Her Story
About Charity
Charity Jones is the Senior Associate Director and U.S. Sourcing Area Head for Direct Materials at Boehringer Ingelheim, where she leads strategic sourcing for raw materials, packaging, and device components that support the company's pharmaceutical and animal health manufacturing operations. In her current role, she oversees sourcing activities for five production sites across the United States and Puerto Rico, ensuring reliable, cost-effective supply solutions for products that improve the health of companion animals and livestock. With 25 years of procurement and supply chain experience, Jones is recognized for her collaborative leadership, strategic thinking, and commitment to operational excellence in highly regulated industries.
Jones began her career after earning a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Banking from the University of Missouri and an MBA with honors from Oklahoma City University. She launched her procurement career in U.S. Air Force contracting, including a deployment to Qatar during Operation Enduring Freedom, before transitioning to civilian leadership roles in government and commercial procurement. Her experience includes managing plant modernization and ammunition supply operations at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, leading federal contracts and compliance programs at HNTB and The Louis Berger Group, and directing complex procurement initiatives before joining Boehringer Ingelheim more than 11 years ago. One of her proudest professional accomplishments was leading the successful integration of a major acquired animal health business, helping unify teams and expand operations from two to five production sites.
Throughout her career, Jones has built her leadership philosophy around responsibility, accountability, respect, open communication, and continuous learning. She credits her success to developing strong relationships with business partners, remaining adaptable, and embracing opportunities that stretch her capabilities. Looking ahead, she sees artificial intelligence as a transformative opportunity for procurement through advanced data analysis while navigating the challenges of cost management and sustainability. Passionate about mentoring the next generation, Jones encourages young professionals—especially women entering the field—to stay curious, say yes to new opportunities, seek guidance from experienced mentors, and bring fresh perspectives to every challenge. Outside of work, she enjoys fitness, travel, camping, gardening, and spending time outdoors.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Charity
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a commitment to continuous learning, collaboration, and embracing complex challenges. One of the achievements I’m most proud of was leading the successful integration of a large acquired animal health business into our operations. This effort required bringing together two separate teams, reorganizing our production network from two to five sites, and ensuring a smooth transition while maintaining operational excellence.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to build strong relationships through meaningful, face-to-face interactions and to always keep perspective on what matters most. I also believe in being a lifelong learner and not limiting myself to a single specialty or career path. Staying open to new experiences has been invaluable throughout my career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Keep an open mind and say yes to opportunities more often than no. Reach out to experienced professionals, seek mentorship, and never hesitate to ask questions. At the same time, have confidence in the fresh ideas and unique perspectives you bring—they can make a meaningful impact.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is managing costs amid global economic pressures while advancing sustainability initiatives. At the same time, I see artificial intelligence as one of the greatest opportunities, particularly for improving data mining, analysis, and decision-making to drive greater efficiency and innovation.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are responsibility, accountability, responsiveness, accuracy, respect for others, open communication, and competency. I believe these principles are essential for building trust, fostering collaboration, and achieving long-term success.
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