Strategic Sourcing Manager- Fresh Foods

Who we are

With more than 13,000 stores in the U.S. and 84,000 stores globally, it is no wonder 7-Eleven, Inc. has been named an iconic brand. In addition to 7-Eleven stores, 7-Eleven, Inc. also operates and franchises Speedway, Stripes, Laredo Taco Company and Raise the Roost locations.

Since inventing the convenience industry in 1927, 7-Eleven has built a rich 96-year history filled with beloved products like Slurpee, Big Gulp and Big Bite, and fan-favorite holidays like Slurpee Day and Bring Your Own Cup Day.

Now, 7-Eleven is on a mission to contemporize the brand and redefine convenience - and we need your help.

About This Opportunity

JOB SUMMARY:

The Strategic Sourcing Manager will oversee all sourcing related activities and processes associated with the acquisition of materials and services, which will include fresh food, private brands, and supply chain to support the operational needs of the company. This includes requirements gathering, sourcing, creating, and issuing Request for Proposal (RFP), proposal evaluation, contract negotiations, process oversight, contract drafting and administration. Functionally responsible for ensuring compliance with 7-Eleven sourcing policies and processes as well as 7-Eleven's ethical and legal business practices.

The ideal candidate must have demonstrated experience in Category Management, Strategic Sourcing, Supplier & Contract Management.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:

• Source products/services needed for categories while managing to budget and optimizing spend via RFPs and contract/pricing negotiations.

• Provide ongoing cost leadership, working cross functionally to develop and implement strategic sourcing plans and processes for designated categories and/or programs.

• Work collaboratively with leadership and stakeholders to understand business needs within category, determine specifications and requirements, and develop solutions to meet objectives

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies (Competitive RFP, direct negotiations, etc.) to mitigate risk and improve performance and cost-effectiveness.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, contractors, and suppliers to ensure effective execution and prompt resolution of any issues that may arise.

• Lead negotiations of contracts and agreements with suppliers to ensure optimal pricing and favorable terms.

• Stay apprised of market trends and technology advancements, to effectively evaluate the impact of external factors on contractor/supplier performance and the procurement of products.

• Develop and implement strategies to mitigate risk and improve cost-effectiveness. Prepare reports and provide presentations to communicate findings and recommendations to leadership and stakeholders.

• Support supplier business reviews, governance committees, and category strategy meetings

• Interview potential suppliers and determine if supplier is qualified to produce and/or supply products or services. Includes a review of supplier's capabilities, ability to meet deadlines, maintain quality standards, and financial background.

• Recommend high impact projects for existing and emerging products and services that drive meaningful results: reduce cost and risk and improve quality.

• Provides general product and services management support to internal business stakeholders. Work with suppliers and cross functional teams during testing of the products or services. Coordinates and communicates company recommendations and revisions for the product or service.

• Participates in defining and influencing corporate sustainability programs.

Key Leadership Competencies

• Strong leadership, organization, coaching and influencing skills

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels; including executive leadership, stakeholders, and external contractors / suppliers.

• Ability to create the case for change and help drive and manage the change with internal and external stakeholders. Ability to solve problems by assessing the situation, leveraging and analyzing relevant data, identifying root cause and developing potential solutions.

• Makes informed decisions, demonstrates initiative, and acts with autonomy to execute initiatives.

• High level of agility and adaptability; ability to quickly learn details of new business challenges and identify dependencies and impacts of other key initiatives.

• Manage collaboration and communication with other teams, both internal and external, to ensure teams have what they need and can work efficiently.

• Drives results and establishes metrics to monitor, track, and report sourcing project progress.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

EDUCATION: Bachelors/4 Yr Degree

YEARS OF RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE: 5+ years

YEARS OF MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE: 2+ years preferred

SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• The successful candidate should have a bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business Administration, Logistics, Accounting, Finance, Engineering, or Marketing.

• MBA or equivalent background is a plus but not required.

• Supervisory experience a plus

• Experience leading the development and management of category plans or sourcing strategies with a preference on experience in managing category spend is strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated successful contract and agreement negotiation experience, managing the entire RFQ/RFP process, including development of negotiating plans and strategies is strongly preferred.

• Possesses excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, and is comfortable working with multiple stakeholders at all organizational levels.

• Proficient with MS Office suite- advanced skills in MS Excel, Outlook, and Powerpoint.