Restaurant Supply Chain Coordinator
Career GuideKey Responsibilities
- Monitor inventory levels for food, beverages, packaging, and cleaning supplies
- Create purchase orders and confirm pricing and product details
- Coordinate delivery schedules with vendors, warehouses, and restaurant locations
- Track order status and manage backorders and substitutions
- Resolve delivery issues such as missing items, damages, and late shipments
- Maintain item lists and product specifications in ordering systems
- Support vendor setup and vendor performance tracking
- Review invoices and help resolve billing discrepancies
- Prepare basic supply reports for managers and operations leaders
- Support food safety and quality processes by following handling and traceability steps
Top Skills for Success
Inventory Management
Purchase Order Management
Vendor Communication
Delivery Coordination
Issue Resolution
Spreadsheet Skills
Data Accuracy
Cost Awareness
Time Management
Food Safety Awareness
Career Progression
Can Lead To
Supply Chain Specialist
Procurement Specialist
Inventory Analyst
Restaurant Operations Analyst
Distribution Coordinator
Transition Opportunities
Supply Chain Manager
Procurement Manager
Inventory Manager
Restaurant Operations Manager
Vendor Manager
Common Skill Gaps
Often Missing Skills
ForecastingDemand PlanningContract BasicsInvoice ReconciliationVendor Performance TrackingInventory AuditingERP SystemsRoot Cause Analysis
Development SuggestionsBuild a simple weekly demand forecast using sales trends and seasonal events. Create a vendor scorecard with on time delivery, fill rate, and credit accuracy. Practice invoice checks by matching purchase orders, receipts, and invoices. Ask to participate in inventory counts and document variance drivers.
Salary & Demand
Median Salary Range
Entry LevelUSD 40,000 to 52,000
Mid LevelUSD 52,000 to 68,000
Senior LevelUSD 68,000 to 90,000
Growth Trend
Steady demand. Hiring is supported by multi location restaurant growth, delivery and catering expansion, and tighter cost control needs. Experience with inventory accuracy and vendor coordination is consistently valued.Companies Hiring
Major Employers
McDonald’sStarbucksChipotleYum BrandsDomino’sRestaurant Brands InternationalDarden RestaurantsThe Cheesecake FactorySyscoUS Foods
Industry Sectors
Quick service restaurantsFast casual restaurantsFull service restaurantsRestaurant groupsFood distributionFood manufacturingHospitalityCatering
Recommended Next Steps
1
Create a one page dashboard that tracks stockouts, late deliveries, and top substituted items2
Standardize an order follow up checklist for the top vendors and distributors3
Document a clear process for receiving, damages, credits, and returns4
Improve item master accuracy by reviewing units, pack sizes, and lead times5
Learn the basics of forecasting and safety stock using a spreadsheet template6
Partner with restaurant managers to set minimum stock levels for critical items7
Request cross training with purchasing, finance, and warehouse teams