AI use among transportation, storage, and distribution managers is little observed so far. Measured exposure for transportation, storage, and distribution managers: 10% (little observed).

Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.

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About the job

Position Summary

The Sr. Director Global Supply Chain & Business Systems is responsible for the strategic leadership, management, and continuous improvement of Advantest Interconnect Solutions' global supply chain, raw material management, outsourced manufacturing operations, and enterprise business systems. This role provides enterprise-wide leadership across all AIS business units, including PCB manufacturing, PCBA operations, and socket manufacturing.

Working in parallel with and as a key partner to the Chief Operating Officer, this position ensures the effective planning, procurement, movement, availability, and management of materials, supplier relationships, outsourced manufacturing resources, and operational systems required to support AIS's global operations and growth objectives.

The Sr. Director will lead the teams responsible for supply chain planning, strategic sourcing, procurement, materials management, outsourced manufacturing management, inventory optimization, ERP and operational systems administration, and supporting business process development. The role is responsible for developing scalable processes, strengthening supplier partnerships, mitigating supply risks, and enabling operational excellence across all AIS facilities and external partners.

This position reports to either the Chief Operating Officer or Chief Executive Officer.

Key Responsibilities

Global Supply Chain Leadership

Develop and execute a comprehensive global supply chain strategy aligned with AIS business objectives, customer commitments, and financial targets.

Lead all procurement, sourcing, materials management, planning, logistics, inventory control, and supplier management activities across AIS.

Establish long-term sourcing strategies for critical raw materials, components, and services.

Drive cost reduction, quality improvement, supply assurance, and risk mitigation initiatives throughout the global supply chain.

Develop strategic supplier partnerships that support growth, capacity expansion, and technology roadmaps.

Raw Material & Inventory Management

Oversee enterprise-wide raw material planning, procurement, allocation, and inventory management.

Ensure material availability to support customer demand while optimizing inventory investment and working capital.

Develop forecasting processes and inventory strategies to improve material flow and operational responsiveness.

Monitor supply chain risks and implement contingency plans to mitigate disruptions.

Outsourced Manufacturing & Strategic Partners

Lead AIS relationships with outsourced manufacturing partners and contract manufacturers.

Establish performance metrics, quality standards, delivery requirements, and commercial agreements with external suppliers.

Ensure outsourced operations support customer requirements, capacity needs, and financial objectives.

Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence throughout the external manufacturing network.

Coordinate capacity planning and production allocation across internal and outsourced manufacturing resources.

Enterprise Systems & Business Process Leadership

Own the strategy, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of enterprise business systems supporting AIS operations.

Lead teams responsible for ERP systems, supply chain planning systems, reporting platforms, and operational process automation.

Ensure business systems support operational efficiency, business scalability, data integrity, and decision-making.

Partner with Information Technology and business leaders to identify and implement digital transformation initiatives.

Drive process standardization and best practices across global operations.

Cross-Functional Leadership

Partner closely with the COO, Engineering, Sales, Operations, Finance, and Quality organizations to align supply chain strategies with business priorities.

Support customer engagement activities related to supply assurance, capacity planning, lead time management, and operational readiness.

Participate in annual operating plan development, capacity planning, and strategic growth initiatives.

Lead cross-functional teams to improve operational performance, customer satisfaction, and profitability.

Organizational Leadership

Build, develop, and lead a high-performing global team responsible for supply chain, materials management, outsourced operations, and business systems.

Establish performance metrics, operating reviews, and accountability systems.

Develop succession plans and leadership development programs for critical functional areas.

Foster a culture of operational excellence, continuous improvement, collaboration, and customer focus.

Key Performance Indicators

Material availability and on-time supply performance

Inventory turns and working capital optimization

Supplier quality and delivery performance

Cost reduction and procurement savings

Outsourced manufacturing performance and capacity utilization

ERP and business systems effectiveness

Operational productivity improvements

Customer delivery performance

Supply chain risk management and continuity

Support of AIS growth and profitability objectives