Company Description
At ECD Automotive Design, we have a vision & drive to create, build & bring to life the best custom vehicles on the planet. The role of our team is fundamental to the success of our product, brand & business growth. Being selected to do this makes you part of an incredibly special product & culture. The purpose of the job description is to give you absolute clarity in the role you play & the impact it has on our totally unique product.
Position Summary
The Director of Supply Chain is responsible for leading all supply chain operations, including procurement, supplier management, inventory control, logistics, and production planning. This role ensures the timely delivery of high-quality components required for vehicle manufacturing while maintaining cost efficiency and supply reliability.
In a low-volume automotive manufacturing environment, the role requires a hands-on leader capable of balancing strategic supplier relationships with daily operational execution.
Key Responsibilities
Supply Chain Strategy
- Develop and execute supply chain strategies aligned with production targets and business growth.
- Identify opportunities to improve cost efficiency, lead times, and supplier reliability.
- Build scalable supply chain processes suitable for low-volume automotive production.
Procurement & Supplier Management
- Manage sourcing and purchasing of automotive components, including powertrain, electrical systems, body panels, and interior components.
- Develop and maintain strategic relationships with domestic and international suppliers.
- Negotiate pricing, lead times, and supplier agreements.
- Identify alternate suppliers to mitigate supply risks.
Production Planning
- Align purchasing and supplier schedules with vehicle production plans.
- Coordinate closely with production, engineering, and quality teams.
- Ensure materials availability to meet build schedules and customer delivery timelines.
Inventory Management
- Establish optimal inventory levels to balance cash flow with production continuity.
- Implement inventory control processes for raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods.
- Monitor inventory accuracy and turnover.
Logistics & Distribution
- Manage inbound logistics and freight coordination for domestic and international suppliers.
- Optimize shipping methods, costs, and delivery reliability.
- Ensure compliance with import/export regulations where applicable.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with key departments & roles on new component sourcing and product changes.
- Partner with Finance to manage purchasing budgets and cost controls.
- Support Production leadership in resolving material shortages and supply disruptions.
Systems & Process Improvement
- Implement and manage ERP/MRP systems to support supply chain operations.
- Develop supply chain KPIs and reporting dashboards.
- Continuously improve supply chain processes to support business growth.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Supplier on-time delivery rate
- Production line material availability
- Inventory turnover
- Cost reduction/supplier savings
- Supplier quality performance
- Production schedule adherence
Qualifications
Experience
- 7–12+ years supply chain experience
- 3–5+ years of leadership experience
- Automotive or manufacturing experience preferred
- Experience with low-volume or complex product manufacturing strongly preferred
Skills
- Supplier negotiation and sourcing
- Production planning and scheduling
- Inventory management
- ERP/MRP systems (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics 365, NetSuite, or SAP)
- Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, or Engineering
- MBA or advanced certification a plus
Leadership Expectations
The Director of Supply Chain will:
- Build and mentor a high-performing supply chain team
- Create a culturee of accountability and continuous improvement
- Act as a key operational leader supporting production growth
- Ensure supply chain resilience in a dynamic manufacturing environment
