Director, Supply & Demand Planning

ABOUT THE ROLE

AUI Fine Foods is seeking a strategic and analytical Director Supply & Demand Planning to lead our supply & demand planning inventory management and global logistics functions. This role ensures consistent product availability across a diverse multi-category food portfolio while maintaining efficient inventory levels across multiple U.S. distribution centers.

The Director will oversee a team comprising Buyers an Inventory Manager and a Global Logistics Manager aligning purchasing inventory and logistics operations under a single cohesive strategy. The ideal candidate will have a food industry background (preferably food distribution or multi-category) with strong experience in demand planning multi-location distribution and supplier management.

This leader must be data-driven highly analytical and a strong problem solver who can translate complex supply chain dynamics into actionable insights and clear communication for executive leadership.

As a response to the pandemic Albert Uster Imports office employees have transitioned to a hybrid working schedule requiring employees to report in-person Monday through Wednesday with the option to telework on Thursday and Friday each week. Due to the collaborative cross-functional nature of the organization employees at the Gaithersburg office are required to work in-person for the abovementioned days outside of any People & Culture-approved disability accommodation request.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Supply & Demand Planning

• Lead and continuously improve the companys supply and demand planning process to ensure product availability across all categories and U.S. distribution centers
• Partner with Sales Logistics and Finance to translate forecasts into purchasing and replenishment strategies
• Analyze demand patterns seasonality pricing and lead times to adjust plans and prevent out-of-stock or excess inventory proactively
• Develop reporting tools and dashboards to monitor forecast accuracy inventory turns and service levels

Purchasing Leadership

• Oversee all purchasing activities including domestic and import procurement ensuring accuracy efficiency and alignment with business needs
• Manage and develop a team of Buyers responsible for replenishment and product transfers between multiple distribution centers
• Partner with the Innovation team to build supplier relationships to ensure reliability quality and consistency across a diverse food product portfolio

Inventory Management

• Direct and support the Inventory Manager to maintain optimal stock levels and minimize waste or obsolescence
• Establish and track KPIs around inventory health fill rates and forecast performance
• Drive cross-functional coordination to improve visibility planning accuracy and service performance

Global Logistics Oversight

• Directly manage the Global Logistics Manager who oversees international container shipments import compliance and customs clearance
• Provide strategic guidance and oversight of inbound freight import documentation and delivery timelines
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of global logistics processes to support decision-making and problem resolution
• Ensure alignment between logistics purchasing and inventory to maintain product flow and service reliability

Leadership Analytics & Reporting

• Lead mentor and develop the purchasing inventory and logistics teams to foster accountability accuracy and professional growth
• Serve as the organizations primary problem solver for supply continuity supplier performance and planning issues
• Develop and present clear data-driven reports and insights to executive leadership to guide business decisions
• Identify process improvement opportunities and implement best practices to enhance efficiency and communication across functions

What Youll Bring

• Strategic thinking supported by strong analytical capability and attention to detail
• A collaborative data-driven approach to solving complex operational challenges
• Leadership that combines accountability clear communication and team development
• Deep understanding of the food industrys unique supply and demand dynamics

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• 8 years of progressive supply chain purchasing or demand planning leadership experience
• Proven success in the food industry (preferred: food distribution multi-category or multi-location distribution)
• Strong analytical forecasting and reporting skills with a focus on data accuracy and decision support
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing buyers inventory and logistics teams
• Excellent problem-solving and cross-functional communication abilities
• Highly organized precise and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Preferred

• Experience with ERP systems and demand planning software
• Knowledge of import logistics customs and international shipping
• Proficiency with advanced forecasting or analytics tools
• Ability to build cross-functional partnerships and engage in and lead cross-functional teams and initiatives
• Strong ability to develop and deploy quantitative analysis for business improvement; record of accomplishment of KPI-driven and data-driven leadership

SALARY RANGE

Albert Uster Imports hires exceptional people to perform a wide variety of important functions that contribute to the success of the Company. One of the ways AUI does that is through a competitive compensation package. The base salary for this role will be $135000 - $165000.

This role will be bonus eligible.

Based on your qualifications previous experience and transferable skills the Company will determine at its sole discretion the salary offered.