The Senior Vice President of Supply Chain is the top executive leading the Company's end-to-end supply chain strategy, including planning, procurement, inventory management, warehousing, logistics, distribution, customer fulfillment, and supplier partnerships. This role is responsible for improving service levels, operational efficiency, cost performance, working capital, supply continuity, and organizational capability while supporting the Company's growth objectives. Reporting to the President, this leader partners closely with Operations, Marketing, Sales, Finance, and Executive Leadership to align supply chain performance with business priorities. This position is based out of our Neptune City, NJ facility 5x a week.

MEASURES OF SUCCESS

Procurement & Strategic Sourcing:

Direct global and domestic procurement strategies for raw materials, components, and packaging to optimize cost, quality, and supply continuity. Oversee vendor relationships, contract negotiations, supplier risk management, and supplier quality standards.

Demand Planning & Inventory Management:

Lead Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) / Integrated Business Planning (IBP) processes to align demand forecasts with manufacturing capacity. Establish robust inventory strategies (raw materials, WIP, and finished goods) to optimize working capital and minimize backorders or obsolescence.

Logistics & Transportation:

Drive inbound and outbound freight strategies, carrier selection, route optimization, and rate negotiations across all transport modes. Ensure proper vendor regulatory compliance, international trade/customs management, and fleet operation efficiency.

Warehousing & Distribution:

Direct internal warehouse and distribution operations to drive cost-effective performance, safety compliance, and precise inventory control. Implement strategic warehouse management initiatives that optimize storage utilization, elevate throughput, and maximize order fulfillment efficiency (please include the ecommerce and direct-to-consumer aspects in this section).

External / Contract

Manufacturing (Co-Man): Manage relationships and performance metrics for contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) and co-packers. Integrate external manufacturing capacity into overall production schedules to meet surging business demands and specialty production requirements.

Sustainability and Compliance:

Implement eco-friendly packaging, ethical sourcing, and regulatory compliance across all manufacturing hubs.

IDEAL CANDIDATE ATTRIBUTES

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Supply Chain Management (required). 15+ years CPG supply chain experience; 10+ years in supply chain leadership roles (specifically Manufacturing). Strong integrated supply chain and IBP expertise; deep understanding of Pet supply chain complexity and interdependencies (including DSD). Proven leadership in large organizational transformation; strong business/financial acumen with comfort managing P&L, results analysis, and monthly reporting. Collaborative/influential leadership style with ability to drive accountability across a matrix organization. At Central Garden & Pet (

NASDAQ:

CENT and CENTA), we believe home is at the center of our lives, and our employees are driven by our purpose to nurture happy and healthy homes. Our company is made up of thousands of people across North America, with an emerging footprint across the U.K., Mexico, China, and Canada - all dedicated to helping gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. We are united by our mission to lead the future of the garden and pet industries…one blade of grass and one wagging tail at a time. Visit our website at www.central.com to learn more. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.