Manager, Dist. & Franch. Relationship

Independent Purchasing Cooperative• US,

43d•Onsite

About The Position

At Independent Purchasing Cooperative (IPC), we are more than just a supply chain services provider—we're the strategic sourcing partner behind one of the world’s most recognized brands: Subway®. As a member-owned organization, we are driven by our commitment to serve the franchisees who own and operate Subway® restaurants across North America, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Headquartered in Miami, FL, we were founded in 1996 with a mission to help franchisees be more profitable and competitive by delivering exceptional value through supply chain solutions, contract negotiation, technology initiatives, and industry expertise. At IPC, you'll find a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters personal growth, professional development, and a healthy work-life balance. Whether you're a seasoned supply chain professional or just beginning your career journey, IPC offers opportunities to make a meaningful impact! IPC is seeking a highly motivated Distributor & Franchisee Relationship Manager to be responsible for streamlining onboarding processes for distributors and providing operational support to franchisee restaurants. This position ensures successful integration, fosters strong relationships, and facilitates open communication between the company, distributors, and franchisees, paving the way for collaboration and growth. The franchisees' success is a key objective of this role.

Requirements

Understanding of the specific industry (e.g., food service, retail) and its dynamics.
Effective communication at a professional level with multi-level distribution centers and their representatives.
Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with distributors and franchisees.
Ability to interact and communicate effectively with individuals at all levels of multiple organizations.
Ability to develop and implement effective solutions.
Strong presentation and facilitation skills.
Ability to use data analysis to identify trends and areas for improvement.
Capable of working independently with little supervision.
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Hospitality Management, or a related field.
3+ years of proven experience in relationship management or customer service.
Experience in the food service distribution industry.
Exceptional communication and people skills.
Strong problem-solving capabilities and keen diligence.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
Proficiency in CRM tools and Microsoft Office Suite.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of onboarding processes and best practices.
Familiarity with restaurant operations and related challenges.

Responsibilities

Assist the Distribution Manager with key DC transitions to ensure franchisees and distributors have the necessary information and experience for success.
Provide post-transition support to franchisees and distributors, staying in the field for several weeks to ensure the finer details of DC transitions are executed.
Proactively identify and address potential onboarding challenges to ensure a seamless and positive experience.
Establish and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with distributors and franchisees, serving as their primary point of contact throughout onboarding and transitional phases.
Foster a culture of trust and open communication, promoting long-term partnerships and mutual success.
Conduct restaurant visits and meet with key franchisees, managers, and sandwich artists to support challenges.
Provide expert consultation to franchisee restaurants, diagnosing supply chain-related or IPC-specific service challenges and developing tailored solutions to drive efficiency and profitability.
Deliver targeted resources and training to enhance operational performance and ensure adherence to brand standards.
Monitor and report on key operational metrics, identifying areas for improvement and working with IPC functional teams to improve service delivery.
Serve as a critical liaison, facilitating clear and concise communication between distributors, franchisees, and internal stakeholders.
Proactively communicate updates on new services, cost trends, and other relevant data, ensuring timely and accurate information flow.
Address inquiries and resolve concerns promptly, maintaining alignment and minimizing disruptions.
Develop and deliver engaging training programs and resources, empowering distributors and franchisees with the knowledge and skills necessary for success.
Continuously evaluate and refine training content to reflect evolving industry best practices and company standards.
Enhance distributor understanding of products, services, and effective practices.
Step into DC markets where performance is below targets to understand the root cause of any problems.
Collaborate with partners to escalate or address operational deficiencies until the market stabilizes and franchisees are confident in deliveries.
Implement preventative strategies and develop contingency plans to address recurring challenges and ensure business continuity.
Collect and analyze feedback from distributors and franchisees to identify areas for process improvement and enhance overall satisfaction.
Develop and implement data-driven recommendations to optimize onboarding, operational, and communication processes.
Monitor satisfaction levels and propose improvements based on feedback.