The backyard barbecue is an American pastime, but we’ve lost something in our transition to the convenience of gas grills over the last 30 years. Eager to be rid of the messy and time-consuming experience of dumping a bag of charcoal on an aluminum grate and dousing it with lighter fluid, we embraced gas, on the promise it would do the job just as well. It doesn’t. 

Spark combines the artisanship of the pre-gas era with the technology of today to give cooks the authenticity, taste and character of charcoal without all the hassle. 

Spark Grills is a venture-backed startup based in Boulder, CO. Spark is reinventing the outdoor cooking experience by providing complete grilling systems consisting of a grill, custom charcoal fuel, and a mobile app. We are looking for a Director of Supply Chain to join our 30 person team. Our ideal candidate has experience leading supply chain functions in a startup environment and a strong history of professional growth within operations management. 

Reporting to the VP of Operations, you will spearhead our planning and supplier management team. The work will require creativity, persistence, and adaptability in a rapidly evolving business environment, and solid knowledge of various business functions. You must be willing to be hands-on, both leading and performing the work.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Forecasting, inventory planning, scheduling, and PO management for both in-house manufacturing and outsourced suppliers.
• Management of the commercial relationship with suppliers, including contracts, price, terms and conditions, service level, and performance.
• Sourcing and procurement, including quoting and qualifying new suppliers.
• Logistics management.
• Supervise employees and manage budgets within your scope of responsibility.
• Help us inspire people to connect with others through the act of cooking outside.
• Responsibilities may be adjusted depending on the candidate’s experience.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in business or engineering, or equivalent. Master’s degree in a relevant subject is preferred.
• 7-10+ years of management experience across multiple supply chain functions.
• Some startup experience is strongly preferred.
• Experience leading and coaching a team.
• Experience in consumer products.
• Experience managing overseas outsourced manufacturing suppliers, including metal fabrication, plastic molding, PCBA assembly, and final assembly.
• Strong knowledge of quality management systems. APICS certification and lean six sigma certification are plusses.
• Thorough understanding of ERP/MRP systems and working knowledge of  accounting as it relates to the supply chain.
• Exceptional spreadsheet and analytical skills.
• Energetic, organized, and able to operate at a fast pace.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive internal and external relationships.
• Strong negotiator.
• Willingness to travel internationally 25% (after travel restrictions are lifted).

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS

• Equity package in a venture-backed startup.
• Market based compensation.
• Comprehensive benefit options with a Spark contribution to health, vision, and dental insurance.
• Flexible scheduling and PTO policies.
• A fun team environment where we value spending time cooking together.
• Plenty of room for professional growth as part of a small but growing team.

DISCUSSION

We’re applying engineering, design, technology, and, above all, fresh thinking to reimagine the modern grilling experience. Wait what? Grilling is an American pastime. It’s part of our social fabric. Why change something that’s not broken? 

We believe parts of the experience and category are broken or stale. Even what’s working can be improved – but we can’t ruin what people already love. That’s a tough balance to strike. But we believe there’s a huge opportunity. 

Spark combines the artisanship of the pre-gas era with the technology of today to give cooks the authenticity, taste and character of charcoal without all the hassle.