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VP of Procurement & Distribution

Category Procurement & Logistics Job Id R08259 Location 203 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29319, United States of America
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JOB DESCRIPTION

The Vice President of Procurement and Distribution will report to the SVP, Chief Accounting Officer and will lead this critical and highly visible strategic function. This leader will be part of the Denny’s Corporation team supporting both the Denny’s and Keke’s Breakfast Café brandsThey will lead the procurement and distribution efforts for both brands that span multiple categories, including food, non-food and indirect purchasesThe position will lead a team of 13, overseeing a $650 million annual spend.  

Ideal Candidate Profile 

The ideal candidate is a strategic visionary with 15+ years of experience in foodservice or hospitality franchise systems, capable of navigating the competitive family dining landscape. They will have deep expertise in procurement, supply chain management, vendor negotiations and franchise relations with a proven ability to leverage sourcing strategies to drive competitive advantage and minimize risk. This individual will have demonstrated the ability to excel at building strong, trusting relationships with franchisees, suppliers, and internal stakeholders, ensuring alignment across the organization. They will be a strong people leader, adept at developing high-performing teams and leading through influence and collaboration. With a sharp focus on cost management, supply chain innovation, and sustainability, this leader will drive key business outcomes for Denny’s and Keke’s brands. The ideal candidate combines exceptional financial acumen, executive presence, and a proactive, results-driven mindset to create and communicate a clear roadmap for procurement excellence, while delivering on the company’s operational goals and fostering a values-driven, people-centric culture. 
 

Additional Details:

The position offers a competitive compensation package, including both short term and long-term incentive opportunities based on company performanceOur corporate headquarters in the beautiful Upstate of SC, embodies a culture that thrives on passion, teamwork, and a deep commitment to hospitality We offer a hybrid work schedule with relocation assistance available if needed. 
 

About Denny’s and Keke’s 

Operating over 1,300 restaurants in 49 states and over 150 restaurants internationally, Denny’s is a 71-year-old brand that continues to resonate with consumers across the countryAt Denny's, we love feeding people mind, body, and soul. Whether it’s creating memorable dining experiences for our guests or fostering an environment where our team members can grow and thrive, we put people first. We embrace innovation and diversity, ensuring that everyone at Denny's has a seat at the table. Together, we’re driven by a shared mission: to make the world feel a little more like home, one meal at a time. 

In addition to the Denny’s system, the role will be instrumental in the growth and development of Keke’s, a 62-restaurant breakfast chain poised for accelerated growth. 

Additional Job Description Information:

Essential Functions:

  • Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute a strategic procurement vision, focusing on short, medium, and long-term goals for supply chain operations. Collaborate with internal stakeholders (Finance, Marketing, Development, HR, Legal) to align procurement strategies with broader business objectives.
  • Sourcing & Procurement: Oversee sourcing, supplier relations, and vendor negotiations to ensure cost-effective procurement of global commodities and supplies.
  • Supply Chain Administration: Implement procurement strategies, logistics, and distribution processes that align with company objectives and reduce risk. Drive continuous improvement in sourcing, procurement systems and distribution methods.
  • Franchise Collaboration: Maintain productive relationships with franchisees to understand and address their unique needs while balancing corporate and franchise priorities.
  • Supplier Relations: Establish and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure Denny’s and Keke’s are prioritized and valued by external partners. Ensure quality and cost competitiveness.
  • Team Leadership: Recruit, train and develop a high-performing procurement team, embracing servant leadership and creating a clear development and succession plan for team members.
  • ESG & Competitive Landscape: Stay informed of trends related to environmental, social, animal welfare and governance (ESG) issues, sourcing innovations, and competitive market developments. Ensure compliance with quality standards and process control procedures.

Experience:

Minimum 15 years in procurement, sourcing, distribution or logistics within the food and hospitality industry, with experience in franchised systems.

Required Knowledge and Skills

  • Leadership: Proven track record in leading large teams, building relationships with suppliers, and aligning internal and external stakeholders around procurement initiatives.
  • Multi-Category Expertise: Demonstrated experience managing a portfolio that includes food, non-food, and indirect categories.
  • Technological Proficiency: In-depth knowledge of supply chain management technology platforms and the ability to leverage these tools for operational efficiency.
  • Problem-Solving & Interpersonal Skills: Strong ability to navigate complex, multi-stakeholder environments, solve problems effectively, and manage conflicting points of view.
  • Project Management: Expertise in managing multiple complex projects simultaneously with a results-oriented approach.
  • Strategic Agility: Ability to develop and implement strategies that drive cost reduction and supply chain efficiencies across a broad range of products.

Denny's Corporation is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of age, race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, military or veteran's status, criminal background, or any other characteristic protected by Federal, State, or local law. 

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should contact 864-597-8000. PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THIS NUMBER TO CHECK THE STATUS OF YOUR APPLICATION.

Denny’s Corporation participates in E-Verify. We will provide the Social Security Administration, and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For more information on E-Verify, please contact the DHS at 888-897-7781 or dhs.gov/e-verify.  Please note that we do not use this information to pre-screen job applicants.

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