This individual contributor, Supply Chain Programs Manager will lead end-to-end supply chain execution for limited-time offers (LTOs), product tests, and related promotional items from concept through discontinuation. Serve as the Supply Chain lead across internal functions and approved suppliers, translating forecasts provided by Analytics & Insights into executable material and production plans. Ensure supplier readiness, timely production, risk mitigation, and accurate cross-functional communication across multiple concurrent programs. Success requires excellent project management, organization, communication, facilitation, attention to detail, and accuracy.
Principal Accountabilities
End-to-End LTO Program & Cross-Functional Leadership
- Serve as primary USCI contact for cross-functional LTO meetings.
- Lead concurrent LTO and product-test supply chain workstreams from concept through discontinuation, establishing milestones, decision points, owners, dependencies, and escalation paths.
- Build integrated project plans and facilitate cross-functional pipeline, planning, readiness, and launch meetings; document decisions, actions, due dates, and risks.
- Provide clear status updates and drive supplier setup, production readiness, communication, and timely issue resolution.
Forecast Handoff & Supplier Production Planning
- Translate approved forecasts and product requirements into finished-good, ingredient, packaging, raw material, and production requirements.
- Negotiate supplier capacity, lead times, minimums, material availability, production windows, and ability to meet requested quantities and dates.
- Develop production plans and preliminary commitments for long-lead needs; document assumptions and exposure, monitor readiness, and escalate constraints or required adjustments.
Supplier Production Management
- Serve as the primary Supply Chain contact for assigned LTO suppliers from feasibility through final production and discontinuation.
- Manage supplier LTO capability, capacity, schedules, materials, packaging, quality requirements, contingency options, and completion against requested dates.
- Partner with Purchasing Manager on long-lead materials, tooling, packaging, and finished goods; negotiate pricing, cancellation exposure, returns, and mitigation options, escalating service, quality, or delivery concerns.
- Lead alignment of LTO and core production priorities in partnership with Purchasing Managers to ensure supplier capacity and production plans support successful LTO execution without compromising core supply.
Production Readiness & Milestone Execution
- Develop production timelines covering material orders, manufacturing, quality release, and finished-good completion; track progress and resolve timing gaps.
- Manage and complete records of decisions, changes, commitments, and corrective actions.
Risk, Obsolescence & Discontinuation Management
- Identify supply, capacity, quality, lead-time, commodity, single-source, and obsolete-inventory risks; develop contingency and mitigation plans.
- Estimate and mitigate exposure and manage production changes, cancellation, repurposing, returns, disposal, final production, and remaining supplier-held materials.
- Lead documentation, invoice review, approvals, tracking, and communication with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
Process Discipline, Data Accuracy & Continuous Improvement
- Ensure accurate supplier, product, pricing, forecast, production, material, and milestone data using consistent tools, routines, and documentation standards.
- Use data, technology, and lessons learned to improve planning, visibility, accountability, quality resolution, and risk management; support special projects and supplier events as assigned.
The US national base salary range for this position is $97,478 - $119,411. This position is also eligible for a bonus. The base salary range displayed reflects the targeted hiring range for positions across all US locations. Individual pay is determined by job-related skills, work location and relevant education or experience.
Education and Qualifications:
- B.A. or B.S. Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, Economics or other related field, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
- Four to six years of progressive experience in supply chain, purchasing, supplier management, project management, foodservice operations, or time-sensitive product launches.
- Working knowledge of sourcing, supplier production planning, materials, scheduling, forecast translation, obsolescence mitigation, and supplier negotiations.
- Strong analytical skills and advanced Excel proficiency; experience with Power BI, Smartsheet, ArrowStream, or comparable tools preferred.
- Excellent project management, organization, communication, and facilitation skills, with high attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to lead cross-functional work, manage competing priorities, make timely decisions, escalate risk, build productive relationships, and deliver win-win solutions.
- Ability to travel for supplier visits and business events, generally 5–10%.
Key Success Measures
• On-time supplier readiness and production aligned to approved requirements.
• Reduced shortages, obsolete inventory exposure, and supply risk.
- Effective project execution across concurrent LTOs with timely, accurate
communication, documentation, and follow-through.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Benefits
Benefit eligible employees may receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical and dental coverage, 401K match, paid time off (including volunteer time as well as parental leave) and so much more! To learn more about our great benefit offerings, Click Here.
Work Environment
Most positions located out of our global headquarters in Bloomington, MN will work a hybrid work schedule where you will work 3 collaboration days a week. Additional in office time may be required to support team/project needs.
Inclusion & Belonging
We are committed to creating a culture of inclusion and belonging for all who touch DQ. We believe in and commit to fostering a community where employees bring their authentic selves to work, and where we recruit, engage, and retain employees, franchise owners, and suppliers based on qualifications and merit. We strive to maintain an environment where everyone feels welcome.
IDQ is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new team members. You must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.