Sr. Category Manager Strategic Sourcing

Contributing to the profitability and growth of Red Lobster, the Senior Manager, Strategic Sourcing develops, communicates, and implements short and long-term sourcing strategies for assigned Food & Beverage categories, and/or other product categories as needed. The Senior Manager, Strategic Sourcing works collaboratively with marketing/culinary, finance, corporate communications, quality and supply management teams in the sourcing and procurement process to support the business needs of Red Lobster. The Senior Manager, Strategic Sourcing must be able to utilize his/her knowledge of their assigned categories industry, business, and commodity markets to independently negotiate sourcing and procurement agreements with approved suppliers that meet the policies and dynamic business objectives of Red Lobster. The Senior Manager will also be responsible for developing annual category business strategies inclusive of comprehensive requirements for cost management, supplier performance and product quality KPIs.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develops sourcing and procurement strategies and execution plans:

• Identifies and selects suppliers per company supplier approval guidelines

• Develops and executes short, mid and long term sourcing and procurement strategies that support company business objectives and plans; strategies include both Red Lobster and vendor-managed inventory sourcing requirements defined by category

• Focuses efforts on the acquisition of products and/or services requiring medium to high levels of spend and/or complexity

• Identifies and delivers cost savings for managed products

• Understands and conducts cost analysis and develops formula cost models for products as needed

• Prepares and executes Requests for Information (RFIs) & Requests for Proposals (RFPs)

• Provides usage forecasts to suppliers in accordance with Red Lobster's retention and storage requirements

Leverages understanding of products, resources, industries, and supply bases for effective sourcing and procurement:

• Builds and maintains effective relationships with suppliers. Conducts effective verbal and written communications with suppliers

• Demonstrates an understanding of one or more product categories/industries, specific market trends, and available suppliers; develops an understanding of key suppliers' operations; gains familiarity with trade associations

• Conducts supplier site visits in support of activities including product development, education, negotiation, issue resolution, etc.

• Reviews and evaluates supplier performance on a recurring basis in accordance with supplier performance management policies and KPIs

• Monitors, analyzes, and projects commodity and product category markets to ensure supply and manage risks to supply and costs

Provides support to Red Lobster cross-functional teams as it relates to product sourcing and procurement:

• Generates and presents ideas for product innovations in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders

• Assists Total Quality in addressing supplier product quality or service issues; supports other functions in supplier escalation issues as needed

• Develops and implements key policies for sourcing agreements with suppliers including vendor-managed inventory, product specification, and quality requirements.

• Works with Total Quality, Culinary and/or Operations teams to create, review, and approve product specifications and/or evaluate and resolve supplier compliance issues.

• Coordinates supply for limited time promotions and tests

• Provides Finance with raw material price budget and forecast guidance to help build organizational P/L Plan & Forecast

• Acts as a mentor/coach for associate managers and support specialists

REQUIRED TECHNICAL SKILLS:

• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in food purchasing and/or supply management

• Excellent negotiation skills, contract acumen, and financial acumen

• Experience managing mentoring/coaching peers and/or direct reports

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Strong analytical skills

• Experience with risk management/contingency planning

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other related business applications

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree in business or a relevant field. MBA preferred.