Program managers execute national product promotions.
Although not as visible as some supply chain management roles, program managers at UFPC® coordinate with multiple Yum! Brands teams as well as our purchasing professionals to ensure that the supply of all food and packaging items at distribution centers will meet the sales expectations of member stores across all regions. From batter and poultry to sauces and seasonings, there are five brand program management teams that coordinate with brands, suppliers and distributors to ensure supply and minimize risk in regard to obsolete inventory.
In their goal to plan the right amount of supply across food, packaging and equipment items, program managers also work with several teams at Yum! Brands, including Food Innovation, Architecture & Engineering, R&D/Engineering and Marketing. The program management teams are located in Louisville, Ky., Dallas, Texas, and Irvine, Calif., and support the members of the A&W, KFC, Long John Silver’s, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell National Purchasing Co-ops.
From the initial planning stages to the test or launch of any new food or packaging item, program managers keep a watchful eye as the supply is ordered and utilized during each national product promotion, market test, local-option window and limited-time offer.
Primary responsibilities of program managers include:
- Processes that minimize costs, risks and exposure for concept co-op members
- Facilitation of the Authorization for Inventory Purchase (AIP) process
- Maintenance of base business and core food, packaging and equipment items