Sr. Project Lead, Distribution Contingency

The Sr. Project Lead, Distribution Contingency within Partner Distribution & Logistics will be responsible for operationalizing and deploying all crisis response strategies in emergency situations. Our distribution network consists of distribution centers (DCs) across the country, delivering millions of cases of food annually to thousands of restaurants. The demand on the network intensifies yearly as our brand continues to outpace industry norms. This growth stresses the distribution system, which magnifies the impact of service disruptions that may occur. The Crisis Response Lead will help us operationalize and deploy emergency strategies and assets (equipment and people) with the goal of ensuring continuity of supply distribution.

During an emergency, the Crisis Response Lead (CRL) will manage all contingency assets and coordinate various planning and resupply activities on the larger Crisis Response Team. This role requires an ambitious activator who’s able to multi-task and be exceptional at working cross-functionally. The individual will play an active role in all the crisis related calls and touchpoints and contribute to shaping the broader recovery strategy.  The CRL is expected to have a full grasp of the situation at hand and strategies being executed.

During non-emergency events, the CRL will work on improving response effort via simulations to validate existing protocols and present opportunities for continuous process improvement. The CRL will also contribute in various support and planning activities on the broader Contingency Program Team.

This program is rapidly evolving to keep pace with the changing business needs.  It will be critical for the CRL to develop SOPs for how to run various contingency tactics during a response and keep the SOPs updated.  The program is also evolving to include a broader scope including but not limited to developing a systems contingency strategy and activation playbook, as well as influencing the creation of a Culture of Resilience across the Supply Chain Department, including Chick-fil-A Supply.  The CRL must be comfortable with navigating ambiguous situations, identifying and influencing a variety of business stakeholders, along with implementing guiding principles and framework to continue to shape the program.

Our Flexible Future model offers a healthy mix of working in person and virtually, strengthening key elements of the Chick-fil-A culture by fostering collaboration and community. 

• Supports the Crisis Response Team for Chick-fil-A to ensure safe, convenient, and consistent supply to Chick-fil-A Restaurants during an emergency
• Ensures contingent DCs and trailers are seamlessly activated for last-mile distribution activities
• Ensures contingency resupply plans for said assets are established and planned
• Ensures contingency order platforms are activated and functional
• Ensures contingency invoicing and payment mechanics are executed to plan
• Ensures the Communication team understands the situation and is providing clear crisis related updates to impacted Operators
• Holds after-action reviews for continuous process improvement
• Develops / updates final state process requirements
• Describes the gap between current and final state
• Develops a roadmap to get to final state with stakeholder buy-in

• Self-starter with excellent project management and organization skills
• Strong analytical, technical and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrates ability to achieve results while working independently and with minimal supervision
• Able to anticipate needs, lead multiple projects and manage shifting priorities
• Assume new assignments, routinely show interest in improving knowledge and offer suggestions / solutions
• Ability to prioritize and complete multiple tasks while working under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to act in a professional, courteous and diplomatic fashion with vendors, managers and corporate team members at all levels of the organization
• Proficient written and verbal skills with experience in the MS Office Suite (including but not limited to Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Outlook)
• Knowledge of business and management principles related to distribution

  Ability to take initiative, recognize needs and act proactively without prompting from supervisor

• Masters degree or relevant experience 
• Supply Chain and Risk management experience a plus
• Previous experience within the restaurant or food and beverage industry