Supply Chain Specialist

Full-time

Orlando, FL

Food Services and Drinking Places

About the position

The Supply Chain Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting the Purchasing and Supply Chain Management teams, particularly in the procurement of produce. This position is designed to enhance the purchasing process by performing a variety of tasks that ensure accurate and efficient purchasing operations for Buyers. The Supply Chain Specialist is responsible for providing reporting assistance that helps track products effectively, thereby contributing to the overall efficiency of the supply chain process. In this role, the specialist will engage in general purchasing activities, utilizing information systems to establish new items and vendors, and generating various reports to support Buyer activities. They will also be responsible for submitting requests to vendors, compiling necessary information, and maintaining both electronic and paper-based filing systems. The specialist will actively participate in product development efforts, which include requesting and tracking samples and verifying product quality on an ongoing basis. Additionally, they will serve as the primary point of contact for both internal teams and external suppliers, facilitating ongoing communications and ensuring that all inquiries related to product categories are addressed promptly. The Supply Chain Specialist will also support purchasing activities specific to the produce category, which includes developing and managing the Specialty Restaurant Groups Regional Platform for sourcing local and regional produce. They will assist in processing and tracking rebates for contracted produce items, ensuring that all purchasing activities align with the company's strategic goals and operational needs.

Responsibilities

• Supports General Purchasing Activities
• Uses information systems to establish new items and/or vendors
• Uses information systems to run various reports in support of Buyer activities
• Submits requests to vendors, compiles information, and shares with Buyers
• Maintains electronic and paper-based file systems
• Actively participates in product development efforts, such as requesting and tracking samples, on-going verification of product quality, etc.
• Serves as go-to person for internal (Darden) and external (Suppliers) for on-going communications
• Prepares legal documents for signature by appropriate purchasing authorities (e.g., Buyers, Supply Chain Leaders)
• Fields inquiries related to category, such as product complaints, pricing, shortages, outages, specifications, as well as for technical-related aspects of category
• Collects information and seeks approval from buyers
• Determines the priority of requests from buyers in order to accomplish work efficiently and meet the needs of internal customers
• Serves as a back-up to other coordinators/specialists/Sr. Specialists, as assigned
• Supports Purchasing Activities Unique to the Produce Category
• Develops, manages, and tracks Specialty Restaurant Groups Regional Platform for sourcing local/regional produce
• Supports efforts related to processing and tracking rebates for contracted produce items

Requirements

• 2+ years of relevant experience
• Expertise in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
• Some college-level coursework
• Proven track record of good analytical skills and problem solving
• Ability to recognize sense of urgency and react appropriately
• Excellent organization, prioritization and time management skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment that requires multi-tasking and the ability to deal with multiple interruptions
• Ability to proactively address all requests from customers, brands, suppliers, Darden TQ, etc.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both internally and externally
• Willingness to put forth extra effort without hesitation
• Demonstrates a high level of professionalism in all aspects of work
• Able to build trust through position collaboration and interaction with teams

Nice-to-haves

• Associate's degree preferred
• Experience in Oracle, SAP, Lotus Notes preferred