Strategic Sourcing & Vendor Relations Manager

The Strategic Sourcing & Vendor Relations Manager is a high-impact role responsible for shaping and executing sourcing strategies, strengthening supplier partnerships, and ensuring the reliable, cost-effective flow of products to franchise locations nationwide. This role blends strategic vision with hands-on execution, overseeing everything from supplier negotiations and market analysis to vendor communications, shipment tracking, and inventory oversight.

Reporting directly to senior leadership, this role partners with Operations, Product Development, and franchise support teams to mitigate risks, and implement supply chain strategies that support both immediate operational needs and long-term business growth.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Supplier & Vendor Management

• Lead supplier performance management with regular reviews, scorecards, and continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, service levels, on-time delivery, and growth opportunities.

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with suppliers through ongoing communication on order volumes, delivery expectations, product innovation, and compliance.

• Collaborate with vendors to resolve escalated service issues, vendor non-compliance, and out-of-stock situations.

• Lead negotiations for vendor agreements, securing competitive pricing, favorable terms, service-level commitments, and food safety compliance.

• Maintain procurement system accuracy with product availability, pricing, lead times, and vendor performance metrics.

Strategic Sourcing & Procurement

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies focused on ingredient traceability, shelf-life optimization, cost containment, and food safety compliance.

• Analyze market conditions and ingredient trends to inform pricing, availability, and sourcing decisions.

• Partner with Product Development, Marketing, and cross-functional teams to plan product launches, seasonal transitions, packaging changes, and promotional cycles.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with the Demand Planner to align sourcing and procurement activities with demand forecasts and inventory strategies.

• Collaborate with the Logistics Coordinator to oversee timely deliveries and ensure cold chain compliance, while delegating day-to-day logistics tasks.

• Support Operations, Franchise Support, Finance, and Marketing teams to align procurement with operational and brand priorities.

• Provide franchisees with vendor-related support and ensure timely resolution of escalated issues.

Operational Execution

• Maintain direct communication with vendors to confirm order accuracy, shipment status, and on-time delivery, escalating logistics issues as needed.

• Monitor supply levels in partnership with Demand Planning to maintain product availability and minimize stockouts or excess inventory.

• Lead cross-functional planning for product transitions, seasonal purchasing, and promotional periods at a strategic level.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Support Demand Planning by providing procurement and supplier data to aid forecasting and inventory planning.

• Identify cost savings, process improvements, and operational efficiencies within the supply chain.

• Prepare regular procurement and supply chain performance reports and deliver executive-ready insights to support strategic decision-making.

This document represents the major duties, responsibilities, and authorities of this job, and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. Other duties may be assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Procurement, or related field.

• Relevant job experience may be substituted for educational requirements.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in supply chain, procurement, or sourcing roles, preferably within the food and beverage or food service industry.

• Demonstrated experience managing supplier relationships, contract negotiations, and vendor performance.

• Proven ability to manage inventory levels, shipment tracking, and procurement systems.

• Experience collaborating cross-functionally with Operations, Product Development, and Support teams.

• Experience working in or with a franchise system highly preferred.

Knowledge

• Deep understanding of food and beverage sourcing, including perishables and shelf-stable goods.

• Knowledge of distribution networks, cold chain logistics, and multi-unit food-service operations.

• Ability to forecast demand, build seasonal purchasing projections, and manage high-volume procurement cycles.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with ERP and procurement systems is highly preferred.

Ability

• Clear, professional communication with internal and external stakeholders.

• Exceptional negotiation and vendor management skills with the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders at all levels.

• Analytical, detail-oriented, and capable of problem-solving in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a remote team.

• Strong organizational and project management abilities.

• Resilient under high-volume, time-sensitive demands.

• Ability to excel in a remote work environment, both independently and as a member of a team

• Ability to manage stress and conflicts in a work setting

• Ability to drive a collaborative and inclusive culture

Licensing / Professional Certification

• Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) or Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) preferred.

• Food safety or quality certifications (e.g., ServSafe, HACCP) preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of seated work.

• Ability to travel to vendor or franchise locations as needed.

• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs occasionally.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other Requirements

• Reliable internet and setting to perform job remotely

COMPANY OVERVIEW

At BIGGBY COFFEE we are committed to supporting people in building a life they love! We are an aspiring conscious company and we are always looking for individuals to join our team who possess a desire to grow and a willingness to share as a professional and individual. We are a 100% franchise company that has grown to over 400 locations in 13 states since we started in 1995!

BIGGBY COFFEE fanatics consume about 2,500,000 pounds of coffee a year. By 2028, we plan to be 100% farm-direct. Farm-Direct means that we buy directly from the coffee producer and eliminate as many of the unnecessary people in the middle. In turn, those savings go to the farmer to ensure their economic viability and prosperity. Join us on our mission to put a Name, a Face, and a Place to every cup of coffee we serve.

VALUES & BENEFITS

At BIGGBY COFFEE we are committed to supporting people in building a life they love. Acceptable candidates will possess a desire to grow and a willingness to share as a professional and individual. Our core values are:

Love Unconditionally- Have faith in people and assume their good intentions. Extend grace at no extra charge and illuminate every interaction with love.

Embrace Growth- Harness the power of limitless possibilities - take risks, fail fast, adapt, grow.

Live Consciously- Be present, self-aware, and mindful of others. Know who I am and who I want to be. Always have a positive impact on those around me.

Have Courage- Recognize fear, but challenge what I am afraid of. Be bold, take leaps and embrace the potential to fail. Do the brave thing.

Kick-Ass- Work with enthusiasm, intensity, and passion. Stay focused and give it everything I've got. Push limits and go beyond expectations.

BENEFITS & PERKS

As a full-time Home Office employee, you would receive a variety of benefits including:

• 5 days of vacation days as a new hire. Vacation days will then increase with your tenure.
• 9 Sick Days, 5 Floating Holidays, and 3 Volunteer Days per calendar year.
• 13 Company-Paid holidays per year.
• A paid sabbatical after every 5 years.
• Family Care Plan (maternity/paternity)
• Bereavement days

The BIGGBY COFFEE Corporate Office also offers ST/LT disability, 401K w/ employer match (up to 4%), Tuition Reimbursement, $100,000 company-paid life insurance, and medical, dental, & vision insurance.

We also offer numerous perks including a remote office set-up bonus, a fixed monthly allotment, flexible scheduling, discounted pet insurance, discounted BIGGBY merchandise, discounted college tuition through select universities, and more!

BIGGBY COFFEE loves you for who YOU are. We exist to love people and that includes you! Global Orange Development, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage and welcome all applicants, whether a member of the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, Black, Indigenous, and all other People of Color. BIGGBY is striving to be a safe place for you to be you and does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race (including traits historically associated with race including but not limited to, hair texture and hair styles), color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.

• Candidates will be placed in the salary range based on relevant skills and experience requested for the role.

Applicants must reside or relocate to a state the BIGGBY COFFEE Home Office is registered to conduct business in, which are MI, OH, CT, SC, and KY.