Director / VP of Supply Chain

Director/VP of Supply Chain Compensation: $170,000-$220,000 Base Location: Houston, TX (Onsite) Industry: Industrial Materials / Dry Bulk / Import Logistics Confidential Search Position Overview We are partnering with our client to recruit a senior supply chain leader to oversee and optimize a complex import, terminal, rail, and procurement operation. This is a high-impact role focused on improving the efficiency, structure, and scalability of a supply chain that supports international dry bulk logistics. The role will lead key areas including vessel planning, inbound international logistics, terminal and storage coordination, outbound rail flow, and procurement standardization. The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience in dry bulk import logistics and understands the timing, coordination, storage, and transportation challenges involved in moving bulk product through international ports and terminal networks. The company is entering a significant growth phase and is investing in operational scale, infrastructure, and leadership capability. This position offers the opportunity to shape the future state of the supply chain function, enhance planning and execution, and build more sophisticated systems and processes across inbound and outbound material flow. Depending on experience, this role may be hired at the Director or Vice President level. Key Responsibilities Supply Chain and Logistics LeadershipLead and optimize the end-to-end flow of dry bulk materials from international origin points through terminal receipt and outbound distributionImprove planning, timing, and coordination across vessel arrivals, storage capacity, terminal flow, and outbound movementIdentify and reduce inefficiencies tied to product timing, storage expense, congestion, and service disruptionBuild more scalable supply chain practices to support a growing operational footprint Dry Bulk Vessel PlanningManage and improve dry bulk vessel planning and scheduling in coordination with international ports, terminals, and internal stakeholdersMonitor cargo timing and sequencing to minimize demurrage, excess storage cost, and operational bottlenecksAnticipate and address supply chain disruptions related to vessel timing, weather events, port congestion, and shipment spacingDevelop stronger inbound planning discipline and decision-making processes Terminal and Rail CoordinationOversee product flow through terminal operations and coordinate efficient handoff to outbound transportation channelsImprove outbound rail planning, utilization, and efficiencyPartner with operations and commercial teams to align product availability with customer demand and shipment schedulesSupport improved visibility into throughput, inventory positioning, and transportation performance Procurement and Process StandardizationEvaluate current procurement practices across multiple groups and implement more standardized processesEstablish stronger purchasing governance, terms and conditions, and vendor risk controlsDrive greater consistency in sourcing practices, supplier management, and purchasing executionPartner cross-functionally with operations, engineering, and leadership to improve procurement alignment Continuous Improvement and Team LeadershipLead, develop, and support an existing team while bringing additional expertise and structure to the functionCreate clear accountability, stronger communication, and improved cross-functional collaborationIntroduce better planning tools, reporting discipline, KPIs, and process controlsHelp the organization become more sophisticated and scalable without disrupting what is already working Required Qualifications10+ years of progressive experience in supply chain, logistics, procurement, operations, or related leadership rolesStrong experience in dry bulk logisticsDirect experience with vessel planning and scheduling in international port environmentsExperience supporting or managing terminal-based supply chain operationsExperience with rail coordination, outbound bulk movement, or related transportation planningExperience improving procurement structure, standardization, and vendor controlsStrong operational judgment and the ability to solve practical, time-sensitive logistics challengesAbility to step into an existing operation and elevate process, discipline, and execution Preferred QualificationsExperience in industrial materials, building materials, bulk commodities, aggregates, or similar sectorsExperience in marine logistics, import terminals, or bulk storage and distribution environmentsExperience building or improving supply chain planning models, optimization tools, or performance dashboardsExperience leading teams through growth, change, and increasing operational complexityBackground from a competitor or adjacent bulk-materials organization is strongly valued Leadership Profile The ideal candidate will be:Collaborative and low egoComfortable inheriting an existing team and improving performance in a respectful, solutions-oriented wayConfident enough to bring expertise, but pragmatic in how change is introducedStrong in communication, accountability, and cross-functional partnershipAdaptable and effective in a diverse, relationship-driven organizationHands-on, commercially aware, and able to balance day-to-day execution with longer-term process improvement