Distribution Manager Jobs in Laurel, MD (NOW HIRING)

At CAVA we make it deliciously simple to eat well and feel good every day.We are guided by a Mediterranean heritage that's been perfecting how to eat and live for four thousand years. We prioritize authenticity, curiosity and the pursuit of excellence in everything we do. We are working towards somethingbig, together.

We foster a culture built on five core values:

Generosity First, Always: We lead with kindness. Our best work happens when we act in service of others.

Constant Curiosity: We are eager to learn, grow, and explore beyond the obvious.

Act with Agility: We welcome change; it's the only constant. We embrace, adjust, adapt.

Passion for Positivity: We greet each day with warmth and possibility.

Collective Ambition: We have high aspirations that are achieved when we work together with a shared purpose.

Senior Manager, Distribution and Logistics:

As the Senior Manager of Distribution and Logistics, you will own the performance, cost, and reliability of CAVA's distribution network. This is a high-visibility role accountable for annual freight and distribution spend, and for the service levels that directly affect our restaurants' ability to serve guests. This leader will drive operational excellence through a relentless focus on continuous improvement, with particular emphasis on maximizing perfect orders, ensuring product availability & quality, and improving service levels while balancing cost and inventory performance. The ideal candidate will have the ability to lead high-performing teams, collaborate cross-functionally, and deliver measurable business results.

What You'll Do:

Establish ownership of DC in-stock rate performance by monitoring key metrics, identifying root causes of service failures, and leading cross-functional initiatives that improve product availability and customer fulfillment.

Partner closely with Supply Planning, Sourcing, Operations, Distribution Centers, and suppliers to proactively address inventory constraints, demand variability, and execution issues that impact fill rates.

Manage relationships & performance with suppliers, vendors, and transportation partners to ensure reliable, cost-effective inbound and outbound delivery

Continuously evaluate and improve distribution processes, leveraging data and analytics to identify opportunities for cost savings, increased efficiency, improved inventory flow, and enhanced customer service.

Optimize freight costs from CAVA Foods to distribution centers through network optimization, cost visibility, distribution analysis, and order pattern improvements.

Lead distribution network design and capacity planning , evaluating DC footprint, capacity, and routing to ensure the network scales ahead of CAVA's unit growth without compromising service or cost

Champion a continuous improvement mindset by implementing best practices, process standardization, and corrective actions that drive sustainable improvements in fill rates, inventory health, and distribution performance.

Stay current on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in distribution and logistics management, recommending and implementing innovative solutions that enhance supply chain resilience and customer service.

The Qualifications:

Experience and Education:

Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or a related field

10+ years of progressive supply chain, distribution, or logistics experience, including experience in retail or foodservice distribution environments preferred

CLTD, CSCP, CPIM, or Six Sigma certification a plus

Required Skills:

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence senior internal stakeholders and manage external partners (carriers, 3PLs, suppliers)

Strong analytical, financial, and critical-thinking skills, effective at translating data into decisions

Strategic planning and execution, with the ability to operate effectively in senior executive environments

Experience with supply chain visibility, TMS/WMS, freight management, or BI/reporting tools

Proficiency in MS Office Suite (advanced Excel preferred)

Physical Requirements:

Ability to maintain stationary position to be able to operate a computer and other office equipment

Must be able to identify, analyze and assess details

For certain positions, must be able to occasionally move or transport items up to 50 pounds

Ability to communicate with others and exchange information accurately and effectively

Constantly positions self and move about to support ordinary restaurant or food production support or office operations, as applicable

Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner

What we offer:

Competitive salary, plus bonus and long-term incentives*

Early Wage Access!

Unlimited PTO, paid parental leave, plus paid opportunities to give back to the community

Health, Dental, Vision, Telemedicine, Pet Insurance plus more!

401k enrollment with CAVA contribution

Company-paid STD, LTD, Life and AD&D coverage for salaried positions*

Free CAVA food

Casual work environment

The opportunity to be on the ground floor of a rapidly growing brand

All exempt and non exempt employees are eligible for benefits. Benefits are effective the 1st of the month following 30 days of service and you have until the day before the effective date to enroll. A new hire can enroll in our benefit program by selecting a link that is emailed directly to the new hire at their personal email address once hired.

Please note that visa sponsorship is not available.

The posting range is an all cash range.

*Indicates qualifying eligible positions only

CAVA - Joining "A culture, not a concept"

As an equal opportunity employer, CAVA considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, height, weight, marital status, sexual orientation, familial status, genetic information or any other characteristic or protected classes as defined by federal, state, or local law