JOB OVERVIEW:
The Product Supply Specialist will be responsible for the flow of non-perishable materials through Darden's proprietary smallwares distribution system.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Order Management
-Develop a consistent pipeline of purchase orders to meet the demand plan by placing purchase orders through our ERP with 200+ manufacturers.
-Coordinate with various parties across supply chain including Suppliers, Transportation providers, and internal teams to ensure continuous supply to our restaurants. Utilize existing systems and create additional tools to analyze, assess, and adjust inventory levels as needed.
-Support Analyzing forecasts/projections for products under your direct responsibility. Support Developing and plan to maintain desired safety stock levels, with input from Warehouse Operations, Product Planning, suppliers, Darden procurement, and transportation providers for execution.
-Work with Suppliers to ensure successful production of finished goods, including confirmations of future production requirements.
-Schedule inbound receipt around capacity and labor constraints in the warehouse in close collaboration with the warehouse operations team.
-Provide the least cost mode of transportation in a timely manner such that our warehouse has ample supply to meet the needs of the business.
-Challenge any policies or decisions by our distribution partners to ensure successful performance.
-Partner with the Demand Planning team to manage item inventory with a goal of minimizing obsolete inventory exposure.
-Assist with product allocations while being a consultant to the concepts and vendors.
Channel Management
-Support the flow of materials through distribution channels by following established processes and reporting any discrepancies.
-Partner with the Equipment and Durables purchasing team to pursue opportunities to leverage warehouse capacity for non-traditional goods as needed.
Relationship Management
-Interact with the Distribution center team providing excellent communication and oversight with a consolidated vision in-line with the needs of our concepts and restaurants.
-Communicate with logistics providers as needed and escalate negotiation matters to the Manager.
-Develop and maintain relationships with purchasing teams, proactively identifying areas of opportunity and offer solutions using an effective communication strategy of recommendations for the customer.
-Work alongside the Accounting team to ensure timely payment of vendors and eligible discounts are captured.
-Oversee and help facilitate issue resolution with concepts, vendors, purchasing team, and warehouse with the goal of aligning and maintaining relationships with all partners.
-Work with partners in the restaurant operations teams to correct any restaurant behavior that may inhibit our ability to be successful.
-Serve as the Oracle MRP System Administrator. This will include item maintenance, forecasting set / rules maintenance, Statistical and Dependent Demand forecasting, MDS administration, MRP execution, and management/maintenance of the Oracle Auto Fax process.
Restaurant Support
-Leverage the scale of our supply chain and vendor relationships to create differentiated outcomes for our restaurant managers.
-Provide leadership insights into Darden Supply Chain capabilities and effectively influence all stakeholders for success.
-Be credible advisor when presented with difficult situations, always ensuring the outcome leaves our operators able to successfully serve the guest.
Distributor Invoicing Support
-Process and review invoices from food distributors to ensure accuracy and timely payment.
-Coordinate with the food product supply team to resolve discrepancies or issues related to invoicing.
-Maintain organized records of invoices and payments, supporting audit and compliance requirements.
-Communicate with distributors and internal stakeholders to track invoice status and address questions.
-Assist in reconciling invoices against purchase orders and deliveries, escalating complex issues to the Manager.
-Support the implementation of process improvements for invoice handling and payment workflows.
REQUIRED TECHNICAL SKILLS:
-1 to 2 years in supply planning, replenishment, or distribution environment
-Strong analytical and quantitative skills
-Strong negotiation skills
-Advanced user of Excel, experience with databases including Business Intelligence or Access and macros
-Demonstrated ability to problem solve in the areas of inventory management, logistics, vendor relationships, contract administration, etc.
REQUIRED EDUCATION:
-Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Supply Chain Management
OTHER KEY QUALIFICATIONS:
-Strong communication skills and customer service orientation
-Ability to persuade people and influence decision
#LI-LE1
#LI-DNP
#LI-Hybrid