opportunities within our network, please visit JRG Partners’ Supply Chain & Operations Executive Search practice page.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
