Director, Supply Chain

At Caribou Coffee we create day-making experiences that spark a chain reaction of GOOD ! This is our purpose. Our team brings this to life by focusing on what’s really important around here – TEAM, GUEST, QUALITY ! It’s that simple. If you’re ready to work somewhere you can be yourself while making an impact on your community, creating life-long relationships, and serving the best coffee around, join our herd! Apply today and be part of the ‘Bou Crew!

Position Overview:

As the Director of Supply Chain, reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you will lead Caribou Coffee’s global supply chain operations, focusing on network design, new market entry, top-line sales growth, and strategic partnerships. You will develop and execute strategies to optimize transportation and supply chain operations, ultimately enhancing efficiency, optimizing costs, and supporting global growth. You will oversee vendor relationships, negotiate contracts, and manage freight spend while fostering third-party logistics performance and mentoring the supply chain team to advance Caribou’s mission and growth objectives. As the Director of Supply Chain, you will lead a Supply Chain Analyst and partner cross-functionally to drive strategic priorities and initiatives that deliver business results.

Core Responsibilities:

Supply Chain Network Design & Optimization:

1. Lead the design and optimization of the supply chain network, including warehouse, distribution center selection, and outbound route design to support business goals.
2. Accountable for negotiated freight rates and fees associated with the transportation and distribution network, owning relevant contracts, and providing inputs for financial planning and annual operating plans.
3. Ensure sufficient distribution center capacity, including baseline storage, seasonal flexibility, and load leveling to meet business needs.
4. Drive process improvements, freight carrier consolidation, and local sourcing to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and increase responsiveness.
5. Collaborate with Finance, Sourcing, Product, Food Safety, Store Ops, USR, and Warehouse teams to align supply chain activities with overall business strategies, ensuring seamless integration across functions.
6. Identify and mitigate risks within the supply chain, such as supply disruptions and compliance issues, and develop contingency plans to address potential disruptions.

New Market Entry:

1. Implement a strategic vision for global growth, aligning supply chain initiatives with Caribou’s mission, values, and business goals.
2. Conduct market research and competitive analysis to inform decision-making on market expansions and new product offerings.
3. Evaluate potential partnerships and new business opportunities, develop business cases and supply chain strategies to drive growth.

Top-line Sales Growth:

1. Identify annual savings targets and implement strategies to achieve cost savings while enhancing store-level profitability.
2. Build and maintain strong relationships with supply chain vendors (e.g., 3PL, Transportation, Warehouse), negotiating favorable terms and ensuring adherence to quality and delivery standards.
3. Develop and implement a strategic supply chain plan that supports the company’s growth objectives, operational goals, and customer satisfaction targets.
4. Leverage data analytics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor supply chain performance, make informed decisions, and drive continuous improvement.

Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Relationship Management:

1. Oversee performance management for 3PL partners, focusing on metrics such as cost, on-time transportation, fill rates, distribution center accuracy, and shelf-life management.
2. Conduct business reviews and lead the annual planning process with 3PL partners, aligning their objectives with Caribou’s supply chain strategies.
3. Act as the primary point of contact for escalations and issue resolution, coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure efficient operations.

Transportation & Distribution Operations Management:

1. Maintain accurate schedules for inbound, intra-network transfers, and outbound logistics, coordinating with internal and external partners as needed.
2. Manage logistics for new store openings, including scheduling deliveries, updating order schedules, and coordinating with Franchisees and 3PL partners.
3. Oversee permanent, temporary and holiday scheduling processes, ensuring seamless adjustments to meet fluctuating demands.
4. Represent transportation and distribution in cross-functional, collaborative planning for non-ordinary inventory movements.

Strategic Partnerships & Global Expansion:

1. Lead efforts, in partnership with Development and Sourcing teams to expand the global distribution network, including identifying, standing up, and managing distribution partnerships in all markets globally.
2. Develop strategies to support manufacturing products in-market, reducing shipping costs and improving speed to market.
3. Evaluate and cultivate strategic partnerships that support Caribou’s expansion and supply chain optimization goals.

Leadership & Team Development:

1. Lead and mentor the supply chain team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and accountability.
2. Provide guidance and support for professional growth, developing the skills and capabilities of the team to meet business needs and drive supply chain success.

Skills & Qualifications:

1. Culture and Brand Champion: Consistently embodies and promotes the organization’s culture and values, serving as an advocate for the brand and fostering a positive, inclusive work environment that aligns with the company’s mission and enhances its reputation.
2. Strategic Thinking and Decision-Making: Skilled in creating and executing strategic initiatives that align with company objectives and drive engagement and organizational success.
3. Communication and Collaboration: Clearly communicate business strategies, goals, and expectations across leadership and teams to build rapport and alignment. Demonstrates an openness to giving and receiving feedback.
4. Analytical and Project Management Skills: Strong ability to interpret data and insights to guide decision-making, develop creative solutions, and manage complex projects to optimize performance.
5. Change Management and Adaptability: Experience leading change initiatives, with a flexible and problem-solving approach to evolving business needs. Comfortable with ambiguity.
6. Leadership and People Management: Proven ability to lead and inspire teams, foster a high-performance culture, and develop talent aligned with organizational goals.
7. Strong business acumen with the ability to navigate financial and operational contexts and leverage data-driven insights to influence decisions.
8. Strategic thinker with strong analytical and organizational skills, adept at managing multiple projects and implementing innovative solutions to enhance supply chain effectiveness.

Education & Experience:

Required:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
2. 8+ years of experience in supply chain management, with expertise in logistics, transportation, and distribution operations.
3. Demonstrated experience with supply chain network design, cost management, and contract negotiations.

Preferred:

1. Master’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, or related field.
2. Experience in the food and beverage or retail industries, with a focus on global supply chain operations.
3. Proficiency with supply chain management software and tools.
4. Knowledge of global market trends, supply chain innovations, and best practices.
5. Familiarity with regulatory compliance and risk management in supply chain operations.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements for this position include sitting, standing, bending, lifting, and moving intermittently during working hours. These physical requirements must be accomplished with or without reasonable accommodation.

The duties of this position may change from time to time. Caribou reserves the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of Caribou or its managers. This job description is intended to describe the general level of work being performed. It is not intended to be all-inclusive.

Caribou Coffee Operating Company, Inc. and its affiliates are proud to be Equal Opportunity Employers to all applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type based on any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.

Address: 3900 Lakebreeze Ave N, Brooklyn Center, Minnesota 55429

The physical demands for this position are seeing, hearing, speaking, reaching, lifting up to 50 pounds, sitting, standing, for 4 to 8 hours, bending, and moving intermittently during working hours. These physical demands may be accomplished with or without reasonable accommodations.

The duties of this position may change from time to time. Caribou Coffee reserves the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of the company or its managers. This job description is intended to describe the general level of work being performed. It is not intended to be all-inclusive.

Caribou Coffee Company, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Company”) are proud to be Equal Opportunity Employers of Minorities, Women, Protected Veterans, and individuals with Disabilities and do not discriminate based on gender identity or sexual orientation.

Brand: Caribou Coffee