Global Director, Materials and Transportation

Interface is a global flooring solutions company and sustainability leader, offering an integrated portfolio of carpet tile and resilient flooring products that includes Interface carpet tile and LVT, nora rubber flooring, and FLOR premium area rugs for commercial and residential spaces. Made with purpose and without compromise, Interface flooring brings more sophisticated design, more performance, more innovation, and more climate progress to interior spaces. A decades-long pioneer in sustainability, Interface remains "all in" on becoming a restorative business. Today, the company is focusing on carbon reductions, not offsets, as it works toward achieving its verified science-based targets by 2030 and its goal to become a carbon negative enterprise by 2040.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a dynamic, experienced Global Director of Direct Material and Transportation to lead the strategic transition of our sourcing and procurement operations from a localized model to a globally aligned category management structure. This new role is critical to driving our global supply chain transformation in the flooring industry, enhancing operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in both material procurement and transportation management, with a proven track record of building and managing global supply chains. This leader will collaborate with cross-functional teams to shape and execute a global sourcing strategy, align procurement with corporate goals, and drive continuous improvement in material and transportation operations.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Global Sourcing & Procurement Leadership:

* Lead the transition from localized sourcing/procurement teams to a globally aligned category management framework.

* Develop and execute a comprehensive global sourcing strategy, ensuring alignment with the company's strategic objectives.

* Oversee global supplier identification, evaluation, selection, and relationship management, focusing on key materials and transportation providers.

* Optimize material procurement processes for cost reduction, efficiency, and sustainability, ensuring the supply chain is resilient and responsive to market changes.

2. Category Management Development:

* Design and implement a global category management framework, standardizing procurement practices across regions while allowing flexibility for local market needs.

* Partner with internal stakeholders (Product Development, Manufacturing, and Finance) to identify and prioritize material and transportation categories for strategic sourcing.

* Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand the total cost of ownership for materials and transportation, developing comprehensive cost models.

3. Transportation & Logistics Optimization:

* Partner with our supply chain planning teams to lead global transportation strategies, optimizing shipping, freight, and logistics to improve cost efficiency, service levels, and environmental impact.

* Develop and manage transportation networks and relationships with third-party logistics providers to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of materials.

* Integrate transportation strategies with material procurement to improve overall supply chain performance.

4. Supplier Performance & Risk Management:

* Implement a supplier performance management program, ensuring consistent quality, on-time delivery, and cost competitiveness across global suppliers.

* Identify and mitigate risks in the global supply chain related to material shortages, transportation disruptions, and geopolitical factors.

* Drive initiatives to ensure supplier compliance with sustainability, ethical sourcing, and corporate responsibility standards.

5. Leadership & Team Development:

* Build, mentor, and lead with influence to create a high-performing global sourcing and procurement team, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

* Provide guidance and coaching to team members in best practices for procurement, negotiations, and supplier relationship management.

* Establish clear KPIs and performance targets for the material and transportation teams, holding individuals accountable for performance and results.

6. Data-Driven Decision Making & Reporting:

* Leverage advanced analytics and data-driven insights to make informed decisions regarding material procurement, supplier performance, and transportation optimization.

* Develop and present regular reports on procurement and transportation performance, cost savings, and supply chain risks to executive leadership.

* Use technology and innovation to drive efficiencies and improvements within the global supply chain, exploring automation, digital tools, and advanced forecasting methodologies.

7. Collaboration with Internal Stakeholders:

* Collaborate with key internal teams, including manufacturing, logistics, finance, and product development, to align procurement and transportation strategies with broader organizational goals.

* Work closely with regional supply chain teams to ensure smooth execution of global strategies at the local level, addressing regional challenges and opportunities.

Qualifications:

* Education: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.

* Certification: CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) Certification through Institute of Supply Management or comparable certification or willingness to become certified.

* Experience: 10+ years of experience in material procurement and transportation management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role overseeing global supply chain operations, preferably in the manufacturing or flooring industry.

* Proven Expertise:

* Strong background in leading global sourcing and procurement transformations, particularly moving from a localized model to a global category management structure.

* Extensive experience in transportation management, including logistics, freight optimization, and third-party logistics provider management.

* Expertise in negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, and driving cost reductions while maintaining high-quality standards.

* Skills:

* Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to build and motivate high-performing global teams.

* Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.

* Advanced data analysis and reporting skills, with proficiency in supply chain software and ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.).

* Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.

Preferred Skills/Experience:

* Experience in the flooring or related manufacturing industries is highly preferred.

* Familiarity with sustainability initiatives and how they apply to material sourcing and transportation management.

* Fluency in multiple languages is a plus, as the role requires frequent interaction with global suppliers and teams.