Manager, Purchasing

POSITION SUMMARY

The Purchasing Manager leads procurement activities for assigned indirect spend categories in support of corporate objectives related to new store development, remodels, and ongoing store operations. This role is responsible for sourcing strategy, supplier selection, competitive bidding, negotiation, contracting, and supplier performance management, while ensuring appropriate controls, cost management, quality standards, service levels, and continuity of supply. The Purchasing Manager partners cross-functionally to support operational needs, manage budgets, and drive effective purchasing outcomes across assigned categories.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

May perform any or all of the following duties:

• Leads sourcing activities for assigned categories, including supplier identification, bid solicitation, evaluation, negotiation, contracting, and ongoing supplier management.
• Conducts a documented solicitation process to obtain and evaluate competitive supplier bids, negotiating pricing, quality standards, warranty terms, payment terms, and delivery schedules.
• Executes supplier agreements that deliver the best overall value by balancing cost, quality, service, continuity of supply, and commercial terms.
• Manages the equipment distributor's performance and assigns suppliers to ensure service, quality, and contractual expectations are met.
• Monitors and drives performance against key performance indicators (KPIs), identifying issues and implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Partners with cross-functional stakeholders to support corporate goals related to new store development, remodels, restaurant operations, and product or equipment changes.
• Oversees sourcing activities in response to changing business requirements, operational priorities, and the needs of the company and franchise restaurants.
• Builds and maintains effective supplier relationships to resolve issues, support service continuity, and deliver positive business outcomes.
• Promotes appropriate inventory levels to support restaurant requirements, product rollouts, and ongoing operational needs.
• Serves as a resource to internal teams, company operators, and franchise operators on product specifications, sourcing, pricing, lead times, warranty matters, service issues, and problem resolution.
• Coordinates with suppliers regarding delivery schedules, technical issues, material deviations, damage claims, and other service-related matters.
• Communicates effectively with internal and external stakeholders and exercises sound independent judgment and discretion in matters of significance.
• Participates in meetings, webinars, training opportunities, and industry learning to remain current on business needs, supplier capabilities, and market trends.
• Performs other duties and special projects as assigned in response to changing business needs and organizational priorities.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS/CORE COMPETENCIES

• Must possess approximately six (6) years of any combination of experience and/or education that demonstrates a commanding knowledge of Purchasing or Supply Chain
• BA/BS Degree preferred
• Purchasing or Supply Chain Certification preferred
• Detailed knowledge of foodservice equipment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong background in analysis, both quantitative and qualitative.
• Intermediate to strong knowledge of Excel, Word, and Outlook applications.
• Must display strong analytical and organizational skills and have the ability to identify and implement process improvement strategies with positive business results
• Must have a strong work ethic and a high level of confidentiality to ensure proper handling of sensitive information

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Restaurant Support Center operates in a fast-paced, high-volume, deadline-driven environment. The role follows a hybrid work model, requiring on-site presence in the office every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Sitting for extended periods of time, using the telephone, and operating a computer
• Travels as needed, approximately 25%