Director, Supply Chain Operations

Job Summary 

The Director of Supply Chain & Commissary Operations at Papa Johns is responsible for providing strategic leadership and operational oversight to ensure the seamless execution of Warehouse, Distribution, Maintenance, and Production activities across multiple Quality Control Centers (QCCs). The individual in this role directs and optimizes the supply chain network, guaranteeing consistent and efficient service delivery, inventory accuracy, and order fulfillment, all aligned with the organization’s corporate objectives. By orchestrating cross-functional teams and leveraging best practices, the Director ensures high-performance standards that support Papa Johns’ reputation for quality and timely product availability. 

The purpose of the Director, Supply Chain & Commissary Operations is to lead and drive the strategic direction, operational excellence, and continuous improvement of Papa Johns’ supply chain and commissary operations. This position ensures that all QCCs adhere to company standards in safety, quality, service, and cost-effectiveness. The Director creates synergy between distribution, inventory management, procurement, and production functions, translating corporate priorities into actionable operational plans. By establishing clear performance metrics and fostering a culture of accountability and innovation, the Director maintains optimum inventory levels, minimizes disruptions, and supports scalable growth across Papa Johns’ distribution network. 

Duties & Responsibilities (other duties as assigned)
•    Develop and execute supply chain strategies that support business growth, optimize costs, and improve operational efficiency across all QCCs.
•    Oversee day-to-day Warehouse, Distribution, Maintenance, and Production operations, ensuring accurate order fulfillment, inventory accuracy, and timely delivery to stores and franchisees.
•    Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of managers and associates across multiple QCCs, cultivating a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
•    Establish, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure operational performance, identify trends, and drive corrective actions as needed.
•    Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, company policies, and food safety standards within all QCCs and throughout the supply chain.
•    Drive process improvements leveraging methods such as Lean Six Sigma, automation, and emerging technologies to enhance accuracy, service, and cost controls.
•    Collaborate with procurement, logistics, finance, and store operations teams to align supply chain activities with organizational objectives and market demands.
•    Manage budgets for supply chain and commissary operations, controlling costs while maintaining high levels of service and operational excellence.
•    Oversee the implementation and maintenance of robust inventory management systems and processes to minimize stockouts, overages, and obsolescence.
•    Direct incident response and crisis management activities related to supply chain disruptions, ensuring business continuity and rapid recovery.
•    Foster strategic relationships with vendors, transportation providers, and other external partners to enhance service levels and support company growth.
•    Support capital projects and major initiatives related to warehouse expansion, automation, and process transformation across QCCs.
•    Champion the adoption of best practices in safety, sustainability, and waste reduction throughout warehouse and distribution environments.
•    Regularly evaluate and benchmark QCC operations, identifying opportunities for synergy, standardization, and scaling of successful processes.
•    Communicate effectively with senior leadership, providing data-driven insights and recommendations to inform strategic decision-making.
•    Stay current on industry trends, technological advancements, and regulatory changes impacting warehouse and supply chain management.

Experience, Education, Certifications
•    Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
•    10+ years of progressive experience in supply chain, warehousing, or distribution operations, with at least 5 years in a leadership capacity overseeing multiple facilities or regions.
•    Experience within the food service, QSR, or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industries is highly desirable.
•    Strong knowledge of warehouse management systems (WMS), enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, and inventory control methodologies.
•    Certification in supply chain or logistics management (e.g., APICS CSCP, CLTD, Six Sigma) is an asset.
•    Demonstrated success in leading large, diverse teams and managing complex, multi-site operations.
•    Track record of implementing process improvements, automation, or cost-reduction initiatives yielding measurable results.
•    Excellent financial acumen and experience managing operational budgets and capital projects.
•    Outstanding communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
•    Thorough knowledge of applicable food safety standards, OSHA regulations, and transportation compliance requirements.
•    Ability to analyze and interpret complex data and translate insights into actionable plans.
•    Proven capability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth, and continuously evolving environment.
 

Functional Skills
·    Strategic supply chain and operations leadership
·    Financial and P&L management
·    Cross-functional team leadership and development
·    Process improvement and change management
·    Project management and execution
·    Data-driven decision making and KPI management
·    Inventory and distribution management
·    Manufacturing and food production operations
·    Regulatory, safety, and quality compliance
·    Relationship building and stakeholder management
·    Excellent written and verbal communication
·    Adaptability and critical thinking
·    Technical proficiency with supply chain systems and analytics tools

Our Values
•    EVERYONE BELONGS – We believe connectedness and belonging are the essential ingredients to our success.
•    DO THE RIGHT THING –We are relentlessly focused on quality and integrity and make the right choices, even when it's difficult.
•    PEOPLE FIRST – To craft positive experiences for our customers, we take care of each other first.
•    INNOVATE TO WIN – We champion and challenge for a better way in all we do.
•    HAVE FUN – We find joy, create meaningful impact and celebrate the journey together

Our Core Competencies
•    CUSTOMER CENTRIC - We leverage data and insights to craft a customer experience that builds relationships, cultivates trust, and delivers excellence
•    RESULTS DRIVEN – We focus on measurable outcomes by remaining optimistic, tenacious, and persistent even in the face of challenges.
•    CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT –We champion for better through strategic risk taking, experimentation and challenging the status quo.
•    BIAS FOR ACTION – We courageously lead, drive towards decisions, and maintain agility to meet the demands of our dynamic industry.
•    WINNING TOGETHER – We work together to unlock our full potential by actively collaborating and contributing in a cross-functional capacity
 
Papa Johns is an equal opportunity employer.