The People and Insights Powering KeHE’s Supplier Success
At KeHE, Supplier Managers play a pivotal role in strengthening the supplier community and driving long-term partner success. They serve as strategic connectors, optimizing our digital systems for supplier ease of use, supporting them through operational challenges, and helping them maximize their performance across the distribution network.
The Supplier Manager role blends data-driven insight with strategic relationship-building. Supplier Managers monitor overall supplier health, use analytics to guide smarter decisions, and partner closely with internal teams to uncover new growth opportunities. Their work ensures suppliers can succeed within KeHE’s ecosystem, ultimately helping deliver better products and better experiences to retail customers nationwide
To highlight what this looks like in action, we sat down with Bart Panther, a KeHE Supplier Manager, to learn more about his role day-to-day and passion for helping brands succeed.
Q: How would you describe the role of a Supplier Manager at KeHE?
A: A Supplier Manager’s role focuses on monitoring, measuring, and maximizing supplier profitability and operational performance. We oversee all the internal aspects of each supplier partnership, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure suppliers meet both profitability goals and operational efficiency standards.
Q: What does a typical day or week look like?
A: Much of our time is spent analyzing supplier data and performance metrics to identify areas for improvement. This includes optimizing inbound and outbound supply metrics, reviewing agreements, and supporting issue resolution alongside our administrative teams.
We partner closely with Category Management, Supply Chain, Finance, Pricing, and Freight to streamline processes and strengthen supplier relationships from an operational perspective. Every week brings a blend of problem-solving, collaboration, and strategic planning.
Q: What makes you excited about the work you do?
A: I’m energized by working with goal-oriented professionals who bring a strong work ethic and passion to their roles. I also value KeHE’s commitment to community involvement through KeHE Cares®, Serving Goodness, and service trips.
Beyond KeHE’s culture, supporting suppliers—especially new ones as they learn to navigate KeHE and understand their cost of doing business—is incredibly rewarding. Mentoring and coaching colleagues is another meaningful part of my work that I look forward to.
Q: Do you have any memorable stories of helping suppliers succeed?
A: One project involved guiding a supplier through a major refresh of their UPCs, pack sizes, and packaging across all distribution centers. I connected them with key stakeholders in Supply Chain, Sales, and Enterprise Data, helping them navigate each step. The collaboration ensured a smooth transition for the supplier, KeHE, and our retail partners.
Q: How do you stay ahead of changing consumer preferences and the evolving grocery landscape?
A: We stay proactive by keeping up with industry trends and developments. These insights help us tailor our conversations with suppliers and better understand the factors influencing their needs. Staying informed builds trust and strengthens our partnerships.
Q: How do you help suppliers navigate trends, consumer preferences, and category data?
A: While trends and consumer insights are primarily led by our Category Management and Growth Solutions teams, Supplier Managers act as connectors. We listen closely to suppliers, identify what they need, and connect them with subject-matter experts and the resources they need. We also direct them to valuable tools—like CONNECT Business Intelligence™ reports, SPINS data, and IXOne resources—and encourage participation in webinars and ongoing updates through our newsletters.
Q: What’s something suppliers might not realize about your role—but should?
A: Many may not realize that I’m available as a direct conduit to internal teams across KeHE. If they have a question or challenge, I can help guide them to the right resources or departments to resolve their inquiry efficiently.
Q: What does a successful supplier–supplier manager relationship look like?
A: A successful relationship is built on humility, trust, and a shared growth mindset. It includes strong support from the category, promotions, and sales teams, as well as active participation in initiatives such as shows, joint business planning sessions, and supply chain projects.
Strong collaboration, anchored by KeHE’s skilled category managers, is what elevates KeHE’s partnerships. By providing supplier managers with expert insight and direction, Supplier Managers help bring exciting products to consumers and position retailers for long-term success. To learn more about how KeHE supports suppliers, visit https://www.kehe.com/suppliers/.
