The Senior Specialist, International Logistics & Inventory Management will support Baskin-Robbins international shops world-wide by working with Inspire’s global network of contract and partner managed manufacturers and licensees. Function will focus on proactive management of supply and demand to ensure a positive, balanced outcome and avoid unnecessary costs and delays. Another focus will be end-to-end order management and timely communications to stakeholders to ensure all products are shipped as complete as possible, accurately, and on-time.
This position requires an individual that is adept at pulling data from varied sources into a single, repeatable, maintainable and easy to understand model that can be used to integrate licensee demand with manufacturing supply. The Senior Specialist ensures our end-to-end international order and fulfillment process is effective and responsive to meet the needs of Inspire Brands and our Licensees. This position will be based in our Boston Support Center and will be onsite 80% of the time.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Procurement and Logistics - Manage relationship with key manufacturers to execute the end-to-end order and delivery process to our licensees.
- This includes reviewing production timing, inventory substitution decisions, shelf-life management, order and shipment timing, and resolving any order or product availability issues with both supplier and customers
- Responsible for managing complete cycle of order receipt through delivery at port including accurate processing of order changes, identifying item shortages and resolving with both supplier and customer
- Improves service levels and supports licensees/franchisees through effective communication and regular updates through e-mail and conference calls.
- Coordinates with freight forwarder to monitor, track and update order shipment and ETA dates
- Responsible for timely updates to customer regarding order status, order timing, and item availability. Complete follow-up and issue resolution is imperative
- Building relationships and linking with our ingredient suppliers to address any supply issues that could impact planned production timelines
Data and Information Management - Support the Sr. Manager in analysis that highlights trends, drivers, and issues with demand and supply planning.
- Make recommended adjustments to forecast, production plans, and inventory targets based on changes in demand and market trends
- Track limited time product pre-orders versus actuals to help minimize obsolescence
- Support the Senior Manager with ad-hoc analysis, forecasting, ingredient ordering, and obsolescence mitigation
- Direct ownership for the analysis reporting related to category shipment data and effectively communicate risks, opportunities, and recommendations to manager
- Partner in planning process by creating models that provide key insight and analysis critical to forward looking decision making
Systems and Processes Optimization
- Manage and maintain the iProcurement system with accurate information on products, pricing, suppliers, and customers
- Identify system and process improvement opportunities from order receipt through plant invoice, focusing on minimizing data and document touches
- Other duties as assigned
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS
- 4-Year Degree in business (Supply Chain Management is a plus)
- 4 years' experience within a global, outsourced supply chain or international shipping preferred
- Experience in management of vendor/supplier relationships
- Experience working with multiple teams and/or multiple direct reports
- Specific industry/category knowledge/experience (i.e. logistics, commodities, ingredients, purchasing, distribution, forecasting, relationship management, etc.) preferred
- Strong knowledge of MS-Office (specifically with respect to Microsoft Excel) and some experience with Oracle Procurement/Ordering systems is a major plus
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS or ABILITIES
- Global Mindset
- Strong Communication and Problem Solving/Troubleshooting skills
- Technical Skills - Computer competency and strong analytical skills
- Functional Technical Skills may include specific industry/category knowledge (i.e. logistics, commodities, ingredients, purchasing, distribution, forecasting, relationship management, etc.)
- Organizational Skills/Process Management
- Ability to build effective relationships internal and external
- Advanced application of common software (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Exerts some influence on the overall objectives and long-range goals of the company
- Ability to travel up to 5% internationally
Inspire Brands is a multi-brand restaurant company whose portfolio includes more than 32,000 Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s, and SONIC restaurants worldwide.
We’re made up of some of the world’s most iconic restaurant brands, but we’re much more than just a restaurant company. We’re a team of hundreds of thousands who individually and collectively are changing the way people eat, drink, and gather around the table. We know that food is much more than a staple—it’s an experience. At Inspire, that’s our purpose: to ignite and nourish flavorful experiences.