Fulfillment Manager (Greater Chicago Area)

Role Summary: The Fulfillment Manager owns the operational execution that gets Fancy products from validated orders through our 3PL network and into customers' hands - accurately, on time, and at the service levels our retail partners expect. Sitting on the Operations team, this role takes the handoff from Sales once a clean, fillable order is confirmed, then drives release, warehouse scheduling, shipment, and post-shipment reconciliation. You'll manage inventory positioning across our own and customer distribution centers, hold our 3PL accountable to OTIF and fill-rate targets, and close the loop on every order with accurate ASNs, invoicing, and documentation. This is a hands-on, highly cross-functional role that requires strong operational planning, data discipline, and problem-solving skills. It's a great fit for someone who thrives in a fast-moving, resource-constrained startup environment and wants to make an immediate impact on how customers experience Fancy Sprinkles operationally. What You'll DoDemand Planning & Order Management Coordinate demand planning with Sales and Supply Chain teams to align forecasts with customer consumption trends. Generate and maintain weekly order reconciliation and KPI reports (including OTIF, fill rate, and forecast accuracy).Inventory & Logistics Coordination Oversee product availability, warehouse scheduling, and order releases through 3PL and logistics partners. Optimize inventory levels across internal and customer DCs through VMI or CPFR programs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies or misplacements. Coordinate outbound shipments, Advanced Shipping Notices (ASNs), and invoicing through ERP and EDI systems. Manage 3PL supply chain execution for new product launches, promotions, and seasonal spikes.

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement: Develop and track key operational KPIs; prepare regular performance dashboards and scorecards. Lead process improvement initiatives to enhance accuracy, fill rates, forecast reliability, and overall supply performance. Identify and resolve root causes of operational or fulfillment issues in collaboration with manufacturing, logistics, and warehouse teams. Maintain meticulous and organized documentation for all transactions and client communications.

Customer Collaboration & Relationship Management: Lead joint business planning sessions focused on improving service levels, reducing out-of-stocks, and optimizing supply chain efficiency. Support Sales team initiatives by providing operational insights and ensuring flawless order execution.

Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as a key liaison between Sales, Operations, and Finance to ensure alignment on goals and deliverables. Support the development and implementation of scalable operational processes and systems. Train and mentor support staff, fostering a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement. Experience and Skills 3-5 years in supply chain, fulfillment, order management, or operations, ideally in consumer packaged goods (CPG), food & beverage, or consumer products. Proven ability to manage 3PL and logistics partners against OTIF, fill-rate, and other service-level KPIs. Hands-on experience managing inventory and order flow through an ERP system; NetSuite strongly preferred. Working knowledge of retailer EDI (SPS Commerce or similar), ASNs, and major retail customer requirements. Analytical and organized, with the ability to use data to build reporting, solve problems, and make decisions. Experience supporting national retail accounts (e.g., Walmart, Target, Kroger, Amazon) and coordinating across Sales, Finance, and warehouse teams. Strong project management instincts and the ability to drive cross-functional work without direct authority. Proactive, hands-on operator who thrives in a fast-paced startup environment.