Join Swish as Director, Supply Chain
About Swish:
Swish is a proudly Canadian, family-owned company that has been operating since 1956. From coast to coast, we help communities feel confident that the spaces where they work and live are clean, safe, and hygienic. We are Canada’s source for high-quality cleaning supplies and equipment, offering professional-grade, environmentally responsible solutions tailored to our customers’ needs. Our product and service categories include: Hand Hygiene, Surface Disinfecting, Kitchen, Laundry & Warewash, Floor Care & Matting, Cleaning Tools & Powered Equipment, Safety, PPE, and more. At Swish, our people are at the heart of everything we do.
About the Role:
The Director, Supply Chain is responsible for leading Swish’s Supply Chain team and overseeing category management, purchasing, supplier relationships, inventory flow, working capital and supply chain performance.
This role provides strategic leadership to the Category Managers and Supply Chain Coordinator and works closely with Sales, Marketing, e-Commerce, Operations, Finance, and Branch leadership to ensure the right products are available at the right time, in the right quantities, and at the right cost.
The Director is accountable for developing and executing supply chain strategies that support growth, profitability, inventory productivity, supplier performance, and customer service.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead, coach, and develop the Supply Chain team, including Category Managers and Supply Chain Coordinator.
- Develop and execute supply chain and category strategies aligned with company objectives.
- Oversee product portfolio management, SKU rationalization, sourcing, purchasing, and supplier performance.
- Ensure appropriate product availability while balancing service levels, inventory investment, and working capital.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, Branch and Operations Managers, and internal business partners.
- Lead negotiations on supplier pricing, terms, rebates, programs, and other commercial agreements.
- Accountable for achieving annual rebate, margin, cost, and other supply chain performance targets.
- Partner with Sales, Marketing, and e-Commerce on product strategy, vendor selection, launches, promotions, and growth initiatives.
- Establish and monitor supply chain metrics and KPIs, including supplier performance, inventory, product availability, and category performance.
- Oversee SKU, supplier, and product data management and drive continued improvement in ERP and PIM data quality.
- Identify and manage supply risks, including shortages, backorders, supplier concentration, and obsolete or slow-moving inventory.
- Partner with Finance on inventory management, forecasting, budgeting, and working capital initiatives.
- Drive continuous improvement across supply chain processes, reporting, systems, and ways of working.
- Provide leadership on supplier escalations, complex sourcing requirements, and strategic procurement initiatives.
- Perform other duties and participate in business initiatives as assigned.
What You Bring:
- Post-secondary education in Business, Supply Chain, Merchandising, Operations, or a related field preferred (equivalent work experience will be considered)
- 7+ years of progressive experience in supply chain, purchasing, procurement, category management, or a related field, including leadership experience.
- Strong knowledge of procurement, inventory management, category management, and supplier relationship management.
- Demonstrated experience negotiating supplier agreements, pricing, terms, rebates, and commercial programs.
- Strong business and financial acumen with an understanding of margins, inventory, working capital, and product performance.
- Strong leadership skills with demonstrated ability to coach, develop, and lead a high-performing team.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, presentation, and relationship-management skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate data into business decisions.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and complex initiatives.
- Experience working with ERP systems; Epicor P21 experience is considered an asset.
- Strong Microsoft Excel and/or Google Sheets skills.
- Supply chain designation such as SCMP or equivalent is considered an asset.
Job Details & What We Offer
A people-first company
- Membership in the Swish family — we treat our employees with integrity and have since 1956
The role
- Location: Peterborough, Ontario
- Salary Range: $100,000 to $130,000 (based on skills and experience)
- Variable compensation: Annual performance bonus eligibility
- Vacation: Starting at 4 weeks
Benefits from Day 1
- Company-paid Extended Health & Dental Care
- Company contributions to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)
- Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
Extras that matter
- Rewards & Recognition program that celebrates great work and meaningful contributions
- Access to hundreds of employee discounts across home, wellness, travel, fashion, and more
- Unlimited training and development with an industry-leading brand to help you grow your career
Role Information:
Newly created role that evolved from an existing vacancy
Equal Opportunity
Swish is an equal opportunity employer offering a competitive compensation and benefits package, along with excellent opportunities for professional development and advancement within a growing Canadian organization.
Accessibility & Accommodation
Swish is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment and workplace experience in accordance with applicable human rights and accessibility legislation across Canada. Accommodation is available upon request throughout the recruitment and selection process. Applicants requiring accommodation may contact Human Resources at any stage.
Pre-Employment Screening
Swish is committed to maintaining a safe and secure work environment. As a condition of employment, candidates will be required to complete background screening, including criminal record checks where permitted by law and where relevant to the position, or where required by client sites. For roles involving the operation of a company motor vehicle, a valid driver’s license and a satisfactory driver’s abstract will also be required.
AI Disclosure
Swish uses artificial intelligence technology to assist in the initial screening and assessment of applications. AI is used only as a support tool; no hiring decisions are made solely by automated systems. All final hiring decisions are made by a human. We are committed to a hiring process that maintains the highest integrity and prioritizes a fair, positive experience for every candidate.
