Vice President of Supply Chain & Sustainability

Company Background

Founded in 1958, Gemline is a multi-award-winning consumer products supplier servicing the $27B promotional products industry, and is recognized as one of the largest and most respected companies in its industry. Ranked as the 12th largest supplier in revenues industrywide by the Advertising Specialty Institute, Gemline offers a diverse product portfolio that includes bags, backpacks, headwear, umbrellas, luggage, drinkware, electronics, stationery, writing instruments, gourmet foods, lifestyle gifts, and more. In addition to its 12 in-house developed brands, Gemline partners with 34 renowned global consumer brands, including Ahead™, American Tourister®, Anker®, Cool Gear®, CORKCICLE®, Cuisinart®, Hartmann®, High Sierra®, Igloo®, iLive®, MiiR®, Moleskine®, New Balance®, Osprey®, Paper Mate®, Samsonite®, Sharpie®, Timbuk2®, Yankee Candle® and more. 


Gemline is widely recognized for its high-quality products, innovative design, retail brand portfolio, responsible business practices and exceptional customer service. The company has deep expertise in design, product engineering & development, CI/Lean, factory oversight, compliance and global sourcing diversification, and is an industry leader in sustainably made products. Its business model makes the process seamless and efficient for distributor partners, creating a strong B2B2B experience. 


At Gemline, community is at the core of the company’s purpose, "We Promote Community," which shapes the company’s culture, influences product design, and drives its commitment to creating a positive global impact. Guided by its betterwayTM corporate social responsibility efforts, Gemline focuses on bettering people and the environment. In 2024, the company became both a globally certified B Corporation and registered Massachusetts B Corporation, reinforcing its dedication to balancing purpose and profit. 


Gemline has been recognized as one of the Greatest Companies to Work For on multiple occasions, and most recently in 2025 by PPAI, a leading industry association. "Pride in People, Pride in Product" is more than a motto at Gemline, it is a way of life. The company’s associates play a crucial role in delivering an exceptional customer experience, guided by strong foundational values of trust, integrity, humility, diversity, community, and truth. Gemline's success reflects its associates' success, and its culture thrives on collaboration, initiative, continuous problem-solving, safety, and respect for people.  


Headquartered in Lawrence, Massachusetts, Gemline operates an integrated light manufacturing facility and distribution center, along with a secondary overflow warehouse, also in Lawrence. Additionally, the company operates a global technical center in Southern China that manages supply chain functions across Asia, including product development, sourcing, quality assurance, compliance, and logistics. It also has two sourcing offices in Vietnam and India. With approximately $140 million in annual revenue and 500 employees worldwide, Gemline is poised for continued growth. 


The Position

The Vice President of Supply Chain & Sustainability is responsible for leading Gemline’s global supply chain organization (approximately 60 employees – 50 in Asia and 10 in the U.S.) across the United States and Southeast Asia (offices in China, Vietnam and India). This senior executive will oversee sourcing, logistics, customs management, demand planning, quality assurance, sustainable sourcing and new product development (NPD) support. The VP will ensure Gemline’s supply chain is agile, resilient, and aligned with the company’s strategic and financial objectives. Reporting to the President & CEO, this role will also serve as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, driving strategic initiatives to enhance operational performance, sustainability, and global competitiveness. 


The ideal candidate will be a globally minded, results-driven leader with experience developing high-performing teams and leading complex multi-region supply chains. This individual will build supplier partnerships, advance digital transformation, and lead continuous improvement across global sourcing, logistics, and planning processes, while championing sustainable practices that reduce environmental impact and strengthen ethical sourcing across all regions. 


Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute Gemline’s global supply chain strategy in alignment with business growth, profitability, and sustainability objectives, while building out and managing a global organization. 
  • Lead all aspects of global sourcing, logistics, customs compliance, and demand planning to improve cost efficiency and service levels. 
  • Oversee a diverse supplier network across Southeast Asia and North America to ensure quality, compliance, and performance standards. 
  • Partner with Product Development, Design, and Marketing to support new product launches and ensure supplier readiness for innovation initiatives. 
  • Advance sustainability goals through supply chain transparency, ethical sourcing, and environmental responsibility programs. 
  • Enhance Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes to align demand forecasts with inventory and capacity planning. 
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives leveraging Lean methodologies, data analytics, and process automation. 
  • Collaborate with the Executive Leadership Team to align corporate goals, operational strategies and financial objectives. 
  • Foster a high-performance, collaborative culture across the U.S. and Asia-based teams. 
  • Deliver executive summaries, insights and analytics presentations to the Board of Directors. 
  • Drive measurable progress toward Gemline’s sustainability targets by embedding responsible materials selection, waste reduction, and carbon footprint minimization into all functions. 
  • Champion a data-driven culture that leverages advanced analytics, digital tools, and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance forecasting accuracy, decision-making speed, and supply chain resilience. 


The Candidate

Gemline seeks a dynamic and strategic global supply chain executive who brings both operational excellence and leadership depth. The successful candidate will possess extensive experience in international sourcing and logistics, demand planning, customs management, sustainable sourcing and supplier development. This individual will have a proven track record of delivering measurable performance improvements, building global teams, and implementing strategies that balance cost, service, and sustainability. 


This role requires a hands-on, collaborative leader with a global mindset, capable of driving results through influence and cross-functional alignment. The VP must be adept at navigating complex international operations while fostering innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the organization. A demonstrated commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, integrating ESG considerations into supplier relationships, materials management, and operational decision-making, are essential. 


Qualifications & Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field required; MBA preferred. 
  • 15+ years of progressive experience in global supply chain, sourcing, and operations leadership within consumer products or industrial manufacturing industries. 
  • Deep experience sourcing products and managing supplier relationships across Asia. 
  • Demonstrated ability to manage geopolitical risk, diversify sourcing strategies, and optimize nearshore/offshore supply bases. 
  • Proven expertise in demand planning, logistics optimization, and customs compliance. 
  • Demonstrated success managing multi-region supplier networks and satellite offices/locations, while driving cost and process efficiencies. 
  • Experience supporting New Product Development (NPD), and integrating supply chain strategies early in the product lifecycle. 
  • Strong leadership and team development skills, with experience managing international operations and cross-cultural teams. 
  • Proficiency with ERP systems, supply chain analytics, and data-driven decision-making tools. 
  • Understanding of continuous improvement and sustainability practices. 
  • Proven experience leveraging digital transformation tools (AI, predictive analytics, digital twins, blockchain) to drive supply chain agility and transparency. 
  • Proven ability to synthesize complex data into clear, thought-provoking strategic presentations. 
  • Experience implementing sustainability initiatives within the supply chain, including ethical sourcing, waste reduction, carbon impact management, and supplier ESG evaluation programs. 
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and strategic relationship management skills. 
  • Willingness to travel internationally approximately 2-4 times annually, or as needed. 

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Gemline takes the security and privacy of job applicants very seriously. We will never ask for payment, bank details, or personal financial information as part of the application process. All our legitimate job postings can be found on our official career site.