Job Description
CRS is seeking an experienced Supply Chain professional to be the Director of Inventory, Transportation, and Logistics (ITL). S/he is responsible for global transportation management in terms of people, process, systems and infrastructure, which includes: 1) the selection and management of 3PLs; 2) the development and application of best practices and policies for the movement of goods and people internationally and within the complex operating environments in which CRS works; 3) identification of strategies and tools to help CRS enhance our visibility of our product movement through the supply chain to the beneficiaries; 4) Use of KPIs to improve the flow of goods and people; 5) Key knowledge of Oracle Inventory Management.
This position reports to the head of Global Supply Chain Management (GSCM) and manages a team of 8-10 people. Given the global nature of CRS’ supply chain, as well as the decentralized nature of our programming, it is important that the director be a natural leader and have a strong background in relationship building and influencing. Relevant operational experience would also be of great value.
Detailed Responsibilities
Leadership and Strategy
Under The Overall Leadership Of The GSCM Leader, In Close Collaboration With Other GSCM Directors, And In Consultation With Her/his Team
- Define and implement the strategy for inventory, transportation and logistics for the short to long term, both internally and in service to partners. Ensure that strategy is well aligned with Global Procurement and is captured in the larger GSCM strategy in furtherance of the Agency’s 2030 strategy.
- Facilitate the strategic positioning as a global industry leader in the movement of food products, health products, humanitarian emergency relief goods, last mile logistics, and fleet management, as applicable.
- Ensure that field-focused aspects of strategies, tactical decisions, and solutions are given adequate consideration and are sufficiently addressed.
- Support the development and deployment of evidence-based, practical policies and standards that promote best practices and compliance. Ensure that internal policies, industry standards, as well as national and donor compliance requirements, are understood and adhered to by all staff undertaking SCM activities, as well as all other internal stakeholders.
- Prioritize GSCM-ITL engagement, and ensure coordination of interventions by staff, regional leadership, and other departments in support of Country Programs and Agency initiatives.
Transportation and Logistics
- Oversee the Shipping team to ensure management and performance monitoring of external logistics partners (e.g. freight forwarders) in the service of USG gift-in-kind shipments, Personal Effects Shipments (Household Goods Moves), and internally procured goods.
- Review the Shipping team’s backstopping priorities and identify ways to move from a focus on gift-in-kind to broader management of the full range of international shipping activities in collaboration with Global Procurement, as well as other relevant departments.
- Champion home-grown creative action. Enable the Shipping team to design, implement, and maintain international transportation tools to increase visibility of international shipments as they move through the pipeline.
- Develop a global support strategy for logistics and transportation staff in Country Programs, including the creation and roll-out of guidance, contract templates for transporters, forms and formats, relevant logistics and transportation orientation and learning material, standard performance objectives for staff, etc.
- Develop metrics and analyze transportation/freight data to drive best-in-class service.
Inventory Management
- With the Inventory Leader, develop and implement an Inventory Strategy and action plan as part of the overall GSCM strategy and based on the Oracle SCM Inventory Management Module.
- Improve Cycle Counting and Physical Inventory Processes and Outcomes.
- Ensure the creation and adoption of standard and consistent inventory management KPIs for continuous improvement.
- Develop standardized orientation and training programs for personnel involved in inventory management operations.
Relationships
- Build and maintain positive relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, to build trust, influence and facilitate the collaborative development and acceptance of new ILT strategies, policies, procedures, processes and practices.
- Represent field-focused ILT priorities on cross-functional initiatives. Engage regularly with teams such as donor engagement, programming, finance, compliance, legal, internal audit, and technology (IT/ICT4D), to ensure strong and effective communication and collaboration.
- Represent CRS in relevant external settings, including meetings with donors, key suppliers and service providers, peer organizations, industry bodies, and lead or participate in negotiations for collaboration, partnership or complex contractual arrangements as necessary, in collaboration with the GSCM Senior Director.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Supervises directly a team of sector-specific managers and specialists (shipping, fleet, inventory)
Personal Attributes
- A proactive and innovative leader with excellent analytic and problem-solving, interpersonal, oral and written communication, presentation, and analytical skills.
- Strong relationship skills: track record of leading high performing teams, able to collaborate well with autonomous expert peers, demonstrated capacity to lead by influence.
Key Working Relationships
INTERNAL (HQ): Other GSCM Sub-Units (Global Procurement, Shipping, and Systems & Performance), Finance; Audit; All Units in HQ OverOps/Programs, Humanitarian Response Department (HRD), GKIM (IT), ICT4D, and the ERP Project Team.
INTERNAL (Regions/Field): Deputy Regional Directors for Management Quality, Regional Advisors for SCM, relevant Chiefs of Party; Heads of Operations, Supply Chain Managers, Procurement Managers.
EXTERNAL: Major donors - especially USG (USAID-BHA and USDA) - peer organizations’ SCM leaders, industry suppliers and service providers.
Qualifications
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- At least 10 years of international experience in a relevant field, such as general supply chain, logistics, transportation, and/or inventory management. Experience working with USG or other major donors preferred.
- Post graduate qualification in a relevant field, such as supply chain, management, finance, business, or a related discipline. Bachelor’s degree with commensurate relevant experience may be considered.
- Strong people and leadership skills, with proven ability to lead internationally dispersed, telecommuting or matrixed teams.
- Willingness and ability to travel overseas up to 20%, including remote and/or difficult operating environments, for assessments and to provide in-person technical assistance to field programs.
- Fluency in English; working ability in French, Spanish or Arabic a plus.
- Working fluency with Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Outlook, SharePoint) required.
- Working knowledge of Oracle Cloud preferred.
- Familiarity with relevant legislative and regulatory requirements, as well as understanding of standard contractual terms and conditions to mitigate legal risk strongly preferred.
Agency REDI Competencies (for All CRS Staff)
- Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.
- Acts with Integrity - Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission. Is considered honest.
- Builds and Maintains Trust - Shows consistency between words and actions.
- Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
- Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.
Agency Leadership Competencies
- Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
- Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
- Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.
What We Offer
CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, generous retirement savings plan and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven culture that is committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.
- Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.
Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.
Note: All positions requiring residence or frequent travel outside their home country must undergo and clear a pre-employment medical examination.
CRS' talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people - especially children and vulnerable adults - to live free from abuse and harm.
EOE/M/F/D/V - CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. (For all US and International positions)
About Us
Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Catholic Relief Services works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. Catholic Relief Services’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
CRS welcomes candidates from the countries and regions in which we work. In the event the successful candidate is an expatriate or global telecommuter, the anticipated duration of the assignment is informed by a term limit, based on the type and level of the job and the needs of the agency.
CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants, community members, staff and volunteers from all forms of exploitation and abuse.The successful candidate is expected to sign and adhere to CRS´ Code of Conduct.
CRS talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people - especially children and vulnerable adults - to live free from abuse and harm.
Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.
CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
About The Team
General Requirements
CRS offers are contingent on the selected candidate’s ability to legally work where the position is to be performed. Every government has a unique set of work permit eligibility requirements
. All positions requiring residence or frequent travel outside a home country must undergo and clear a pre-employment medical clearance; some work permit processes require clearing a separate government administered medical examination.
CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens/ permanent residents of the countries where we have CRS offices.
