Distribution Specialist

What’s in it for you!

• Hybrid work schedule

• Competitive pay and bonus

• Industry-leading supplemental insurance at no cost

• Restricted Service Awards (RSAs)

• Medical + Dental + Vision Insurance + Flexible Spending Accounts

• 401(K) Plan with match and immediate vesting 

• Vacation + Sick Pay + 12 Paid Holidays 
• Dog friendly office
• Amazing office culture

• Free El Pollo Loco food (Dine Out Card) + Restaurant Discount
• Discounts on theme parks, movie tickets, sports events, hotels and more...

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Distribution Specialist plays a vital role in ensuring the efficient and cost-effective flow of goods throughout the EPL food service chain. This role involves close collaboration with suppliers, distributors, and internal teams to optimize inventory levels, manage product availability, and minimize waste, including addressing dead stock issues. The Distribution Specialist will leverage ArrowStream's technology platform to gain real-time visibility into supply chain data, identify potential disruptions, and make proactive decisions to maintain seamless operations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage the ArrowStream platform to track inventory levels across the network, identify potential shortages or overstocks, and exercise independent judgment and discretion to manage the response with suppliers and distributors to adjust orders as needed.
• Implement and oversee processes to monitor expiration dates and implement strategies to minimize waste, ensure freshness, and reduce dead stock.
• Optimize inventory levels and reduce carrying costs by analyzing historical data and forecast demand.
• Manage Adder Fund to optimize promotional effectiveness and control costs.
• Manage purchase orders to ensure accuracy and timely delivery.
• Collaborate with suppliers and distributors to resolve discrepancies or issues with orders.
• Manage shipments and deliveries schedules to ensure products arrive on time and in good condition.
• Work with transportation providers to schedule and coordinate deliveries.
• Optimize shipping routes and modes of transportation to minimize costs and transit times, focusing on inbound, outbound, and backhaul freight efficiencies
• Monitor carrier performance and address any service issues.
• Use reporting metrics and identify trends to generate insights into supply chain performance and make recommendations to leadership that carry weight.
• Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress and measure success.
• Manage vendor relationships suppliers and distributors to ensure product is delivered timely and according to standards.
• Lead collaboration efforts with suppliers to address any quality or service issues.
• Negotiate pricing and terms of freight to ensure the best possible value for the company.
• Utilize ArrowStream's marketing module to coordinate product launches and limited-time offers (LTOs), ensuring efficient supply chain execution.

QUALIFICATIONS – EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.  The requirements listed below are representative of the education and/or experience required.  

Education/Work Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field preferred, or 2-3 years of experience in supply chain or logistics, preferably in the foodservice industry.

License/Certifications:  N/A

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to work at the Support Center consistent with the hybrid work policy.
• Adept at managing and prioritizing competing time sensitive requests while working well in a team atmosphere that may be under pressure.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other data analysis tools.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience with ArrowStream or similar supply chain management software is a plus.
• This position may require occasional travel to visit suppliers, distributors, or company facilities.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment on matters of significance to the company.

Our Company

In 1980 the first American El Pollo Loco opened on Alvarado Street in Los Angeles, quickly becoming a destination for the best citrus-marinated, fire-grilled pollo in town. Over the past four decades, El Pollo Loco has grown into more than 490 restaurants across 7 states, becoming an L.A. mainstay and cultural benchmark along the way. And today, we continue to work just as hard to always provide customers with fresh and innovative L.A. Mex from our famous family dinners to Mexican entrees.

The pay range identified is the hourly or salary rate El Pollo Loco expects to pay for the posted position. This range does not include any benefits or bonus opportunities that might be available for the position based on position and eligibility criteria. Individual pay will vary based on a variety of factors including years of experience, industry experience, education, geography, etc.

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