Supply Chain Director

About the Company

CTS Corporation is a long-established technology company focused on smart, connected solutions that help power an intelligent and seamless world. Originating in 1896 as Chicago Telephone Supply Company, the business has grown into a global designer and manufacturer of sensors, actuators, and electronic components serving original equipment manufacturers and suppliers across transportation, medical, aerospace and defense, industrial, and other diversified markets. With more than 20 sites across 12 countries and over 3,500 employees, CTS emphasizes quality, innovation, safety, and meaningful technology.

Role Overview

This leadership role reports to the Vice President of Global Operations and is responsible for building a strategic roadmap that strengthens demand planning, supply planning, logistics, and supplier collaboration. The position is focused on creating and rolling out best practices across materials and logistics for the business unit, while translating business goals into execution plans that improve performance and competitive position. It requires a strong focus on team development, Lean Six Sigma, continuous improvement, KPI execution, and cross-functional leadership across multiple global sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive both strategic and day-to-day actions to ensure supply continuity for customers and internal needs while balancing raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods inventory.
• Build and implement a purchasing strategy for the AMS business unit, including current-state analysis, opportunity identification, target-state definition, and action planning to close gaps.
• Introduce and apply world-class supply chain models and operating methods across the scope of the role.
• Oversee regulatory compliance related to sourcing and purchasing activities.
• Strengthen a high-performing global organization through regular KPI tracking and close coordination with plant teams.
• Create and execute a materials and logistics roadmap that improves revenue, cost, cash flow, inventory efficiency, and customer experience.
• Participate in supply and procurement decision-making and contribute to long-term strategic planning.
• Work closely with the Purchasing team in the S&M business unit to identify shared opportunities and coordination points.
• Continue building supply chain and procurement capabilities by pursuing improvement opportunities and applying lessons learned across the network.
• Define leading and lagging indicators across business lines to improve forecast and predictive accuracy.
• Advance ERP usage and expertise throughout the team.
• Lead, coach, and develop the Supply Chain organization for the AMS business unit.
• Support deployment of the CTS Operating System across all locations to improve alignment and results.

Required Background

• Hands-on manufacturing exposure with a strong understanding of global manufacturing operations.
• Proven experience in customer service, supplier management, and inter-company supply processes.
• Practical knowledge of lean manufacturing and supply chain transformation.
• Substantial purchasing experience in an international business environment.
• Familiarity with maquiladora legal requirements and procedures in Mexico.
• Ability to influence outcomes in a matrixed organization.
• Strong analytical ability to interpret data, identify patterns, and spot anomalies.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and comfort working with colleagues at all levels of the company.
• Collaborative mindset and the ability to thrive in a team-based environment.
• Willingness to keep learning and adapt continuously.
• Proven history of building high-performing teams.
• Strong business judgment, executive presence, and communication skills for working across functions and regions.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed, up to 50% at times.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, economics, supply chain management, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in a comparable leadership role within a global organization of similar scale and complexity.
• Deep knowledge of electronics manufacturing, automotive, defense, or a closely related industry.
• Experience negotiating and managing large-scale global supply and outsourced partnerships.
• Demonstrated success in developing high-performing teams.
• Experience with SAP.

Compensation and Benefits

The expected annual base salary for this role is $175,000 to $210,000. The position is also eligible for variable pay, which may be paid as a bonus or in another form. Salary decisions are based on a range of factors, including skills, experience, qualifications, market conditions, and business needs.

Full-time employees may also receive the following benefits: health benefits, 401(k), paid time off, holiday pay, employee assistance program, paid parental leave, pet insurance, and tuition reimbursement.

Eligibility and Additional Notes

Applicants must have valid work authorization for the United States and must not require current or future visa sponsorship. CTS is an equal opportunity employer and makes hiring decisions based on merit, qualifications, and ability, in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application process, contact Human Resources at 630-577-8811. All applications must be submitted online.

The company does not use lie detector testing as a condition of employment or continued employment. No agencies please; unsolicited resumes and agency outreach are not accepted.

For more information, CTS also references its global privacy policy.