Supply Chain Advisor Interim Procurement & Logistics Executive

Position Title: Hands-On Supply Chain Advisor / Interim Procurement & Logistics Executive

Client: Private Equity-Backed Compressed Gas Solutions Distributor Location: Primarily remote with required on-site presence in Ohio (flexible travel expectations) Engagement Type: Contract/Consulting (Full-time equivalent 40 hours/week) Start Date: Immediate / As soon as possible Duration: Initial 612 months (with potential for extension based on results) Compensation: Highly competitive and flexible; client prioritizes specialized expertise over budget constraints (open to discussion on structure including day rate project fee or equity incentives)

Company Overview Our client is a private equity-backed $50M revenue asset-light distributor of compressed gas solutions headquartered in Ohio. The business focuses on last-mile logistics and distribution of industrial bulk and compressed gases (e.g. oxygen nitrogen argon CO2 and related products) to a diverse customer base across manufacturing welding food & beverage healthcare and other industrial sectors.

The company manages a complex network of over 200 suppliers in a highly consolidated market dominated by global majors (e.g. Linde Air Liquide formerly Praxair). Many suppliers double as direct competitors creating ongoing challenges in pricing leverage contract negotiations and relationship management. With leadership transitioning and limited direct gas industry experience at the executive level the business is seeking immediate impactful improvements in cost reduction procurement strategy and logistical optimization to drive EBITDA growth and operational efficiency.

Role Overview We are seeking an experienced hands-on supply chain leader to serve as a strategic executor and advisor. This is not a traditional advisory roleyou will roll up your sleeves to directly implement changes negotiate with suppliers redesign networks and deliver measurable cost savings and process improvements quickly. Reporting to the executive team and collaborating closely with private equity sponsors you will have full authority to drive procurement and logistics initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Immediately assess and optimize the current procurement strategy across 200 suppliers focusing on bulk/compressed gas categories to secure better pricing terms and volume commitments.
• Negotiate and restructure key vendor contracts leveraging deep industry knowledge to counter competitive dynamics where suppliers are also rivals.
• Identify and execute cost-reduction opportunities (targeting 1020% savings in COGS where feasible) through supplier consolidation alternative sourcing rebate programs and strategic partnerships.
• Optimize the last-mile logistics and distribution network including route planning fleet utilization inventory placement and delivery efficiency to reduce transportation costs and improve service levels.
• Develop and implement an overarching supply chain strategy aligned with PE value creation goals including risk mitigation supplier diversification and scalability for future growth.
• Provide executive-level reporting dashboards and recommendations to leadership and investors on progress savings achieved and forward-looking initiatives.
• Collaborate with operations finance and sales teams to ensure supply chain changes support customer service and revenue objectives.
• Travel to Ohio for on-site presence as needed (e.g. supplier meetings facility reviews team alignment).

Required Qualifications & Experience

• 10 years of progressive experience in supply chain procurement and operations within the compressed/industrial gases sector (essential).
• Direct prior experience working for or closely with major global players (e.g. Linde Air Liquide Air Products former Praxair) in procurement distribution or operations roles.
• Proven track record navigating the independent distributor landscape alongside large consolidated suppliers and competitors.
• Significant experience in private equity-backed environments including interim/executive roles focused on 100-day plans cost transformation and value creation initiatives.
• Deep expertise in bulk gas operations including sourcing pricing dynamics cylinder/bulk logistics last-mile delivery and regulatory/safety considerations.
• Strong negotiation skills with demonstrated ability to achieve aggressive savings in vendor-heavy competitive markets.
• Hands-on executor mindsetcomfortable moving quickly from analysis to implementation without large teams.
• Bachelors degree required; advanced degree or relevant certifications (e.g. CPSM CSCP) preferred.
• Willingness and ability to commit 40 hours/week with periodic on-site work in Ohio.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in asset-light distribution models and multi-supplier networks.
• Familiarity with Ohio/Midwest regional logistics and supplier base.
• Track record of working in PE portfolio companies undergoing operational turnarounds or growth acceleration.

Why This Opportunity

• Immediate impact in a high-visibility PE-backed business with strong sponsor support.
• Flexible engagement terms and budgetclient values specialized industry expertise above all.
• Opportunity to drive tangible EBITDA improvements and position the company for future exits or growth.
• Fast-paced results-oriented environment where your expertise will be directly rewarded.