Sr Manager, Distribution & Logistics

Sr Manager, Distribution & Logistics

The Sr. Manager, Distribution & Logistics, is accountable for the end-to-end management of Panera’s distribution network, supporting more than 250,000 annual delivery events to over 2,200 cafés. This role oversees approximately $125MM in annual distribution spend, ensuring best-in-class service & communication, quality, cost efficiency, and scalability for café operators across the system.

This leader partners closely with senior internal stakeholders and external distribution partners to align strategy, drive continuous improvement, and prepare the network for Panera’s ongoing menu innovation, geographic expansion, and evolving business models.

This role is located in our Boston Support Center.

Duties & Responsibilities

• The primary responsibilities of this job include, but are not limited to:
• Ensure consistent, best-in-class delivery service to more than 2,200 cafés, meeting or exceeding predetermined service-level expectations.
• Proactively communicate any delivery changes, anticipated issues, holiday schedules, etc. to café operators, in close collaboration with other departments and external distribution partners.
• Function as the main escalation point for service issues impacting café operations.
• Drive fact-based improvements through predictive and historical KPIs, identifying trends, root causes, and corrective actions to improve delivery quality and the café experience. Hold external distribution partners accountable to agreed-upon actions and timelines.
• KPIs include OTIF, fill rate, damages, claims, and café complaints.
• Build and maintain strong supplier and distributor relationships that enable a scalable, resilient distribution network. This includes the integration and onboarding of new distribution sites and/or partners.
• Ensure systems, processes, and partners are prepared to support menu innovation, geographic expansion, and non-traditional unit growth.
• Lead cost and revenue centers totaling $125MM annually, delivering value and efficiency while maintaining service and quality standards for café operators.
• Identify and execute cost optimization opportunities without compromising service or quality.
• Establish and maintain close alignment with internal leaders and external partners on strategy, performance, risks, and opportunities.
• Influence decision-making through clear communication and data-backed insights.
• Lead and execute competitive business strategies, including:
• Pilots of new distribution models and suppliers
• Strategic distributor partnership development and ongoing optimization
• Network design and continuous improvement initiatives
• Lead and execute data-driven initiatives to improve distributor performance and network outcomes.
• Analyze performance data using Panera Power BI tools, Excel, and AI.
• Develop and maintain distributor scorecards across all partners.
• Drive accountability and continuous improvement through standardized reporting and performance reviews.

Qualifications (Education & Experience)

Qualifications include:

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree required and MBA preferred.
• 10 years of experience in distribution, logistics, or related supply chain fields.
• Professional Certifications Preferred: CSCP, CLTD, CSCMP, WERC
• Experience managing large-scale, multi-mode distribution networks preferred.
• Deep understanding of distribution business models, cost drivers, and logistics
• Strategic planning and execution
• Strong analytical, financial, and critical thinking skills
• Ability to influence cross-functional and external partners
• Ability to hold external partners accountable
• Proven business leader with effective communication and stakeholder-management skills
• Comfortably operating in senior executive environments
• Customer Service mindset
• Ability to translate strategy into clear, actionable execution
• Strong people skills
• Flexible, adaptable, and resilient
• Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Working Conditions

• Required travel – 30%

Competitive Pay $136,383 to $163,660 Annually

The actual pay offered will be determined by multiple factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s relevant experience, job-related knowledge, skills, and geographical location. Individual compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.

Newton Support Center