Since 1940, Dairy Queen® has been one of the world’s best known and loved brands. Based in Minneapolis, MN, International Dairy Queen Inc., (IDQ), is the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation. As a leading franchisor, there are more than 7,000 independently owned and operated restaurants in the U.S., Canada and more than 20 countries around the world. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Berkshire) which is led by Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire.

Here at IDQ, we create extraordinary Fan experiences every day and we do this through our commitment to hiring and retaining only the best in class talent. We firmly believe that our employees are the catalyst to the success of the company where their initiative, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit are recognized and rewarded. We're looking for motivated, passionate and dedicated individuals with an inherent need and ambition to go after bigger challenges.

We have an exciting opportunity available for a Director, Logistics Services located at our corporate office in Bloomington, MN.  The Director, Logistics Services is accountable for management and improving the efficient and effective flow of goods from manufacturers to USCI authorized Distributors in the US. The scope of this role includes: (1) management of all multi-temperature transportation and freight services, (2) identification, contracting and management of third-party logistics providers, (3) establishing, capacity planning and managing of redistribution network and (4) Direct to Store delivery resources.  Manage all manufacturer-to-distribution center logistics processes. Continually evaluate, monitor and manage freight lanes, modes of transportation and rates to provide consistent schedules, highest value and best overall value for IDQ restaurant operators. Continually evaluate strategic effectiveness of Logistics Network, including redistribution and third-party resources. 

Primary Accountabilities Include:

Build relationships with Carriers, Redistribution resources and Third-party logistics providers:

Manage third party logistics companies in the area of logistics management, analytical assistance and freight lane contracting to meet IDQ’s customer-specific needs.  Continually evaluate and develop networks, routes and schedules to improve transit times, service levels, inventory turnover and total cost.

Collaborate with 3PL, vendors and distributors to control fuel surcharges, accessorial and other fees.  Conduct regular business reviews with 3PLs, Carriers, Redistribution and direct shipment resources.

Inventory management: Oversee all aspects of moving product via freight from pickup to delivery; manage movement of freight between warehouses to cover orders.

Manage third party redistribution companies in analyzing product flow through USCI’s supply chain network.  Continually evaluate products that are networked through redistribution.  Assist Purchasing in negotiation favorable pricing for products that go through redistribution.

Develop logistics strategies, analyze data, manage freight lanes, rates and brackets.

Develop and maintain strategies and programs to monitor freight costs and maintain understanding of industry trends.

Analyze freight rates, lanes, lead times and landed cost to distributors to improve frequency, cost and delivery performance for store operators. Develop and accurately measure freight cost components, including tariff, fuel and assessorial charges.  Collaborate with the redistribution center providers to develop advanced logistics networks to improve flexibility and speed to market.

Evaluate and adjust as necessary, distribution center freight brackets and utilization of redistribution or direct to store resources.

Manage controlled cost system

Maintain freight information in Arrowstream. Work with Arrowstream staff developing enhancements and improving the accuracy and speed of information to USCI.

Other:

• Manage logistics for DQ Connect franchisee convention, which takes place every two years.
• Other duties and projects, as necessary and assigned.

Performance Management

Build and track overall Transportation performance, including: (1) on-time delivery, (2) Transit times, (3) controlled accessorial charges, (4) impact to fuel costs and (5) percentage of truck load to less that truckload shipment volumes.  Communicate industry activity and performance to management across USCI.

Staff Management and Direction

• Creation and distribution workflows, processes and procedures
• Manage cross functional effectiveness
• Motivate and develop staff, including goal setting, performance evaluation coaching career path development, professional development
• Maintain positive relationships with franchises, advisory councils, vendors and distributors

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field, ideally in Supply Chain Management, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.\
• Minimum of 8-10 years related experience with a record of success in increasingly responsible relevant roles with an emphasis in supply chain operations.

Skills:

• Strong knowledge and familiarity with the Restaurant Industry. Strong knowledge of restaurant operations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word & Excel; Working knowledge of other Microsoft Office application software (i.e. PowerPoint, Access).
• Exceptional analytical ability, as this role requires the ability to assemble, review and make significant recommendations based upon this analysis.
• Travel: Ability to travel 5-10% per year. Includes travel to USCI Summit Meeting an average of 1 week per year and DQ Connect an average of 1-2 weeks every other year.

Communication Skills. Strong communication skills, with the ability to effectively articulate and present ideas to a variety of internal and external audiences. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Teamwork and Cooperation. Effectively solves problems with others.  Involves others in matters that impact them. Works towards cross-functional “win-win” solutions. Strong ability to collaborate and coordinate with other departments (Brand Marketing, IT, and Research and Development) to complete projects on time.

Change and Continuous Improvement. Generates new and viable ideas. Advances ideas into action. Keeps up to date on new developments and information related to Supply Chain, as well as relevant industry practices. 

Accountability and Drive for Results. Strong ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects and requests simultaneously. Makes effective decisions in a timely manner, using data.  Effectively plans and coordinates work for self and others; anticipates and adjusts for problems; evaluates results. Adjusts priorities as situations change.  Takes the initiative to find solutions quickly and effectively. When making plans and decisions, takes into account the realities of our franchisee heritage and System, as well as the impact to other teams cross-functionally.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.   You must be work authorized in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

Benefits

Benefit package includes medical, dental and vision insurance coverage, employer paid basic life insurance, short and long-term disability, paid sick and vacation, 401(k) match, tuition reimbursement, wellness challenges and more!

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We are committed to creating a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion for all who touch DQ.  We believe in and commit to fostering a community where employees bring their authentic selves to work; where we recruit, engage and retain employees, franchise owners and suppliers with diverse background and identities; and where everyone feels welcome engaging with our DQ brand.

IDQ is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values the strength diversity brings to the workplace. IDQ participates in the US E-Verify program.  You must be work authorized in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.