Sr. Distribution Lead, Relationship & Project Management

This role serves on the Distribution Performance Team, a growing team which has responsibility for working with our partners to drive performance improvement across all partner distribution centers that serve Chick-fil-A.

This role provides immersive support for Operators with nearly 24/7 accessibility to meet the unique Supply Chain needs of our Restaurants as well as our Distribution Centers (DCs). This role will focus on multiple DCs within one of our larger partners to support our strategy and must have the ability to influence the local DC leadership to implement it. This role will provide functional distribution expertise to Chick-fil-A and support the needs of Operators. By leveraging data and operational process analysis they will work with their designated Distributor partner to execute short and long term distribution strategies  that reduce service disruptions to our Restaurants allowing the Operators to focus on guests. Our distribution network consists of DCs across the country, delivering millions of cases of products 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. This role will focus on creating solutions to service challenges and then influence our partners to implement those solutions. During periods of crisis this role will also run point on executing our DC crisis plans and has responsibility for execution of all crisis response activities. Often this work is performed onsite locally in the impacted markets. This role requires an ambitious activator who’s able to multi-task and be exceptional at working cross-functionally.

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.

• Must be able to provide clear direction to the leadership teams at our Distribution Centers and/or companies, as well as the CFA organization
• Provide onsite local operational leadership for all facets of crisis response
• Must effectively deploy emergency strategies and assets (equipment and people) with the goal of ensuring continuity of supply distribution
• Create and implement service solutions balancing the needs of the Operator with the capabilities of the Distributor
• Utilize process gap analysis to identify causes of service disruptions
• Influence local DC leadership to implement the changes we recommend
• Monitor Distributor’s Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure required service levels are achieved and sustained
• Be a trusted advocate for Operators while balancing the reality of the Distributor’s capabilities
• Collaborate with Corporate Communications to provide effective and timely communication to Operators and Restaurants
• Develop, support and implement strategic CFA and Supply Chain goals
• Identify specific opportunities for improvement in fill-rate, on-times, and communication performance through use of available data and Operator/Internal stakeholder feedback
• Holds after action reviews for continuous process improvement
• Ensure the distribution systems in place are meeting the needs of the business today and tomorrow
• Demonstrate the ability to equally value relationships and results

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 7+ years of relevant experience
• Self-starter with excellent project management and strong 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
• Flexibility and ability to pivot quickly to assume new assignments
• 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 partners, suppliers and corporate staff at all levels of the organization
• Experience in Microsoft 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
• Highly motivated with strong interpersonal skills and is a team player
• Routinely show interest/knowledge in and offer suggestions/solutions for continuous improvement
• Exceptionally detail oriented and creative
• Excellent command of both written and verbal communication skills

• Master’s Degree
• 9+ years of relevant experience