NOTE: This is a full-time position and will be onsite at our corporate headquarters in Franklin, TN.Position Summary: The Director of Vendor Management and Supply Chain leads the strategy, relationships, and financial stewardship of all supply chain functions that support Fourteen Foods restaurant operations. This role oversees vendor selection, contract negotiation, cost optimization, and performance management while ensuring product consistency, reliability, and service excellence across all locations.
As a key partner to the Operations Leadership team, this role ensures that supply chain decisions directly support operational goals, profitability, new store growth, remodel execution and long-term organizational growth. The Director sets annual goals and drives initiatives that deliver measurable cost savings, improved service, and continuous process improvement.
Essential Functions:1. Vendor Strategy, Selection & Contract Negotiation
- Lead all vendor sourcing, evaluation, and selection processes across product and service categories.
- Negotiate contracts, pricing structures, service level agreements (SLAs), and terms to ensure optimal cost, quality, and service performance.
- Oversee integration of new vendors and improvements or transitions for existing vendors, ensuring smooth implementation and field communication.
- Conduct market research to identify new opportunities, alternative suppliers, and potential cost savings.
2. Cost Analysis, Optimization & Category Ownership
- Research, analyze, and evaluate contracts and cost structures across categories including:
- Inventory purchases
- Waste and recycling services
- Hood cleaning, grease traps, and rendered grease
- Lawn and snow services
- Linens
- Pest control
- CO2 supply
- Shipping & freight
- Internal warehouse operations
- Identify inefficiencies, negotiate cost improvements, and recommend strategic adjustments.
- Build multi-year cost optimization plans and track savings results.
- Other Vendor Programs
3. Vendor Performance Management
- Conduct formal vendor business reviews (monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, annual) depending on category and performance expectations.
- Establish KPI metrics, accountability structures, and performance standards for all vendor partners.
- Address escalated service issues and ensure timely corrective actions from vendors.
- Maintain strong relationships with vendor leadership teams to ensure long-term alignment and responsiveness.
- Review, negotiate, and approve new and renewed vendor contracts to ensure optimal terms, service expectations, and cost structures prior to submitting to Legal for final review.
4. Compliance, Risk Management & Documentation
- Ensure all vendors maintain proper compliance documentation including:
- Certificates of insurance
- Licenses
- Business authorization for all operating states/municipalities
- Maintain internal vendor compliance systems and ensure Operations and Legal have visibility.
- Mitigate risk by ensuring vendors consistently meet company and regulatory standards.
5. Strategic Project & Program Leadership
- Providing executive-level oversight for supply chain and operations support components of new store openings
- Leading supply chain strategy for remodels and acquisitions
- Overseeing companywide system rollouts / new technology
- Managing cross-functional alignment across Operations, Marketing, Facilities, Finance, HR and IT
- Leading change management and risk mitigation for large-scale programs
6. Cross-Functional Leadership & Partnerships
- Serve as a primary business partner to Operations Leadership-ensuring supply chain strategy directly supports restaurant needs and performance.
- Collaborate closely with:
- Operations
- Training
- Finance & Accounting
- Facilities
- HR
- Legal
- Provide communication, analysis, and field-ready resources during product changes, vendor transitions, or new initiatives.
7. Department Leadership & Annual Initiatives
- Lead the Vendor Management and Supply Chain team.
- Establish annual goals related to:
- Cost savings
- Vendor performance
- Warehouse efficiency
- Service improvements
- Technology and process enhancements
- Mentor, develop, and coach team members for growth and strong performance.
Required Qualifications- 5-7+ years of progressive experience in supply chain, procurement, vendor management, and multi-unit operations.
- Proven track record in contract negotiation, cost analysis, and vendor optimization.
- Strong financial acumen with ability to drive savings and assess supplier economics.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills-especially with Operations Leadership.
- Ability to lead, influence, and collaborate across multiple departments.
- Demonstrated experience reviewing, negotiating, and optimizing vendor contracts, including new agreements and renewals.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience in multi-unit restaurant or retail environments.
- Strong analytical capability including spend analysis, performance metrics, and forecasting.
- Experience leading RFP processes and managing complex vendor categories.
- Demonstrated change management experience during vendor transitions or product rollouts.
