The Supply Chain Manager is responsible for sourcing products and services, managing distribution networks, and coordinating vendors and suppliers for the Fazolis Brand. The overall objective of this position is to ensure each brand’s store locations receive the right products at the right price at the right time to the right place. This role should serve as an advocate for the franchise and corporate locations by continually looking for ways to lower overall COGS, improve distribution efficiency and foster transparent communication between all stakeholders. 

Responsibilities:

• Take necessary actions to assure uninterrupted availability of products and raw materials for brands under care.
• Execute effectively as a product manager coordinating with key stakeholders new product introductions, store openings, introduction of new technologies, etc.
• Develop, lead and execute purchasing strategies with the intent of obtaining least landed cost of goods.
• Develop and maintain detailed vendor profiles and product specifications.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with vendors, suppliers and distributors to achieve best possible value, cost and quality.
• Identify synergies among all business platforms and consolidate vendors and part numbers when possible.
• Provide best in class customer service to independent business owners by promptly troubleshooting out of stock and other supply issues with vendors and distributors.
• Maintain records of supplier key performance indicators (KPI). Work with suppliers to meet performance requirements. Examine trend data and KPIs to analyze trends and establish data driven corrective actions. 
• Work with the Category Management Team to assist with routine RFPs / RFQs of commodity and specialty products to drive down cost and ensure best possible value.
• Manage on-time supply of ingredients, materials and equipment to new stores.
• Manage and set up distribution and delivery schedules for new stores.
• Proactively manage monthly order guides and send updated copies to Brand Director of Operations.
• Manage sourcing of new “limited time offers” (LTOs) promotion products and materials.
• Work with the Operations Team to secure product forecasting to ensure adequate supply and avoid obsolescence. 
• Track commodity prices for critical products (ex. milk) and communicate ice cream mix pricing to Franchisees monthly.
• Create and maintain reports, presentations and KPI data as needed.
• Bring together cross functional teams to identify and evaluate new suppliers. 
• Actively participate in Brand Meetings, Innovation Projects, Strategic Planning and Ideation Sessions. 
• Identify opportunities for improving processes and procedures, especially those related to materials planning and purchasing.
• Communicate product delays as appropriate to brand leaders, franchise business owners and other functional managers as required by the situation.
• Work in a collaborative manner with all members of the organization.
• Participate in tradeshows, conferences, and forums to stay current with industry trends.

Requirements

• Associate or Bachelor’s Degree Required, preferably in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration or relevant field.
• 3 to 5 years of purchasing or sourcing experience, preferably in the food industry, as a Purchasing Manager or Coordinator
• Experience using vendor management software
• High level of Microsoft Excel proficiency
• Ability to gather and analyze data
• Ability to present complex issues in simpler terms. 
• Able to travel 20% -25% of the time.

This position is based out of the Lexington, KY corporate office. This is a hybrid position, 3 days in office, 2 days remote.