Director of Supply Chain - airdrie

Position Summary

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Director, Supply Chain is responsible for the strategic leadership and execution of OPA!’s supply chain operations across Canada. This role oversees procurement, sourcing, supplier relationships, distribution, inventory management, logistics coordination, and operational supply chain initiatives that support both corporate and franchise restaurant operations.

The Director, Supply Chain will play a critical role in ensuring product quality, supply continuity, operational efficiency, cost management, and franchisee support across the OPA! network. The successful candidate will work closely with Operations, Finance, Marketing, Culinary, Distribution Partners, and Franchisees to support the continued growth and operational success of the brand.

This position requires a collaborative and hands‑on leader with solid analytical capabilities, relationship management skills, and extensive experience within multi‑unit restaurant, QSR, foodservice, or franchise environments.

Key Responsibilities

Supply Chain Leadership

• Develop and execute national supply chain strategies aligned with company objectives and franchise network growth.
• Lead procurement, sourcing, logistics, and distribution initiatives across the OPA! system.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on operational efficiency, food cost management, service levels, and product quality.
• Monitor commodity markets, supply risks, and industry trends to proactively manage operational challenges and cost pressures.
• Identify and implement scalable supply chain processes to support long‑term business growth.

Procurement & Supplier Management

• Lead negotiations related to pricing, contracts, rebates, and supplier agreements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, distributors, and manufacturing partners.
• Evaluate supplier performance related to pricing, quality, service, and delivery standards.
• Identify alternative sourcing opportunities and contingency plans to minimize supply disruptions.
• Ensure all products meet operational, quality, and food safety standards.

Distribution & Operational Support

• Oversee inventory planning and supply coordination to support restaurants across Canada.
• Collaborate with franchisees and operations teams to address supply chain and product‑related issues.
• Support new restaurant openings, product launches, promotional initiatives, and menu innovation projects.
• Partner with Operations, Culinary, Finance, and Marketing teams to support operational initiatives and business objectives.
• Ensure effective communication of supply chain updates, product changes, and operational initiatives throughout the franchise network.

Financial & Performance Management

• Monitor and analyze food costs, freight expenses, supplier pricing, and supply chain performance metrics.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and reporting processes related to supply chain operations.
• Identify opportunities to improve margins, reduce waste, and optimize operational performance.
• Utilize ERP systems and reporting tools to support data‑driven decision‑making and operational visibility.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Supply Chain Management, Business, Commerce, Operations, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive supply chain leadership experience within QSR, restaurant, foodservice, retail, or franchise organizations.
• Proven experience managing procurement, sourcing, supplier negotiations, logistics, and distribution operations.
• Strong understanding of inventory management, food cost controls, and supply chain best practices.
• Experience working within multi‑unit or franchise business environments preferred.

Skills

• Strong financial and analytical capabilities with experience managing budgets, reporting, and KPIs.
• Strong working knowledge of industry regulations and legal guidelines.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, relationship management, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Strong analytical and organizational abilities with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced and evolving environment.