Sourcing and Supply Chain Manager- LA&C

Since 1940, Dairy Queen® has been one of the world’s best known and loved brands. Based in Minneapolis, MN, International Dairy Queen Inc., (IDQ), is the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation. As a leading franchisor, there are more than 7,000 independently owned and operated restaurants in the U.S., Canada and more than 20 countries around the world. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Berkshire) which is led by Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire.

Here at IDQ, we create extraordinary Fan experiences every day and we do this through our commitment to hiring and retaining only the best in class talent. We firmly believe that our employees are the catalyst to the success of the company where their initiative, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit are recognized and rewarded. We're looking for motivated, passionate and dedicated individuals with an inherent need and ambition to go after bigger challenges.

Job Overview

Provides sourcing and supply chain leadership for the LA&C supply chains.   Job responsibilities include supplier identification, ongoing supplier management, and negotiating purchasing programs for core & LTO products for the Mexican market.  The role will also support supply planning for limited time offer execution and ensure franchisees have access to cost-effective products necessary to operate DQ restaurants in LA&C markets. Works collaboratively with cross-functional DQ team members, Franchisees, and Vendors respectively to maintain a consistent, cost-effective supply of high-quality goods. Utilizes risk management programs to mitigate risk exposure and supply disruptions.    Works closely with the Distribution Manager, in Mexico, to ensure an uninterrupted supply of DQ products.  Continuous search of ingredients & product competitiveness, project management.

Principal Accountabilities:

Supplier/Product Identification & Existing Supplier Management

• Identify and develop local and regional suppliers, working closely with FSQR, PD, and Operations, to support the Dairy Queen brand and the franchisees' needs.
• Manage supplier relationships in Mexico (negotiate product pricing for local & imported products using commodity information when needed, supply planning communication, conflict resolution, etc.)
• Landed costs analysis.
• Identify product & supplier opportunities to support cost-savings activities and Limited Time Offers (LTOs) as needed. 
• Manage and develop RFPs for all food, packaging, and other products needed for DQ Stores.
• Creates strategic sourcing plans & processes.
• Identifies potential opportunities and works closely with the internal team to provide solutions.

LTO Execution / Cross-functional Support

• Supports category growth and calendar execution within LA&C. Collaborates with a cross-functional team, and manages components the supply chain process that aligns with Dairy Queen’s Menu Vision. Embraces the implementation, utilization, and reporting of the DEDVIM (Define, Explore, Develop, Validate, Implement, Measure) Innovation Process through the various stages of project and timeline management to facilitate product development.
• Support flawless execution of the DQ’s Annual Marketing Plan for LA&C working closely with IDQ Marketing by coordinating new product launches LTO’s to ensure inventory availability and address any supply chain concerns related to the promotion.
• Create, manage, and work globally with other international supply chain managers' portfolios of all the approved items available in LA&C  
• Support new market entry using approved vendors and/or potential new vendors.
• Work with ADQ Finance to support the collection of supplier fees for existing vendors in Mexico.
• Support new markets, new franchisees, and new store openings as needed.
• Work closely with USCI staff and USCI suppliers/distributors as needed to support the markets.

Education and Qualifications:

• University or Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Must have 6-10 years of prior experience in sourcing and supply chain (foodservice preferred)
• Experience working within a franchisor organization, preferably a QSR brand
• Knowledge and familiarity with the foodservice supply industry
• Problem-solver skills/ self-driven.
• Written and conversational fluency in both English and Spanish
• Ability to travel up to 20% of time and to work occasionally on evenings and weekends as necessary, with ability to gain visas to travel to a variety of countries
• Relationship building skills with the ability to create mutually beneficial relationships with and provide excellent customer service to both internal and external clients
• Written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate Supply Chain concepts to a variety of audiences
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Ability to manage efficient execution of sourcing and supply functions, working with both suppliers and franchisees
• Well organized with a high attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects and requests simultaneously, within an intense, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to collaborate in a team environment.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.   You must be work authorized in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We are committed to creating a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion for all who touch DQ.  We believe in and commit to fostering a community where employees bring their authentic selves to work; where we recruit, engage and retain employees, franchise owners and suppliers with diverse background and identities; and where everyone feels welcome engaging with our DQ brand.