Director of Vendor Management and Supply Chain

NOTE:
This is a full-time position and will be onsite at our corporate headquarters in Franklin, TN.

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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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.

• 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.

• Providing executive-level oversight for supply chain and operations support components of new store openings
• Leading supply chain strategy for remodels and acquisitions
• Overseeing company wide 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

• 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.

• 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.

• 5–7+ years of progressive experience in supply chain, procurement, vendor management,…