Director, Supply Chain

At Novanta, our technologies power breakthrough innovations in precision medicine, medical technology, and advanced manufacturing. As Director, Supply Chain, you will lead sourcing strategy, commodity management, and supplier partnerships across our Precision Medicine business, driving supply chain performance, operational excellence, and the delivery of technologies that improve patient outcomes worldwide

In this highly visible leadership role, you'll influence business strategy, lead executive-level supplier negotiations, and build resilient sourcing solutions that enable innovation, growth, and operational excellence. You'll work alongside leaders across Operations, Engineering, Quality, Finance, and Program Management while developing a high-performing team that delivers measurable business impact.

About the team

• Develop and execute global commodity and supplier strategies that support business growth, supply continuity, risk mitigation, and cost competitiveness.

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers, serving as Novanta's executive sponsor and lead negotiator for major commercial agreements, capacity commitments, and long-term partnerships.

• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Finance, and Program Management to support new product introductions, cost reduction initiatives, and long-term business objectives.

• Lead supplier performance management and risk mitigation activities, leveraging market intelligence, analytics, and business insights to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.

• Develop and lead a high-performing team of supply chain professionals, fostering accountability, talent development, collaboration, and a culture of continuous improvement.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.

• 12+ years of progressive leadership experience in supply chain, procurement, strategic sourcing, commodity management, or supplier management within a manufacturing or technology environment.

• Demonstrated success leading executive-level supplier negotiations, strategic sourcing initiatives, and long-term supplier partnerships that deliver measurable business value.

• Strong business acumen and analytical capabilities, with expertise in strategic sourcing, commodity management, spend analytics, supplier performance management, and supply risk mitigation.

• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders ranging from individual contributors to executive leadership and supplier C-suite executives.

• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop high-performing teams while collaborating across functions to achieve business objectives.

• Proficiency with ERP and procurement systems, Microsoft Excel, and data-driven decision-making tools.

• Ability to work in a standard office or hybrid environment, including prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and computer use.

• Ability to participate in meetings, presentations, supplier visits, and business reviews.

• Ability to lift and carry light materials, including laptops, documents, and product samples, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Ability to travel approximately 25-40% of the time to supplier locations and Novanta facilities.

• Travel may include executive supplier reviews, negotiations, escalations, and cross-functional collaboration activities.

• Flexibility to travel as business needs require.