Supply Chain Manager

About the Company

Wakefern Food Corp. is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States. It supports member-owned retail businesses operating under the ShopRite, Price Rite, The Fresh Grocer, Dearborn Markets, and Gourmet Garage banners. The organization uses a wholesale services model to help independent retailers stay competitive, backed by services such as technology solutions, private label development, and strong procurement capabilities.

Role Overview

The Supply Chain Manager for Appy/Food Service/Bakery will lead a team of Supply Chain Planners and guide inventory planning with a customer-first mindset. This position is focused on delivering the right product quantity and freshness while keeping supply chain costs efficient. The role is responsible for strengthening daily execution, improving performance metrics, and building a diverse, high-performing team. It also supports member organizations, retail stores, Wakefern-owned businesses such as Price Rite and SRS, and alternate banner formats.

Key Responsibilities

• Design inventory movement strategies that support both service levels and stock turnover while reducing risk.
• Use a balanced mix of data and operational knowledge to improve product availability and shelf life.
• Guide the team in building, simplifying, and rolling out inventory strategies aligned to merchandising goals.
• Oversee order placement and validation by adjusting supply chain parameters to set appropriate inventory levels.
• Establish and maintain a consistent daily operating rhythm for all Supply Chain Planner roles.
• Drive process improvement by removing duplication and continuously reviewing workflow effectiveness.
• Shape and implement demand planning methods, including the right aggregation level and planning horizon for pre-season and in-season activity.
• Manage category-level inventory tasks such as penetration by day, holiday flow, and other super-user duties.
• Plan and lead senior stakeholder meetings with suppliers to improve speed, frequency, and predictability across the supply chain.
• Build and sustain an end-to-end supply chain strategy that covers all major components of the network.
• Work with internal stakeholders to support change management and deliver strategic objectives.
• Create and maintain strong supplier partnerships.
• Develop, implement, and sustain a strategic VMI/Co-Manage program.
• Improve inventory flow to raise efficiency while accounting for receiving limits, space restrictions, and operational constraints.
• Set customer-focused targets for metrics such as inventory turns, service levels, and DC damages.
• Attend and participate in Produce division committee meetings on a regular basis.
• Support onboarding for newly hired Supply Chain Planners.
• Lead the planner team in building strong supply chain fundamentals and an understanding of how inventory management connects the business to the customer.
• Create and maintain training and development programs for the Supply Chain Planner team.

Requirements

• A four-year degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related discipline.
• Approximately five years of industry-related experience is preferred.
• Ability to forecast inventory needs in a way that supports financial goals and return on investment.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and analytical abilities.
• Familiarity with Wakefern operations, computer systems, and applications such as RAPID and SAP is preferred.
• Comfort working with Microsoft Office tools.
• Ability to prepare documents that are clear, concise, and well organized.
• Interviewing experience is preferred.
• Proven ability to manage several projects at the same time.
• Ability to sit or stand at a computer for extended periods.
• Willingness to visit retail stores as needed.
• Ability to travel when required.
• Ability to commute to the office four days per week.

Compensation and Benefits

The annual salary range for this role is $100,000 to $140,000. Actual placement within that range depends on factors such as experience, skills, education, location, and budget.

Wakefern offers a broad benefits package that may include medical, dental, and vision coverage; life and disability insurance; a 401(k) retirement plan with company match and an annual company contribution; paid time off; holidays; parental leave; wellness and family support programs; fitness reimbursement; educational and training opportunities through the corporate university; and a collaborative, team-oriented culture. Some benefits are fully or partially company-funded, and certain offerings may depend on eligibility.

Additional Information

This description is intended to outline the general nature of the job and the primary duties involved. It may not include every responsibility or qualification. Additional tasks may be assigned as business needs change. The company may revise this description at any time. This is not an employment contract. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The role is an at-will position, meaning employment may be ended at any time, with or without cause, unless a written change is signed by the Vice President of Human Resource.