March 11, 2026

Woman History Month: A Conversation with Amela Abidovic

Inside Chemence: A Conversation with Amela Abidovic, Vice President of Supply Chain & Planning

 

When you talk to Amela, Vice President of Supply Chain and Planning at Chemence, one thing becomes clear right away she thrives on challenges. “Every day is different,” she says with a smile. “There’s always something new sourcing, contacting suppliers, managing projects it keeps me busy, but that’s what I love about it.” For more than 27 years, she’s built her career within Chemence, starting from the ground up. From production to shipping to finance, she’s held roles across nearly every department giving her a rare, full-circle view of how the company operates. “I learned every single step,” she explains. “From how products are made to how they’re packed and shipped. That’s what really shaped who I am today.”

When asked what makes Chemence’s supply chain unique, she doesn’t hesitate. “It’s our control and attention to detail,” she says. “We don’t end up with expired or obsolete products because we manage our inventory so closely. That’s something I’m proud of.” Her leadership style is deeply collaborative. Decision-making, she says, isn’t done in isolation. “I work closely with our quality and engineering teams  the three of us sit down, talk through priorities, and decide what’s best for the company together.”

Throughout her nearly three decades at Chemence, she’s been shaped by mentors and colleagues who helped her grow as a leader. “Over the years, I’ve had so many great mentors,” she reflects. “Some are no longer here, but I’m grateful for every one of them. They taught me what it means to really understand the business not just from one department’s point of view, but from every angle.” When asked what advice she’d give her younger self, she laughs softly before answering: “Keep your head up and keep going. Every challenge gives you the chance to learn something new.”

That perseverance has paid off. When she took over the supply chain division just over three years ago, she led a major transformation reducing inventory by nearly 73%. “It took time,” she admits, “but understanding what happened before, analyzing the processes, and improving sourcing and cost efficiency that’s where I really found my passion.” Despite the long hours and occasional stress, her love for work never fades. “It can be challenging, yes,” she says, “but every challenge gives you a better picture of what’s happening and what needs to improve. I enjoy every moment of it.”

Looking ahead, she has one clear goal: to continue growing within Chemence and one day become Chief Operations Officer. “I’ve been here long enough to know every process from manufacturing and production to shipping and customer service,” she says. “My experience across both facilities gives me the confidence that I can lead operations at the highest level.