Supply Chain Manager, United States

Duration: Two (2) year contract term position with the opportunity for renewal. Reports directly to the Global Supply Chain Director off activation, and to the Response Director on activation. Preferred locations: United States, within one (1) hour of an international airport (California, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Texas, Florida).

About the role

The Supply Chain Manager leads procurement and logistics operations to ensure rapid purchasing and delivery of essential food items to kitchen facilities and disaster-affected communities. This role thrives in dynamic, low-resource environments and plays a critical role in building and training locally led response teams to coordinate efficient and effective food resource provision.

Responsibilities

• Activation Management
  • Respond within four (4) hours notice to a disaster area to act as Supply Chain Manager, managing relief operations on the ground or remotely.
  • Lead and manage field teams specializing in supply chain, ensuring strategic and streamlined implementation of relief activities aligned with WCK's North Star values.
  • Design and implement adaptable, robust response strategies in high-stress, dynamic environments affected by natural disasters or conflicts.
  • Recruit, onboard, train, and manage supply chain teams, including local hires and Corps members. Consult on response scope and manage or implement supply chain operations.
  • Provide regular updates to the Response Director to ensure transparent information sharing across the organization.
  • Collaborate with all WCK departments on the ground or remotely to support activation needs.
  • Ensure smooth transitions and complete handovers between Managers and Response Corps team members during rotations.
  • Complete the After-Action Report process post-activation to collate and draw learnings for process improvement.
• Procurement and Logistics
  • Oversee all inventory and purchasing management systems, prioritizing local procurement. Negotiate with suppliers, manage inventory, and implement logistics strategies for seamless operations under challenging conditions.
  • Oversee local sourcing, transportation, storage, and distribution of supplies, adhering to WCK standards.
  • Create and oversee global supply chain systems on the ground to manage customs, freight forwarders, and order receipts.
• Kitchen Infrastructure
  • Build and maintain field kitchens, including plumbing, water filtration, propane, electricity, and HVAC.
  • Manage relationships with external vendors for equipment rentals, fresh water delivery, gray water removal, grease disposal, trash/recycling pickup, and fuel.
  • Establish teams to maintain, troubleshoot, and improve systems, ensuring safety as a top priority.
• Budgeting and Logistics
  • Work with the finance team and Response Director to share cost projections for supply chain operations, focusing on meal production and logistical needs.
  • Collaborate with the supply chain team to source materials efficiently and ensure timely delivery to affected areas.
• Personnel Management and Training
  • Recruit, train, and motivate diverse supply chain teams, fostering a high-performance culture aligned with WCK's mission and values.
  • Provide leadership, mentorship, and support to team members, promoting urgency, accountability, adaptability, and continuous learning.
  • Address personnel issues in real time and provide regular performance feedback to Corps members.
  • Support Corps member recruitment and manage personnel effectively to foster growth and a diverse pipeline of activation leadership.
  • Identify professional development needs and gaps in supply chain capabilities, arranging appropriate training and feedback for stakeholders.
• Community and Stakeholder Engagement
  • Build strong relationships with local communities, ensuring teams conduct outreach activities that enhance WCK's reputation as an effective, compassionate, and reliable relief organization.
  • Represent WCK in the field as an ambassador to beneficiaries, partners, and the media, as required.

Requirements

• Ability to spend up to 70% of the time in the field, with typical activations lasting four (4) weeks (longer durations possible). Must live within one (1) hour of an international airport or be willing to relocate.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently to remote and potentially hazardous locations within four hours notice.
• Bachelor's degree preferred, or 5+ years of experience in management roles in fast-paced, ever-changing environments (e.g., military, emergency response, culinary, humanitarian, or event management).
• Experience leading, training, and coaching large teams in challenging and rapidly changing environments.
• Ability to work independently with minimal infrastructure and resources.
• Willingness to work in austere living conditions (e.g., no running water, communications, or electricity; outdoor sleeping; bucket toilets).
• Ability to work well with others and take directions to protect yourself and the team.
• Demonstrated negotiation and diplomacy skills in complex and potentially volatile situations.
• Calm and composed demeanor during crises, with the capacity to make sound decisions under pressure.
• Physical fitness and stamina to work long hours in varying and extreme climates.
• Strong mental resilience and emotional intelligence to cope with stressors in conflict environments.
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity to positively engage with diverse local communities.
• Fluency in English required; proficiency in additional languages relevant to common disaster or conflict zones (e.g., Spanish, French, Portuguese) is highly desirable.
• Valid Driver's License and Passport.

Benefits

• Innovative environment with a forward-thinking team that values creativity and innovation.
• Global impact through direct contributions to building a diverse and talented team.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and career development.
• Dynamic, supportive, and collaborative team culture.

Pay

Salary range: $80,000 - $100,000 USD (depends on experience).