Manager, Strategic Sourcing

The Manager, Strategic Sourcing will be responsible for developing and managing relationships with key suppliers to drive value, ensure quality, and optimize cost efficiencies. This role requires a strategic thinker with excellent negotiation skills and the ability to foster strong, collaborative partnerships. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of supply chain dynamics, exceptional communication skills, and a track record of successful supplier management.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Enable our Purpose to create lifelong memories by igniting the senses with unrivaled food and experiences:

Family:  Work together to make everyone feel at home, and we step up when someone needs help

• Supplier Management: Identify, evaluate, and onboard suppliers that meet the company’s standards for quality, cost, and delivery. Establish and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key suppliers, including being the relationship owner for performance issues.
• Develop Sourcing Strategies: Formulate and implement sourcing strategies that support the company’s business objectives, focusing on cost reduction, supplier innovation, and risk management.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with internal stakeholders, including operations, culinary, and finance to ensure alignment between sourcing strategies and business needs.

Greatness: We’re obsessed with being the best and work hard to continuously improve.  Our greatness is rooted in Quality, Service, Attitude and Cleanliness

• Negotiation and Contract Management: Lead negotiations with suppliers to secure favorable terms and conditions. Manage contract development and lifecycle, ensuring compliance and addressing any issues that arise.
• Cost Management: Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities through strategic sourcing, specification optimization or process improvements. 
• Market Research and Analysis: Conduct thorough market research and analysis to understand industry trends, market conditions, and supply chain dynamics. Use insights to make informed sourcing decisions and anticipate market changes.
• Quality Assurance: Work closely with the Food Safety & Quality team to ensure that all sourced products meet the company’s quality standards and regulatory requirements.

Energy:  We move with urgency and passion, while maintaining attention to detail

• Performance Monitoring: Monitor supplier performance, ensuring adherence to contractual agreements and quality standards. Address performance issues proactively.
• Reporting and Documentation: Prepare detailed reports and presentations on sourcing activities, supplier performance, and cost savings for senior management. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of sourcing activities.
• Risk Management: Assess and mitigate risks associated with the supply chain, including supply disruptions, compliance issues, and financial instability of suppliers.
• Inventory Management: Act as escalation with suppliers and distribution partners and collaborate with the supply chain team to ensure optimal stock levels, minimize shortages, and reduce excess inventory. 

Fun:  We entertain our guests, we connect authentically, and we make each other smile

·       Supplier Relationship Management:  Execute against of our supplier relationship management guidelines for supplier onboarding and ongoing management including executing Business Reviews and other critical supplier engagements. 

·       Long Term Strategic Planning:  Lead discussions with critical suppliers around long-term objectives and strategies, ongoing market trends, innovation and technology advances, and potential investment decisions

·       New Menu Development:  Work collaboratively with the cross-functional team to identify and evaluate potential supplier partners for development of new menu items or extensions and be the primary Supply Chain lead throughout the development process.

ORGANIZATION RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports to the Sr. Manager, Strategic Sourcing.  The Manager, Strategic Sourcing interacts with Supply Chain, Marketing, Culinary, Legal, Operations, People, and Finance.  Interacts externally with suppliers and distribution partners. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Educational Level/Certifications

·       Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.

Work Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

·       3-5 years of experience in sourcing or procurement, preferably within the foodservice sector

• Skills: Strong strategic thinking, negotiation, and analytical skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge: In-depth understanding of sourcing strategies, supplier management, and RFP processes.   Familiarity with industry-specific requirements, food commodities and trends is an advantage.
• Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving abilities and the capacity to make data-driven decisions in a fast-paced environment.

Travel Requirement

• Occasional travel may be required, around 10%.

Disclaimers

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbents assigned to this job.  This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the responsibilities, duties and skills required.  The incumbent may be expected to perform other duties as assigned. This job may be reviewed as duties and responsibilities change with business necessity.