Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Panera Bread is seeking a Manager, Product Supply to own end-to-end supply chain performance for assigned product categories. The role develops supply plans, manages supplier and distribution partner performance, coordinates cross-functional product transitions, monitors supply health, and leads disruption response and continuous improvement initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Own end-to-end supply chain performance for assigned categories across core menu, innovation, promotions, LTOs, and product transitions, ensuring alignment to business priorities and flawless execution across the network
- Lead proactive planning and decision-making for supply, inventory, and capacity, translating demand signals into actionable strategies that balance service, cost, and risk
- Drive cross-functional alignment and execution with Culinary, Quality, Category Management, Sourcing, and Operations to ensure supply readiness, launch timing, and seamless product transitions across the system
- Manage supplier and distribution partner performance by setting clear expectations, holding partners accountable to service, quality, and delivery metrics, and driving continuous improvement across the network
- Establish and leverage advanced reporting and KPIs to monitor supply health, inventory positions, and network performance, using insights to anticipate risks and inform strategic decisions
- Lead network response for supply disruptions, including shortages, quality holds, and recalls, ensuring rapid, coordinated resolution and clear communication of impacts, trade-offs, and mitigation plans
- Provide strategic insights and recommendations to senior leadership through executive-level communication and presentations, translating complex data into clear actions and business implications
- Identify and lead continuous improvement opportunities across suppliers, processes, and network design to enhance supply chain efficiency, resiliency, and cost performance
Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or Logistics
- Strong proficiency in supply chain data systems and analytics tools (24TRACC or similar platforms), with the ability to translate data into actionable insights
- Advanced understanding of end-to-end supply chain processes, including inventory management, warehousing, and transportation concepts
- Demonstrated knowledge of packaging supply chains, including materials planning, supplier capabilities, and lifecycle management; familiarity with tooling, specifications, and production constraints is strongly preferred
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel; strong working knowledge of PowerPoint, Word, and data visualization tools to support executive-level communication
- Proven ability to build and leverage reporting frameworks, KPIs, and analytics to drive performance, visibility, and decision-making
- Strong executive communication skills, with the ability to clearly synthesize complex information and influence cross-functional and external stakeholders
- Ability to operate with a high degree of ownership and autonomy, while effectively leading through influence in a cross-functional environment
- Demonstrated professional presence with the ability to represent Panera Supply Chain to senior internal stakeholders and external partners
- Highly proactive, adaptable, and results-oriented, with a strong sense of urgency and the ability to anticipate risks and drive solutions in a fast-paced environment
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and ambiguity, maintaining focus on critical business outcomes
- Willingness to support business needs outside standard hours, including occasional evenings and weekends
- Minimum: 5-8+ years of relevant experience in supply chain, inventory management, supply planning, sourcing, or logistics within a complex, multi-unit or manufacturing environment
- Experience supporting promotions, LTOs, or new product introductions, including planning, execution, and cross-functional coordination
- Work involves travel and visits to Suppliers, Distributors, and 3PL facilities (5-10% Travel)
- Experience in packaging planning, supplier management, and/or material lifecycle management, including exposure to packaging development, transitions, or tooling is strongly preferred
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