Sr. Manager, Supply Chain

Caribou Coffee; Brooklyn Center (MN); On-site; USD 109,000 - 181,000; Full time

Job summary

Caribou Coffee seeks a Sr Manager, Supply Chain to lead transportation, distribution, and third‑party logistics across our restaurant network, ensuring reliable product availability while optimizing costs and supporting growth.

You will design the supply chain network, manage vendor relationships, and develop the Supply Chain Analyst, partnering with Finance, Sourcing, Product, and Ops to drive sustainable improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5-7 years of experience in supply chain management, with expertise in logistics, transportation, and distribution operations.
• Demonstrated experience with supply chain network design, cost management, and contract negotiations.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize the supply chain network, including warehouse and distribution center selection.
• Negotiate freight rates and contracts, and inputs for financial planning.
• Oversee 3PL relationships and performance management (cost, on-time transport, fill rates, accuracy).
• Maintain schedules for inbound, intra-network transfers, and outbound logistics.
• Develop the Supply Chain Analyst and align cross-functional teams to drive outcomes.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Communication

Analytical skills

Leadership

Change management

Cross-functional collaboration

Business acumen

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field

Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field

Job description

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, BUSINESS! 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 Sr Manager, Supply Chain, reporting to the Vice President, Supply Chain & Procurement, you will manage Caribou Coffee's supply chain operations across transportation, distribution, and third-party logistics, ensuring reliable product availability across the restaurant network. You will execute strategies to optimize supply chain operations, enhancing efficiency, controlling costs, and supporting the company’s growth objectives. You will manage vendor and 3PL relationships, support contract negotiations and freight spend, monitor performance against key metrics, and develop the Supply Chain Analyst to advance Caribou's mission and operational goals.

Core Responsibilities

Supply Chain Network Design & Optimization

• Manage the design and optimization of the supply chain network, including warehouse, distribution center selection, and outbound route design to support business goals.
• 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.
• Ensure sufficient distribution center capacity across the network, including baseline storage, seasonal flexibility, and load leveling to meet business needs.
• Drive process improvements, and freight carrier consolidation, and local sourcing to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and increase responsiveness.
• 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.
• Identify and mitigate risks within the supply chain, such as supply disruptions and compliance issues, and develop contingency plans to address potential disruptions.

Financial Management

• Identify annual savings targets and implement strategies to achieve cost savings while enhancing store-level profitability.
• 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.
• Support the development and execution of the supply chain plan that advances the company’s growth objectives, operational goals, and customer satisfaction targets.
• 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

• Oversee performance management for 3PL partners, focusing on metrics such as cost, on-time transportation, fill rates, distribution center accuracy, and shelf-life management.
• Conduct business reviews and lead the annual planning process with 3PL partners, aligning their objectives with Caribou's supply chain strategies.
• 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

• Maintain accurate schedules for inbound, intra-network transfers, and outbound logistics, coordinating with internal and external partners as needed.
• Manage logistics for new store openings, including scheduling deliveries, updating order schedules, and coordinating with Franchisees and 3PL partners.
• Oversee permanent, temporary and holiday scheduling processes, ensuring seamless adjustments to meet fluctuating demands.
• Represent transportation and distribution in cross-functional, collaborative planning for non-ordinary inventory movements.
• Seek ways to improve performance and reduce/control costs in our international logistics operations.

Leadership & Team Development

• Directly manage and develop the Supply Chain Analyst, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and accountability.
• Provide guidance and support for the Supply Chain Analyst’s professional growth, building the skills and capabilities needed to meet business needs and drive supply chain success.
• Build and sustain strong cross-functional relationships across Finance, Sourcing, Product, Coffeehouse Ops, and Warehouse teams, leading through collaboration and influence to align stakeholders and drive supply chain outcomes.

Skills & Qualifications

• 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.
• Strategic Thinking and Decision-Making: Skilled in translating strategy into executable plans and initiatives that align with company objectives and drive results.
• Communication and Collaboration: Clearly communicate goals, priorities, and expectations across cross-functional teams and leadership to build rapport and alignment. Demonstrates an openness to giving and receiving feedback.
• 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.
• Change Management and Adaptability: Experience leading change initiatives, with a flexible and problem-solving approach to evolving business needs. Comfortable with ambiguity.
• Leadership and People Management: Proven ability to manage and develop direct reports, foster a high-performance and collaborative culture, and influence cross-functional partners toward shared goals.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to navigate financial and operational contexts and leverage data-driven insights to influence decisions.
• 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:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5-7 years of experience in supply chain management, with expertise in logistics, transportation, and distribution operations.
• Demonstrated experience with supply chain network design, cost management, and contract negotiations.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience in the food and beverage or retail industries, with a focus on multi-unit or multi-market supply chain operations.
• Proficiency with supply chain management software and tools
• Knowledge of global market trends, supply chain innovations, and best practices.
• 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 |

Compensation Range

$108,678.00 - $181,130.00 per year

• Starting pay is subject to Local and State Minimum Wage regulations.
• Ranges reflect what employer reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for such position.

The physical demands for this position are 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 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.

Brand

Caribou Coffee