Senior Manager Distribution & Logistics

About the role

The Senior Manager of Distribution and Logistics oversees the performance, cost, and reliability of CAVA's distribution network. This role is responsible for annual freight and distribution spend and ensuring service levels that directly impact the restaurants' ability to serve guests.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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
• Occasionally move or transport items up to 50 pounds
• 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
• Work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner