Analysis Skills, Category Management, Communication Skills, Contract Negotiation, Cook Dishes, Cross-Functional, Distribution Channel, Establish Priorities, Finance, Financial Analysis, Forecasting, Industry/Trade Analysis, Industry/Trade Press, Interpersonal Skills, Inventory Levels, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Multitasking, Operations Management, Performance Metrics, Philosophy, Procurement Strategy, Product Development, Project/Program Coordination, Project/Program Management, Purchasing/Procurement, Reporting Skills, Research & Development (R&D), Risk Management, Sourcing Strategy, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Vendor/Supplier Management, Vendor/Supplier Planning, Vendor/Supplier Relations, Vendor/Supplier Selection
The Supply Chain Manager will be responsible for leading distribution and supplier management activities (transactional and executional functions) as well as the implementation of the procurement strategy across multiple categories of spend. This role includes, but is not limited to: setting inventory levels with suppliers and distributors, reviewing proposals, supplier selection and management, invoice review and approval, project management/coordination, KPI analysis, new product development and sourcing. This is a hands-on role with limited supervision requiring initiative and drive. The Supply Chain Manager must possess broad, relevant business knowledge with and be able to ruthlessly prioritize competing initiatives. This individual must be able to communicate effectively and appropriately across and at all levels of the company as required.
Responsibilities:
The essential functions in this job description are not all-inclusive of this position’s duties and responsibilities. Reliable and dependable attendance is required.
- Lead execution on strategies related to sourcing not limited to food, goods and services.
- Proactively introduce innovative solutions to improve supply chain with regard to cost of ownership & quality.
- Develop supply chain functional vision and objectives for their area of responsibility.
- Build, lead and support strategic relationships with suppliers.
- Identify secondary sources for categories to mitigate business risk.
- Lead category management process through negotiation and contract execution,
- Manage distributors with KPI development.
- Lead testing, tracking and implementation process for R&D and Operations on projects.
- Utilize a team buying strategy across multiple spend areas to deliver quality in all areas of service and costs.
- Analyze financial, industry and internal forecasts for products and materials and anticipates changes in cost, availability, and suitability of products.
- Manage operational, distributors and supplier-related issues, as well as other various requests as required (sourcing, product information, etc.).
- Provide various reporting and analytics as required (i.e. inventory, spend profile, etc.).
- Administer changes as required to maintain accurate manufacturer/supplier records, but not limited to, expediting the proper paperwork and track contract/price compliance.
- Network effectively within the industry; study industry publications, trade journals and market information to keep current on relevant changes in procurement.
- Collaborate with Operations, R&D, Training team and suppliers
Qualifications:
- Four (4) college degree or equivalent 10 years of industry experience in Foodservice and Supply Chain preferred
- Highly proficient in MS Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint
- Working knowledge of distribution, food categories, produce and indirects
- Recognizes patterns in data, information and/or events; draws logical conclusions to develop recommendations
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively multi-task in a fast-paced environment
- Proven experience working with cross-functional teams
Who We Are:
First Watch is the leading Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using the freshest ingredients available. Guided by its “Follow the Sun” culinary philosophy, First Watch’s chef-driven menu rotates multiple times per year to feature the highest-quality flavors at their peak, offering elevated executions of classic favorites, fresh juices like the Kale Tonic, and fan favorites such as the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Quinoa Power Bowl and signature Million Dollar Bacon. For every kid’s meal served, First Watch proudly donates a portion to organizations and causes making a positive impact to our communities – raising approximately $2.0 million to date. A recipient of many “Best Breakfast” and “Best Brunch” awards, First Watch was voted #1 Best Breakfast by Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, and also named 2025 and 2024’s #1 Most Loved Workplace in America by the Best Practice Institute – an accolade most recently featured in The Wall Street Journal – after appearing on the list in 2022 and 2023, as well. With a commitment to quality, hospitality and community, First Watch is redefining Daytime Dining across more than 630 First Watch restaurants in 32 states. For more information, visit www.firstwatch.com.
First Watch is an equal opportunity employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, First Watch will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
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First Watch Restaurants, Inc.