Director, Distribution Management

Bagel Brands•Denver, CO

11d•$150,000 - $180,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director, Distribution Management is responsible for leading and overseeing all distribution and logistics operations across 16 regional distribution centers serving our nationwide bagel restaurant network. This role ensures the efficient, accurate, and timely delivery of products to all restaurant locations while maintaining high standards of service, food safety, and cost control. The Director will develop strategies to optimize network performance, streamline transportation, and enhance overall supply chain effectiveness.

Requirements

Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong organizational and time management abilities with sharp attention to detail
Demonstrated success managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, results driven environment.
High level of integrity with the ability to manage confidential information professionally.
Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work both independently and collaboratively.
Skilled in leading complex, multi-step projects with consistent follow-through and accountability.
Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities with a focus on process improvement.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
Committed to upholding company policies, standards, and work practices.
Operates with professionalism, urgency, and a continuous improvement mindset.
Bachelor’s Degree in related field required, Degree in Business Administration or Supply Chain Management.
Minimum 7 to 10 years’ experience in Distribution for a Chain Restaurant Group and managing a team.
Experience in multi-unit chain management.

Nice To Haves

Experience in implementing and maintaining advanced business systems desired.
Experience utilizing Arrowstream is preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and develop a team of 3 Distribution Managers responsible for day-to-day operations across 16 third -party food service distributors, ensuring accountability, engagement, and high performance.
Oversee all aspects of distribution center operations, including transportation, inventory management, and order fulfillment, to ensure consistent service excellence and on-time delivery to all bakery locations.
Partner closely with third-party distributors to strengthen relationships, improve service levels, and maintain optimal inventory accuracy and replenishment performance.
Develop and implement distribution and logistics strategies that align with company growth objectives, ensuring scalability, efficiency, and cost effectiveness throughout the network.
Continuously assess network performance using KPIs and analytics to identify opportunities for process improvement, cost savings, and enhanced customer satisfaction.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Purchasing, Marketing and Operations to ensure alignment in product flow, new store openings, menu changes, and promotional activity.
Develop and maintain comprehensive contingency plans for unexpected emergencies or disasters to ensure business continuity.
Oversee the selection, performance management, and ongoing evaluation of all third-party distribution partners to ensure compliance with service, cost, and food safety expectations.
Drive a culture of continuous improvement, leveraging technology, automation, and data-driven decision-making to enhance network performance and support future expansion.
Support the Purchasing team by facilitating communication of contract pricing to distribution centers and overseeing team-led audits to ensure accurate invoice pricing to bakeries.
Oversee tracking of proprietary SKUs across distribution centers and collaborate with distribution partners to identify and implement off-the-shelf product solutions that maintain cost-of-goods.
Oversee the team’s management of distribution tickets- including mis picks, driver incidents, and damaged product- ensuring timely resolution and implementation of corrective procedures to prevent recurrence.