Sr. Category Manager

TRC is seeking a talented Sr. Category Manager to join one of our Supply Chain and Distribution clients for hybrid role based out of Duluth, GA!

Position & Department Overview

The Sr. Category Manager (SCM) will oversee select category management functions as an integral part of Restaurant Solutions. Category and leadership responsibilities include strategy and execution for all Kitchen Equipment, Smallwares, and Equipment Maintenance required as part of a new restaurant opening package, replacement, or repair / maintenance service after the sale. This position will contribute to the growth and profitability of Dunkin by optimizing sourcing strategies, building mutually beneficial supplier relationships, and promoting continuous improvement. The Sr. 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 to the Dunkin franchisees.

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 Sr. Category Manager will report directly to the EVP, Restaurant Solutions. This position are located in Duluth, GA.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Category Management : All kitchen equipment (CM), smallwares (ACM), and equipment repair & maintenance (R&M) service and parts programs (CM) after the sale.

Program Management : franchisee equipment tech training (CM). Strategy and program development to optimize equipment maintenance and service after the sale.

Interface and collaborate New Store / Remodeling teams, R&D, Operations Services, and its franchisees to provide optimum cross-functional planning and execution of Category Management functions.

Franchisee / Inspire Committee Representation : Represent Restaurant Solutions as lead participant on Restaurant Excellence Sub Committee (RESC).

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.

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.

Supply Continuity : Locate, analyze, develop, and maintain efficient and effective supplier base to meet current and future supply 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. Specifically, oversee RS category management requirements associated with inflow and outflow of product across 10 distribution centers (DCs).

Market Analysis : Understand and monitor spending trends, cost drivers, tariff impacts, market factors, origin & geographic considerations, and strategic importance of critical materials / services to manage assigned categories and implement optimal sourcing strategies.

Scope of Responsibility (SCM) : Strategic leadership across key categories, people development, high-level influence.

Develop and lead strategic initiatives across high-spend or critical categories

Mentor and develop team members and guide cross-functional category planning

Interface with senior leadership, finance, and legal on business cases

Identify emerging trends, market shifts, and risk mitigation strategies

Lead supplier performance reviews and escalate supplier issues when necessary

Oversight and direct involvement with both internal and external requirements focused on supply continuity, efficiency, and sourcing excellence.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervision Exercised

This position has three direct reports currently one Associate Category Manager (ACM) and two Category Managers (CM).

Qualifications & Skills

Minimum 5-10 years of experience in category management and strategic sourcing including supplier, cost, risk, and relationship management.

Bachelors 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 is also of value, but not required.

Other Requirements

Periodic travel required.

Physical Demands

Ability to sit for extended periods of time.

Ability to operate a computer keyboard and to view a computer screen for extended periods of time.

Ability to lift, tug, pull up to fifteen (15) pounds.