Be a solution finder, Be Quad

General Purpose of Job
The Director, Supply Chain Optimization will support all Managed Services Sourcing activity in a strategic operations capacity working closely with MS Sourcing Solutions leadership across print, branded goods, packaging and a constantly evolving solution set to help establish and maintain a strategic supply chain.  This resource will collaborate with Quad Global Procurement, Legal, Contracts and counterparts in Quad Agency Solutions Operations to ensure QPM is equipped and functioning to meet internal and external demands.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the Managed Services Supply Chain Database. Review with Managed Services Sourcing leaders to add/delete, keep compliant, and generally ensure the MS Sourcing team members have access to resources needed to deliver solutions. 
  • Lead supplier assessments, strategic partnership and pricing initiatives, supplier compliance protocols, and any required corrective actions necessary and assist Sourcing colleagues with supplier related issues.
  • Support market specific supply chain expansion (i.e. help develop supplier networks in key geographies to supplement Quad platforms and/or address specific client needs).
  • Lead supplier selection and negotiations.  Delegate and collaborate administrative functions of onboarding and compliance with Managed Services Sourcing Operations resources. 
  • Act as an internal resource for Managed Services Solutions Project Managers to assist with project specific supplier alignment.
  • Visit and properly vet key suppliers when necessary and attend quality checks when required.
  • Lead regular supply chain review sessions with key internal stakeholders to assess current supplier activity, quality performance, profitability benchmarking, and discuss gaps or new product/category needs.
• Pricing Strategy.  Work with MS Sourcing Leadership to understand and support go-to-market pricing strategies from the supply chain perspective to help ensure a solid margin position on major programs and high-volume opportunities. 
• Product/Solution Development.  Act as a key contributor to Managed Services product development initiatives support research and development of expanded supply chain for existing and new products and services.  Including (but not limited to):
  • Direct Mail.  Assist with the expansion of direct mail offering via MS Sourcing Solutions as a supplement to the Quad platform.
  • POS & Commercial Print.  Assist with the expansion of POS and Commercial offering via MS Sourcing Solutions as a supplement to the Quad platform.
  • Packaging. Assist with the expansion of Packaging offering via MS Sourcing Solutions as a supplement to the Quad platform.
  • Inventory & Fulfillment.  Assist with the expansion of Packaging offering via MS Sourcing Solutions as a supplement to the Quad platform.
  • Catalogs. Develop/maintain supply chain to support Catalog products via MS Sourcing Solutions as a supplement to the Quad platform.
  • Retail Inserts. Develop/maintain supply chain to support Retail Inserts products via MS Sourcing Solutions as a supplement to the Quad platform.
• Product Mapping.  Lead internal product mapping project(s) to help optimize the Quad manufacturing vs sourcing strategy and support the optimized alignment of Quad Managed Services with Quad’s production capabilities.
  • Quad Plant Assessments.  Visit and collaborate with key Quad plant leaders to collaboratively assess strengths and identify key areas for MS Sourcing support base don product mapping, production methods, capacity, finishing, and other variables.

Job Requirements  
Education:High school diploma or equivalent required, bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred

Experience:

• 8+ years in print purchasing/management or a related industry
• Proven solid individual contributor with ability to work well with teams and act as an internal consultant.
• Requires deep knowledge of job area typically obtained through advanced education combined with experience.  
• Advanced knowledge of print production, print industry supply chain, marketing strategy, and an understanding of collective capabilities and go-to-market strategy of our larger organization.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities    

• Influence: 
  • Works to achieve operational targets with major impact on the department or job family results.  
  • Contributes to the development of goals for the job family and planning efforts (budgets, operational plans, etc.).  
  • May manage larger projects, processes, or initiatives that span outside of immediate function. 
• Responsibility: 
  • Operates with substantial latitude for actions or decisions and works independently with minimal supervision required. 
  • Works on large, complex assignments.  
  • Collaborates with peers, managers, and directors when faced with unusual matters or complex issues. 
  • Often serves as a mentor / trainer and aids in reviewing the work of other professionals.
• Innovation: 
  • Responsible for incorporating significant improvements to guidelines and processes to enhance performance of job area.  
  • Develops and progresses ideas and creative solutions to existing problems within specific work areas.  
  • Utilizes extensive experience to independently develop approaches and inventive solutions within specified technical objectives in several areas of a function. 
  • Advanced written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
  • Excellent project management skills
  • Interact with internal and external clients when effectively
  • Ability to respond quickly and effectively to needs and issues
  • Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
  • Experience with Estimating, Analytics, Tracking Expenses, Managing Processes, Management Proficiency, Coordination, Managing & Motivating Direct Reports, Attention to Detail, Processing AP & AR.
  • In addition to the responsibilities outlined above, this resource will support other initiatives as defined by their manager.
  • Travel is required to include:
    • Time at our facilities to build relationships, understand the capabilities and act as a liaison between the platform and the MS team.  
    • Time at supplier facilities to build relationships, vet capabilities and quality and establish alignment to our sourcing needs
    • Other travel as dictated by projects, opportunities and continued evolution of our business.

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