Category Manager

TRC's client has a mostly Remote, direct hire opportunity for a Category Manager!They are head quartered in Duluth GA and this person would go into the office once per week.This opportunity is with a leading Restaurant Solutions and Supply Chain company offering significant growth potential, great culture, benefits, etc.The Category Manager will oversee select category management functions as an integral part of Restaurant Solutions. Category responsibilities include all kitchen equipment categories required as replacement or as part of a new restaurant opening package. This position will contribute to the growth and profitability of Key Clients by optimizing sourcing strategies, building mutually beneficial supplier relationships, and promoting continuous improvement. The Category Manager will provide dedicated support in the areas of supplier, cost, risk, and performance management. This includes ensuring timely supply of high-quality products and services at the lowest sustainable cost. Restaurant Solutions has procurement and supply chain responsibilities for indirect products and services, such as kitchen equipment, smallwares, custom fabrication, distribution, and consolidation programs, construction materials, furnishings, lighting, signs, and store level services. The Category Manager will report directly to the Director, Restaurant Solutions. Principal Duties and Responsibilities• Supplier Management: Accountable for direct management of supplier relationship, service performance, adherence to quality standards, costs, delivery requirements, and risk mitigation. • Negotiation: Negotiate lowest possible landed cost based on product specifications, quality, service levels, and industry conditions.• Contract Execution: Optimize business terms/conditions and develop contracts for supply of products and services with all new and existing suppliers. Ensure timely completion of renewals.• New Program Offerings: Identification, discovery, initiation, and development of new, user-friendly program offerings to drive incremental value and improve the Member experience. • Inspire Collaboration: Interface and collaborate with Client's New Store/Remodeling teams, R&D, Operations Services, and its franchisees to provide optimum cross-functional planning and execution of Category Management functions.• RFx Activity: Prepare and execute RFI, RFQ, and RFP events. Analyze responses and work with internal counterparts to achieve best award decision. Prepare executive summary with results.• Continuous Supply: Locate, analyze, develop, and maintain efficient and effective supplier base to meet current and future needs of all purchased materials and services.• Internal Requirements: As a distributor, timely compliance with internal audit and cross functional support requirements such as item, price, and supplier set up. • Market Analysis: Understand and monitor key spending trends, cost drivers, market factors, geographic considerations, and strategic importance of critical materials/services to manage assigned categories and implement appropriate sourcing strategies.Perform other duties as assigned.Supervision ExercisedThis position has one (1) direct report. Qualifications & Skills • Minimum 3 years of experience in category management and strategic sourcing including supplier, cost, risk, and relationship management. • Bachelor's degree preferred in supply chain, business, or a construction related field of study.• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point) required; proficiency with SAP and/or Smartsheet is a plus.• Collaborative, "team first" approach with proven ability to develop strong business relationship and manage effectively. • Excellent communicator, both written and verbal.• Proven organizational and project management capabilities including ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.• Proactive and dedicated with a drive for quality and results.• Curiosity and aptitude to understand complex requirements across multiple categories. Experience with a purchasing cooperative, foodservice distributor, franchise system, or within the foodservice/restaurant industry is a plus; experience in construction industry or related field

Created: 2025-06-19