Director, Supply Management

We are an employment agency and seeking the Director, Supply Management for an Exclusive Japanese Dining. This opportunity is with a fast-growing Japanese fine dining group backed by a major Japanese hospitality and entertainment conglomerate. The company is expanding its footprint in the U.S. with a high-end multi-concept restaurant collection that blends cultural authenticity with modern elegance.

This position is responsible for overseeing the entire supply chain of food ingredients, supplies, and kitchen equipment for the company. This role involves accurately understanding the needs of partnering restaurant owners, ensuring efficient procurement, proposing alternatives, managing inventory, and ensuring timely delivery.

The manager aims to maximize restaurant operational efficiency by communicating with　partnering owners and the Japan branch, developing and executing strategic supply plans,　building relationships with vendors, and managing costs.

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●Company Industry: Exclusive Japanese Dining Restaurant
●Salary: $114,000 / Annual Salary
●Employment type: Full time
●Location: Brea, CA
●Language: Japanese / English

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* Responsibilities and Duties:

◉ Build Relationships with Partnering Restaurant Owners and Understand Ingredient Needs:

・ Research whether ingredients need to be imported from Japan, if local sources are　available, or if substitutes can be sourced locally.

・ Send samples to Japan or invite partnering restaurant owners to local tasting events to evaluate products.

◉ Procurement and Vendor Management:

・ Establish and maintain relationships with key suppliers.

・ Collaborate with franchise owners to select suppliers, negotiate contracts, and evaluate performance.

◉ Develop and Implement Supply Chain Strategies:

・ Create supply chain strategies based on demand forecasts and inventory levels.

・ Propose and implement improvements aimed at cost reduction, quality enhancement, and shortened lead times.

◉ Inventory Management Support:

・ Optimize inventory levels and support stores in preventing stockouts or overstock situations.

◉ Logistics and Delivery Management:

・ Optimize logistics processes and improve delivery efficiency.

・ Coordinate with carriers to manage delivery schedules.

◉ Cost Management and Budget Planning

・ Manage costs related to the supply chain and ensure operations stay within budget.

・ Identify opportunities for cost reduction and develop actionable plans

◉ Data Analysis and Reporting:

・ Collect and analyze data on supply chain performance.

・ Prepare regular reports and update internal stakeholders and franchise owners on status.

◉ Team Management and Development:

・ Guide and evaluate the performance of the supply chain team members.

・ Provide training and career development opportunities to enhance team skills.

◉ Cross Functional Coordination with Unit Managers:

・ Work closely with Unit Managers to share knowledge, identify common issue ,analyze and propose solutions to achieve optimization of store operations.

◉ Cross Functional Coordination with Japan Branch:

・ Work closely with Japan branch team to mainly share knowledge about food and ingredient supply, identify common issues, analyze and propose solutions to achieve optimization of general food supply chain.

◉ Other Duties

・ Other duties that may be assigned by the executive management as needed

Further details will be explained during the interview.

* Qualifications & Preferences:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or a related field
• Practical experience in supply chain management, logistics, procurement, etc. (5+years preferred)
• Strong negotiation and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills and team management abilities
• High proficiency in data analysis and tools like Excel
• Knowledge of best practices in supply chain management
• Bilingual in Japanese and English (business level)
• Experience in Japanese restaurants or the food wholesale industry is a plus
• Possible domestic travel in the U.S. up to twice a month depending on needs
• The employee may need to travel by car to various locations and vendor sites as part of their job responsibilities.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $114,400.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person