Supply Chain Manager (Berlin, Germany)

Summary

The Supply Chain Manager (SCM) oversees and manages supply chain, logistics, and purchasing strategy and operations at the country level. The SCM is tasked with achieving process and productivity maximization while maintaining a high level of quality and cost effectiveness. Additionally, the SCM is responsible for developing and fostering strong relationships with vendors and distributors. To effectively fulfil the requirements of this role, the Supply Chain Manager should possess sector-specific experience/knowledge and a deep understanding of the Cofix brand, business model, operational philosophy, and product/service offerings.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the overall supply chain strategy for Cofix’s in-country operations
• Optimize upstream logistic operations and distribution, including continuous fostering of strategic partner relationships with suppliers to improve quality, reliability and efficiency of the purchasing process
• Identifies and contacts prospective suppliers/vendors to fully understand their financial and support resources, distribution capabilities, and production capacity
• Prepares Requests for Pricing and/or Requests for Proposals (RFP) from suppliers and vendors
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with suppliers and vendors to ensure a high level of product and service quality
• Work with Country GM and other relevant staff to ensure timely and accurate supplier/vendor and company compliance with contractual obligations related to payments, quality standards, reports, etc.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with suppliers and vendors to achieve an appropriate balance of cost, availability, product quality, and controls
• Communicates forecasted sales information to approved supplier/vendor partners, as appropriate, to ensure adequate inventories of product for Cofix stores
• Monitors and evaluates supplier/vendor performance; investigate and address supply chain anomalies relating to product quality, availability, losses, costing, etc.
• Manage multiple ongoing projects and contracts in an efficient and prioritized manner
• Conduct risk management assessments with respect to vendors/suppliers and overall supply chain and undertake appropriate mitigation or escalation, as needed
• Manage sourcing and purchasing of current and new products
• Negotiate and manage purchasing programs from approved suppliers or distributors, and overseeing the local supply chain to ensure adequate quantities of approved products at competitive prices for the franchisees and a reasonable profit for the company
• Preparation of SOP documentation (Standard Operating Procedures) for food manipulation, delivery and storage at all company-controlled premises
• Responsible for achieving KPIs relating to metrics such as COGS, vendor terms, quality, supply, performance, and reliability
• Ensure full compliance with Cofix brand and quality standards
• Monitor and provide guidance as to the effectiveness of supply chain operations; Immediately report quality and/or inventory issues to the Country Manager
• Enforce all applicable health, security, and safety standards and report significant violations and/or potentially unsafe work conditions to the Country Manager
• Support Cofix management in the implementation of programs, promotions, and other initiatives at the store level

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education in Supply Chain Management, Economics, Business Administration, Operations, or a similar discipline
• Minimum of 4 years of retail/HoReCa experience in supply chain, procurement, and/or logistics; Specific experience with a major retail food chain is a plus
• Deep customer-centric focus, high level of detail orientation, and strong ability to effectively prioritize and multitask
• Previous experience and proven record of project management for retail operations and national logistics;
• Deep understanding of food service sector regulations and sanitary control requirements
• Superb communication skills and high-level of open-mindedness
• Robust understanding of the principal logistics metrics and indicators for performance analysis.
• Fluency in German and English; Russian is a plus
• Some travel will be required