Senior Manager Distribution & Logistics

Cava-a2a3360d; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary + bonus

Early Wage Access

Unlimited PTO

Health, Dental, Vision

401k with company contributions

STD/LTD/Life/AD&D coverage

Free CAVA food

Casual work environment

Visa sponsorship not available

Job summary

CAVA is seeking a Senior Manager of Distribution and Logistics to own the performance, cost, and reliability of its distribution network. The role demands leadership of cross-functional teams, optimization of inventory, and driving improvements in fill rates while balancing service levels with cost.

Ideal candidates have 10+ years in supply chain/logistics, a relevant Bachelor’s, and certifications such as CLTD/CSCP/CPIM.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a related field.
• 10+ years in supply chain, distribution, or logistics, with retail or foodservice experience preferred.
• Certifications such as CLTD, CSCP, CPIM, or Six Sigma are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Own performance, cost, and reliability of the distribution network.
• Collaborate with planning, sourcing, operations, and suppliers to manage inventory and fill rates.
• Manage relationships with carriers, 3PLs, and vendors for inbound/outbound delivery.
• Drive continuous improvement using data to reduce costs and improve service.
• Lead network design, capacity planning, and routing to scale with growth.
• Implement best practices and corrective actions to improve fill rates and inventory health.
• Stay updated on industry trends and implement innovative logistics solutions.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Analytical skills

Strategic planning

Supply chain visibility

MS Office / Advanced Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management / Logistics

Certifications: CLTD / CSCP / CPIM / Six Sigma (plus)

Tools

TMS/WMS / BI reporting tools

Microsoft Excel (Advanced)

Job description

At CAVA we make it deliciously simple to eat well and feel good every day.We are guided by a Mediterranean heritage that’s been perfecting how to eat and live for four thousand years. We prioritize authenticity, curiosity and the pursuit of excellence in everything we do. We are working towards somethingbig, together.

We foster a culture built on five core values:

• Generosity First, Always: We lead with kindness. Our best work happens when we act in service of others.
• Constant Curiosity: We are eager to learn, grow, and explore beyond the obvious.
• Act with Agility: We welcome change; it’s the only constant. We embrace, adjust, adapt.
• Passion for Positivity: We greet each day with warmth and possibility.
• Collective Ambition: We have high aspirations that are achieved when we work together with a shared purpose.

Senior Manager, Distribution and Logistics:

As the Senior Manager of Distribution and Logistics, you will own the performance, cost, and reliability of CAVA's distribution network. This is a high-visibility role accountable for annual freight and distribution spend, and for the service levels that directly affect our restaurants' ability to serve guests. This leader will drive operational excellence through a relentless focus on continuous improvement, with particular emphasis on maximizing perfect orders, ensuring product availability & quality, and improving service levels while balancing cost and inventory performance. The ideal candidate will have the ability to lead high-performing teams, collaborate cross-functionally, and deliver measurable business results.

What You’ll Do:

• Establish ownership of DC in-stock rate performance by monitoring key metrics, identifying root causes of service failures, and leading cross-functional initiatives that improve product availability and customer fulfillment.
• Partner closely with Supply Planning, Sourcing, Operations, Distribution Centers, and suppliers to proactively address inventory constraints, demand variability, and execution issues that impact fill rates.
• Manage relationships & performance with suppliers, vendors, and transportation partners to ensure reliable, cost-effective inbound and outbound delivery
• Continuously evaluate and improve distribution processes, leveraging data and analytics to identify opportunities for cost savings, increased efficiency, improved inventory flow, and enhanced customer service.
• Optimize freight costs from CAVA Foods to distribution centers through network optimization, cost visibility, distribution analysis, and order pattern improvements.
• Lead distribution network design and capacity planning , evaluating DC footprint, capacity, and routing to ensure the network scales ahead of CAVA's unit growth without compromising service or cost
• Champion a continuous improvement mindset by implementing best practices, process standardization, and corrective actions that drive sustainable improvements in fill rates, inventory health, and distribution performance.
• Stay current on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in distribution and logistics management, recommending and implementing innovative solutions that enhance supply chain resilience and customer service.

The Qualifications:

Experience and Education:

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or a related field
• 10+ years of progressive supply chain, distribution, or logistics experience, including experience in retail or foodservice distribution environments preferred
• CLTD, CSCP, CPIM, or Six Sigma certification a plus

Required Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence senior internal stakeholders and manage external partners (carriers, 3PLs, suppliers)
• Strong analytical, financial, and critical-thinking skills, effective at translating data into decisions
• Strategic planning and execution, with the ability to operate effectively in senior executive environments
• Experience with supply chain visibility, TMS/WMS, freight management, or BI/reporting tools
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (advanced Excel preferred)

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to maintain stationary position to be able to operate a computer and other office equipment
• Must be able to identify, analyze and assess details
• For certain positions, must be able to occasionally move or transport items up to 50 pounds
• Ability to communicate with others and exchange information accurately and effectively
• Constantly positions self and move about to support ordinary restaurant or food production support or office operations, as applicable
• Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner

What we offer:

• Competitive salary, plus bonus and long-term incentives*
• Early Wage Access!
• Unlimited PTO, paid parental leave, plus paid opportunities to give back to the community
• Health, Dental, Vision, Telemedicine, Pet Insurance plus more!
• 401k enrollment with CAVA contribution
• Company-paid STD, LTD, Life and AD&D coverage for salaried positions*
• Free CAVA food
• Casual work environment
• The opportunity to be on the ground floor of a rapidly growing brand
• All exempt and non exempt employees are eligible for benefits. Benefits are effective the 1st of the month following 30 days of service and you have until the day before the effective date to enroll. A new hire can enroll in our benefit program by selecting a link that is emailed directly to the new hire at their personal email address once hired.
• Please note that visa sponsorship is not available.
• The posting range is an all cash range.

*Indicates qualifying eligible positions only

CAVA – Joining “A culture, not a concept”

As an equal opportunity employer, CAVA considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, height, weight, marital status, sexual orientation, familial status, genetic information or any other characteristic or protected classes as defined by federal, state, or local law