Category Manager

TRC's client, a leading restaurant solutions and supply chain organization, is seeking a Category Manager to join their growing team.

This is a remote, direct hire opportunity with an organization known for its strong culture, comprehensive benefits, and long-term growth potential.
The Category Manager will play a key role in driving sourcing strategies and category performance across kitchen equipment and related restaurant solutions. This position will partner closely with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and franchise partners to ensure high-quality products and services are delivered at the best sustainable value while supporting new restaurant openings, remodels, and ongoing operations.

Responsibilities
Category & Supplier Management
Lead assigned category management activities for kitchen equipment and related restaurant solutions.
Develop and maintain strategic supplier relationships focused on quality, service, cost management, and risk mitigation.
Monitor supplier performance and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Ensure uninterrupted supply through effective supplier development and management practices.
Strategic Sourcing & Negotiation
Develop and execute sourcing strategies that optimize cost, quality, and service.
Lead contract negotiations and secure favorable commercial terms.
Manage contract lifecycle activities, including renewals and supplier agreements.
Conduct RFI, RFQ, and RFP processes, analyze proposals, and recommend sourcing decisions.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with New Store Development, Remodeling, R&D, Operations, and franchise stakeholders to support business objectives.
Collaborate across teams to ensure successful planning and execution of category initiatives.
Identify opportunities for new programs and solutions that improve the customer and member experience.
Market Intelligence & Performance
Analyze market trends, supplier capabilities, cost drivers, and industry developments.
Evaluate category performance and identify opportunities for savings, innovation, and risk reduction.
Support internal compliance, supplier onboarding, pricing maintenance, and audit requirements.

Qualifications
3+ years of experience in category management, strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management.
Experience managing supplier relationships, contract negotiations, cost management, and sourcing initiatives.
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Construction Management, or a related field preferred.
Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel and PowerPoint.
Experience with SAP and/or Smartsheet is a plus.
Excellent communication, relationship-building, and collaboration skills.
Strong organizational and project management abilities with the capacity to manage multiple priorities.
Self-motivated, proactive, and results-oriented mindset.
Ability to navigate complex business requirements across multiple categories.

Preferred Experience
Purchasing cooperatives
Foodservice distribution
Franchise systems
Restaurant or foodservice industries