Retail Logistics & Supply Chain Specialist in Hart, Michigan at Peterson Farms Inc

The Retail Logistics & Supply Chain Specialist will manage the end-to-end flow of products from manufacturing directly to our customers and key major distributor networks (including UNFI, KeHE, RJW, Tree of Life, and others). Serve as the link from our Sales team for our distribution networks, ensuring our products arrive On-Time and In-Full (OTIF). You will actively manage inventory levels, execute allocation protocols, and design process routines aimed at drastically reducing or eliminating compliance fines and fees. Beyond day-to-day logistics, you will serve as a key relationship driver, working closely with Sales and Customer Service teams to execute monthly performance reviews with major distributors and transform our company into our partners' most valued supplier.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Distributor Network & Relationship Management (UNFI, KeHE, RJW, Tree of Life, etc.)

• Primary Liaison - Act as the main operational contact for major retail distributors to foster strong business ties.
• Performance & KBIs - Lead monthly review routines with distributors to evaluate fill rates, evaluate On-Time In-Full (OTIF) metrics, track Key Business Indicators (KBIs), perform root-cause analysis on gaps, and align on profitable business initiatives.
• Compliance & Chargebacks - Proactively review, manage, and implement strategic operational routines to eliminate or drastically reduce compliance fines, shortages, and penalties.
• Product & Promotion Launches - Coordinate logistically with distributors to ensure flawless alignment on pricing, label accuracy, new product rollouts, and seasonal promotions.
• Logistics Optimization - Continuously evaluate supply chain methods to discover more efficient, cost-effective distribution networks.
• Pricing - Ensure that our pricing is; accurate, updated and communicated to all parties.

Inventory Control & Demand Planning

• Track and monitor stock levels across manufacturing facilities and warehouses to maintain inventory health.
• Execute product allocation processes during periods of inventory constraints or high demand.
• Assist in forecasting future product demand based on sales velocity and distributor insights.

Vendor Management & Order Tracking

• Collaborate closely with third-party logistics (3PL) providers, warehouses, and suppliers to confirm precise delivery dates.
• Monitor shipments closely from warehouses to retail stores or distributor buyers, actively resolving delays.
• Provide fast, tactical fixes to lost shipments, carrier issues, or unexpected stock shortages.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Reporting

• Work hand-in-hand with internal Sales and Customer Service teams to align operational goals with commercial objectives.
• Build, maintain, and present detailed data reports on delivery performance, freight costs, and supply chain efficiency.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strategic Communication - Exceptional clarity in written and verbal communication. Ability to seamlessly bridge the gap between internal sales teams, carrier drivers, external vendors, and distributor category managers.
• Complex Problem-Solving - A proven ability to navigate high-stakes logistics bottlenecks, handle stock emergencies, and run comprehensive root-cause analysis.
• Technical Savvy - High proficiency using modern supply chain software (ERP/WMS), complex inventory databases, and advanced spreadsheets (Excel/Google Sheets).
• High Organization - Exceptional multitasking capabilities; comfort managing multiple distributor portals, distinct compliance guidelines, and overlapping shipping schedules at once.

Qualifications

Education

Work Experience

• Experience: 3 to 5 years of dedicated experience in retail logistics, consumer packaged goods (CPG) supply chain, warehousing, or commercial distribution.

Skills and Knowledge

BEHAVIORAL REQUIREMENTS

As part of a team-based work environment, must be able to demonstrate the following Job Competencies:

Job Competencies

• Team Orientation – Shows skill and ease at working in groups; works with others to achieve better results and forges close working relationships and alliances to get things done; is quick to cooperate versus expect others to bend to his/her wishes; supports joint ownership and shared recognition for results; recognizes advantages of group participation in planning and problem solving.
• Attention to Detail – Committed to exactness and precision in task completion; identifies, pays attention to, and works to understand details; thorough and consistent in following up at detail level; seeks to become expert in disciplines related to adopted career path to ensure quality and precision in work; takes pride in knowledge base and level of expertise.
• Takes Personal Responsibility in Individual Contributor Role – Demonstrates attitude and commitment to take personal responsibility for results, even when in team environment with no authority over others; will step up to fill gaps so results can be assured; avoids excuses as explanations or defending/justifying negative but preventable outcomes.
• Practical Intelligence – Absorbs new information quickly and is comfortable dealing with abstract concepts and relationships; relates new information to previously acquired knowledge to expand and refine frame of reference; enjoys learning and expanding breadth and depth of understanding on variety of subjects.
• Reliability/Dependability – Responds to internal customer needs, questions, and concerns in accurate and timely manner. Follows through on commitments, assignments, and tasks; is at work when scheduled; takes timely breaks/lunches; uses work time wisely.
• Respects Diversity – Respects the Company’s diverse workforce, and behaves in a manner that does not cause harm to others based on age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or religious believes.
• Adaptability – Has ability to focus on the benefits of change and see it as positive; approaches change or newness in constructive, objective manner, views change as learning opportunity; able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Positive Working Relationships – Listens to others without interrupting; keeps emotions under control; remains open to others’ ideas and tries new things; shares information and knowledge; demonstrates a high level of integrity and honesty.
• Focus – Maintains focus on tasks and does not stray from job assignments.

ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Noise level in work environment is moderate; Standard office setting.