Distribution Director Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

About International Dairy Queen, Inc.International Dairy Queen, Inc. (IDQ), based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation and Dairy Queen Canada, Inc. Through its subsidiaries, IDQ develops, licenses, and services a system of more than 7,800 DQ restaurants in more than 20 countries. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. For more information, visit DairyQueen.com.

Here at IDQ, we create extraordinary Fan experiences every day and we do this through our commitment to hiring and retaining only the best in class talent. We firmly believe that our employees are the catalyst to the success of the company where their initiative, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit are recognized and rewarded. We're looking for motivated, passionate and dedicated individuals with an inherent need and ambition to go after bigger challenges. 

JOB OVERVIEW

Lead Dairy Queen's network of authorized distributors to ensure a consistent, competitive, and reliable supply of approved products, including all ingredients and packaging, to Dairy Queen franchisees. Drive profitable growth across product categories within the assigned region while supporting the execution of Supply Chain strategies, service objectives, and financial goals.

Serve as the primary supply chain leader for franchisees, operators, distributors, and internal stakeholders, providing strategic guidance, operational support, and resolution of complex distribution and supply chain challenges. Build strong distributor relationships, drive accountability, and implement initiatives that improve service, product availability, cost competitiveness, and overall system performance.

Primary Accountabilities

Management of Distribution performance, programs, and planning for the assigned U.S. region:

• Responsible for developing and continuously improving Distributor performance, including fill rates, perfect orders, and on-time delivery, distribution of Approved Products, and SKU rationalization.
• Direct profitable growth of products and services to franchisees.
• Proactively identify supply chain savings and growth opportunities in the assigned distribution region. Provide expertise and leadership working with Franchisees and ADQ personnel to achieve improvements.
• Perform annual reviews of Distribution.
• Manage the account relationship with the account executive and senior account staff at each assigned Distribution Center.
• Communicate Supply Chain strategy and programs to Franchisees and ADQ operations.
• Work directly with each assigned Distribution Center to develop implementation plans for new product introductions and Limited Time Offers to comply with marketing schedules.
• Review the warehouse operations, inventory management, product quality and service provided to all assigned locations by each assigned Distribution Center. Recommend policy and procedure changes, as necessary. Develop and implement corrective action plans, as necessary.
• Assist the ADQ Quality Assurance department in the enforcement of the ADQ Distribution Quality Assurance program and policies.
• Actively use and develop advanced reporting solutions from Arrowstream and other systems as developed.
• Coordinate with the assigned Franchisee Support Analyst.
• Develop and maintain inter-company, cross-functional relationships to build strategies to achieve company goals.

Directing Contract Renewals/RFP’s:

• Maintain Non-Disclosure agreements.
• Responsible for reviewing Inventory movement, number of proprietary items, inventory turns, and lead times of items.
• Review and control expedited freight costs. Proactively identify potential risks and develop plans to mitigate loss or write-off of inventory.
• Develop and communicate product planning obligations and ensure accountability and execution by Distributors.
• Monitor and provide weekly audit reports of unapproved products to each Distributor. Work with Product Development and FSQR to approve and track costs for Distributor branded items.
• Drive Distributor Performance through regular review and continuous improvement of metrics covered under Distributor Report Card.

Other:

• Accountable for New Products (LTO) introductions, inventory, and service levels.
• Participate in planning and execution of the annual Supply Chain Summit.
• Provide assistance to credit managers in collection of distributor accounts receivable.
• Provide counsel and assistance to Purchasing Managers about specific warehouse and product situations.

The US national base salary range for this position is $86,377-$105,812. 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.

Qualifications:

• B.A. or B.S. Degree in business or related field, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Must have a minimum of 5-7 years of prior supply chain and/or store operations experience. Foodservice distribution experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge and familiarity with the Foodservice Industry and Supply Chain Management.
• Must be able to travel to distributors and distributors' markets an average of 15 days per quarter.
• Must be able to drive an automobile for Operator and distributor visits. May require sitting in a vehicle (up to 8 hours per day).

Teamwork and Collaboration

• Strong ability to collaborate in a team environment. Demonstrated ability to be a team leader, liaising effectively with colleagues in various other company departments, driving problems to resolution in an efficient yet collaborative manner.

Change and Continuous Improvement.

• Demonstrated ability to be forward-thinking and to propose/drive improvements in processes.

Accountability and Drive for Results. Demonstrated ability to proactively and independently:

• Strong ability to multitask and prioritize multiple projects and requests simultaneously, within a deadline-driven environment.
• Identify problems, gather relevant information, and input from others, and offer realistic solutions. Use time efficiently, concentrating efforts on the important priorities.
• Take the initiative to find solutions quickly and effectively.
• Proactive approach to achieving results, breaks down work into steps; anticipates and adjusts for problems, and evaluates results.
• Well organized with a high attention to detail and accuracy.

Customer Focus

• Exceptional service orientation. Strives to provide timely responses and solutions to Supply Chain leaders and staff, and distributors’ problems, keeping them informed through resolution. Gathers feedback on programs and uses it to improve programs and adjust service. Follows through on feedback.
• Build strong professional relationships to ensure overall service to the DQ System.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.  

Benefits

Our benefit package supports the well-being of our employees and their families.  Our comprehensive benefit package includes, medical, dental, 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.