Danielle Hansen, Vice President of Global Sourcing – Direct Materials at JBT Marel, has built a remarkable career in supply chain and sourcing. From her early beginnings as an intern at Medtronic to her leadership role at JBT Marel, she has navigated the complexities of global procurement, risk mitigation, and supplier collaboration. Her journey has been shaped by a passion for negotiation, continuous learning, and a deep commitment to mentorship. With extensive experience in contract negotiations, intellectual property, and supply chain optimization, Hansen brings invaluable insights into the ever-evolving landscape of global sourcing.
As a thought leader in procurement and a strong advocate for mentorship and professional development, Hansen has also contributed to industry discussions through co-authoring books and engaging in leadership programs. Her role in organizations such as Girls Are Powerful and her tenure as a professor further reflect her dedication to empowering the next generation of leaders. In this interview, she shares her perspectives on the challenges and opportunities within global sourcing, strategies for risk management, and the impact of emerging technologies on procurement.
Inspiration and Career Path
Danielle Hansen journey into the world of sourcing and procurement was somewhat unplanned. Initially intending to pursue law, she began her career at Medtronic as an intern, where she was assigned tactical buying responsibilities. However, fate had different plans. Her manager, who preferred to avoid legal and contractual work, handed her a multi-million-dollar international contract negotiation assignment. “Despite being surrounded by professionals like my senior, I discovered an innate talent and passion for negotiation, which ultimately reshaped her career path. Within two months, I transitioned into a full-time role, leveraging my academic background in Legal Studies in Business, Operations Management, and Spanish.”
Her early experiences in the field laid the foundation for her expertise in global sourcing. Over the years, Hansen has developed a keen understanding of international supply chain dynamics, intellectual property negotiations, and supplier relationship management. The constant evolution of sourcing—whether adapting to global crises, navigating geopolitical complexities, or integrating technological advancements—has kept her engaged and motivated. The ever-changing landscape of procurement requires resilience, adaptability, and strategic foresight, all of which have been pivotal in shaping her approach to global sourcing at JBT Marel.
JBT Marel’s Legacy in Sourcing
JBT Corporation, with its origins dating back to 1884, has consistently evolved to meet the demands of the industrial food processing industry. This rich history influences the company’s approach to global sourcing and supply chain management. The company’s sourcing strategies prioritize high-quality partnerships, ensuring that suppliers adhere to stringent quality standards, timely deliveries, and customized solutions that align with customer needs.
At JBT Marel, legacy plays a critical role in shaping sourcing decisions. The company continuously refines its global sourcing and supply chain strategies to remain competitive in a rapidly shifting market. In today’s volatile business environment, contingency planning has become more vital than ever. By proactively identifying potential disruptions and implementing strategic measures, JBT Marel mitigates supply chain risks while ensuring operational continuity. The integration of innovative procurement strategies allows the company to balance cost-efficiency with sustainability, fostering a resilient supply chain capable of navigating market fluctuations and global uncertainties.
Risk Mitigation Strategies
Risk mitigation is a cornerstone of effective supply chain management. At JBT Marel, Hansen has implemented a range of strategies to address potential disruptions and enhance supply chain resilience. One of the most critical aspects of risk management is fostering strong supplier collaboration and transparency. By maintaining open and proactive communication with suppliers, JBT Marel can anticipate potential risks, adapt quickly to changing conditions, and ensure uninterrupted operations.
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of having robust risk mitigation frameworks in place. Hansen emphasizes the need for organizations to move beyond traditional design-for-manufacturability approaches toward design-for-availability and design-for-optimization models. With tariff wars, inventory management challenges, and geopolitical uncertainties shaping global trade, strategic foresight and comprehensive planning are essential. Hansen and her team continuously assess emerging risks, leverage data-driven insights, and implement adaptive sourcing strategies to safeguard supply chain integrity and business continuity.
Contributions to Leadership and Mentorship
As a co-author of Upward: Leadership Lessons for Women on the Rise, Danielle Hansen is deeply committed to leadership development and mentorship. “I believe that mentoring and sponsorship are fundamental to cultivating future leaders. Throughout my career, I have actively worked to equip my teams with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to thrive in competitive business environments.”
In addition to her corporate leadership role, Hansen serves as a professor at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business, where she mentors MBA and undergraduate students. Her passion for mentorship extends beyond academia, as she continuously seeks ways to uplift and guide professionals within the industry. She stresses the importance of having both mentors and sponsors—individuals who not only provide guidance but also advocate for one’s career growth. By sharing personal insights and practical lessons in Upward, she aims to empower women to recognize their full potential and navigate the challenges of leadership with confidence.
Empowering Young Women
Hansen’s involvement with Girls Are Powerful, an organization dedicated to empowering young women, aligns closely with her commitment to mentorship and leadership development. As the past Board Chair of the organization, she played an instrumental role in shaping initiatives that inspire young girls to embrace their strengths and aspirations.
The organization focuses on personal transformation, self-advocacy, and social change, providing young girls with mentorship programs, empowerment workshops, and leadership development opportunities.
Hansen’s work with Girls Are Powerful reflects her broader mission of fostering inclusive leadership and supporting initiatives that equip the next generation with the tools and confidence to succeed. Her dedication to mentorship and advocacy continues to drive meaningful change, both within JBT Marel and in the broader professional landscape.
Technological Advancements in Sourcing
The rapid evolution of technology is reshaping global sourcing and procurement. JBT Marel, like many industry leaders, is actively exploring emerging digital solutions to optimize procurement processes. Artificial intelligence, data analytics, and automation are transforming supplier selection, contract management, and sourcing efficiency.
Hansen recognizes the potential of digital transformation to enhance supply chain transparency, reduce procurement risks, and improve decision-making. “As JBT Marel continues its technological journey, the company remains committed to leveraging digital tools that provide actionable insights and drive operational excellence. By embracing innovation, JBT Marel ensures that its sourcing strategies remain agile, adaptive, and future-ready.” says Hansen.
The Role of Mentorship in Career Growth
Winning the Women’s Health Trust Mentor of the Year Award in 2018 was a testament to Hansen’s impact as a mentor. Having been nominated by former students and team members, she takes great pride in fostering professional growth and career advancement. She firmly believes that mentorship is a two-way street—while mentors provide guidance and support, they also gain valuable insights from mentees.
Hansen’s mentorship philosophy is rooted in the values of empowerment, inclusivity, and continuous learning. “Whether guiding students at the University of St. Thomas, mentoring professionals within JBT Marel, or supporting emerging leaders in my community, I remain committed to fostering a culture of growth and development.”
The Future of Global Sourcing
Looking ahead, Hansen identifies several key trends shaping the future of global sourcing and supply chain management. Digital transformation, sustainable procurement, and supply chain resilience will be pivotal in navigating the evolving business landscape. JBT Marel is actively positioning itself at the forefront of these changes, embracing innovative solutions and strategic partnerships to drive industry leadership.
As the global economy continues to evolve, Hansen remains committed to steering JBT Marel’s sourcing strategies with agility, foresight, and a commitment to excellence. With a strong emphasis on innovation and collaboration, the company is well-positioned to adapt to market shifts, optimize supply chain performance, and deliver value to stakeholders worldwide.
