Job Description

Job Title: Manager of Supply Chain
Location: Saint John, New Brunswick
TP-JDI-8792
Established in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) is a proudly Canadian, family-owned business with operations in Canada and the United States. With over 20,000 dedicated employees, JDI is committed to operational excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth.
J.D. Irving, Limited continues to grow by investing in its people, delivering exceptional products, and providing outstanding service. The organization is widely recognized for its leadership in environmental stewardship, cutting-edge innovation, and meaningful contributions to the communities it serves.
Meridia is happy to partner with JDI in their search for a Manager of Supply Chain in Saint John, New Brunswick.
Role Description
As the Manager of Supply Chain, you will be a hands-on, operational leader responsible for overseeing day-to-day procurement, sourcing, and supply chain activities. This position demands an active, on-the-ground presence to ensure efficiency, standardization, and problem-solving across sites. You will engage directly with teams, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to drive operational performance while developing people leadership capabilities to support future growth and succession planning.
Travel and Site Presence
This role requires a strong site presence and regular travel between locations. You will spend time on-site with operations teams, suppliers, and partners to understand challenges firsthand and ensure alignment between procurement and operational objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
Operational Supply Chain Leadership

• Oversee and manage end-to-end supply chain operations, ensuring alignment with divisional and corporate goals.
• Lead the development and implementation of standardized procurement and sourcing processes across teams and locations.
• Monitor supply chain performance metrics and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

Strategic Sourcing & Procurement

• Build and execute sourcing strategies for critical materials, services, and capital equipment.
• Negotiate commercial terms and contracts with suppliers to ensure optimal value, quality, and delivery timelines.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to align procurement decisions with technical requirements and project schedules.

Vendor & Stakeholder Management

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and service providers.
• Evaluate supplier performance and develop strategies to mitigate risk and improve reliability.
• Act as a liaison between supply chain and internal stakeholders to ensure seamless coordination and communication.

Team Development & Leadership

• Lead, coach, and mentor a high-performing supply chain team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence.
• Support succession planning by identifying and developing future leaders within the team.
• Strengthen team capabilities in procurement and supply chain management.
• Promote a safety-first mindset and ensure compliance with all corporate policies and regulatory standards.
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
• Identify and implement process improvements, cost efficiencies, and technology enhancements.
• Lead initiatives that enhance agility, responsiveness, and scalability of supply chain operations.
• Stay informed of industry trends and best practices to drive innovation and maintain competitive advantage.

Ideal Qualifications

• Degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field,
• 5+ years of experience in supply chain management, procurement, or sourcing.
• Proven success in operational environments, demonstrating adaptability and responsiveness.
• Strong understanding of procurement practices, sourcing strategies, and supply chain fundamentals.
• Experience with supply chain systems, reporting tools, and performance metrics.
• Demonstrated ability to improve and standardize workflows.
• Comfortable working across multiple sites and engaging directly with operational teams and suppliers.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.
• Practical, results-driven mindset focused on operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Working knowledge of financial principles related to supply chain operations.
• Fluency in English; French considered an asset.

Why Join JDI?
Operational Impact: Be directly involved in hands-on supply chain activities within a large, diversified organization.
Leadership Development: Play a key role in building foundational practices, developing talent, and preparing future leaders.
Career Growth: Take on meaningful responsibilities with opportunities for advancement across JDI's divisions.
Collaborative Culture: Work in a supportive, team-oriented environment that values problem-solving and continuous improvement.
Competitive Compensation: Enjoy a comprehensive salary and benefits package, with relocation support available, if required.
Purpose-Driven Work: Contribute to a company recognized for its environmental leadership, innovation, and community engagement.
To express interest in this opportunity please apply online by clicking "Apply Now" below.
For more information contact Thomas Pugh, Partner, at 902-818-4506 and or Heather Simmons, Sr. Recruitment Specialist at 902-421-2335 and . If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.
Meridia Recruitment Solutions connects leading organizations with top talent by building strong relationships and creating ideal matches with candidates because we are only successful when you are. We appreciate your interest in this opportunity.
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