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Checkers & Rally’s Drive-In Restaurants · 2 weeks ago

Category Manager, Procurement

Greater Tampa Bay Area

Contract

Hybrid

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

8+ years exp

Checkers & Rally’s Drive-In Restaurants is a company that prides itself on being fearlessly original. As a Category Manager overseeing direct procurement food categories, you will lead sourcing strategy, supplier negotiations, and contract management to drive innovation and operational efficiency across hundreds of restaurants.

Restaurants

Responsibilities

Own end-to-end category management for direct procurement categories including but not limited to food

Develop and execute sourcing strategies aligned with brand goals and operational needs

Lead supplier negotiations, contract development, and cost-saving initiatives

Monitor market trends, emerging technologies, and improved efficiency opportunities

Manage supplier relationships, performance scorecards, and escalation resolution

Oversee item setup, lifecycle tracking, and documentation in procurement systems

Ensure accuracy of item data, pricing, and specifications for packaging and equipment

Support product transitions, equipment upgrades, and LTO packaging rollouts

Analyze spend, pricing trends, and supplier performance using tools like Arrowstream, Excel, and Power BI

Build reports to support sourcing decisions and executive reviews

Translate data into actionable insights that inform strategy and drive results

Partner with Distribution, Operations, Real Estate, Marketing, and Culinary teams to support product launches and business needs

Collaborate with Finance, Real Estate, and Legal on business cases, contracts, and risk mitigation

Lead cross-functional initiatives to improve cost, quality, and sustainability

Qualification

Category managementSupplier negotiationsCost optimizationData analysisStrategic sourcingContract managementProcurement systemsRFP experienceAnalytical skillsContinuous improvementInterpersonal skillsProblem solvingCollaboration

Required

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field

8+ years in procurement, category management, or strategic sourcing

Proven success managing direct spend food categories with experience in packaging, distribution, and other related roles in QSR, foodservice, retail, or other similar manufacturing industries

Strong negotiation skills and experience with RFPs, supplier contracts, and cost modeling

Familiarity with trends, regulatory requirements, and commodities in packaging and equipment

Strong analytical and interpersonal skills

Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a computer or attending meetings

Occasional lifting of materials or products up to 25 pounds may be required

Capacity to move throughout office or supplier environments as needed

Must be able to travel domestically for supplier visits or business needs, up to 10%