Category Manager, Dairy

Foodtastic•Mississauga, ON

20d•$80,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

Founded in 2016, Foodtastic is already one of the largest restaurant companies in Canada. We have increased system sales in the last five years from less than $50mm to over $1B. Our current portfolio of 23 brands includes Milestones Grill & Bar, Second Cup Café, Pita Pit, Quesada, Freshii, La Belle et La Boeuf, and Rôtisseries Benny. We are passionate about building our franchisee partnerships and providing guests with a memorable dining experience. Our growth would not be possible without our people's creativity, dedication, and entrepreneurship. We continue to build the team and always look for exceptional candidates to join Foodtastic. You will own the dairy and refrigerated category end to end — from strategic sourcing of fluid dairy, cheeses, butter, eggs, and cream-based products to supplier negotiations, quality standards, and cost management across a national restaurant network spanning multiple brands and formats. Dairy is a high-frequency, operationally critical category. Supply continuity, cold chain integrity, and price management are non-negotiable. You will be expected to anticipate market movements, manage DSD relationships alongside broadline distribution, and bring a proactive point of view to every sourcing decision. You will work closely with culinary, supply chain, operations, and finance. The role has real accountability, direct supplier ownership, and meaningful room to grow.

Requirements

5+ years in procurement or category management, preferably in dairy, refrigerated, or fresh food in a foodservice or multi-unit restaurant environment
Direct experience managing DSD suppliers and understanding the cost structure differences between DSD and broadline distribution
Familiarity with dairy commodity markets and how to manage pricing exposure through contracts and hedging strategies
Hands-on experience with cold chain logistics and food safety requirements for refrigerated products
Strong negotiator with a track record of supplier relationships that deliver beyond the initial deal
Analytically sharp — comfortable with data, pricing models, and cost analysis; Excel proficiency required, Power BI and NetSuite are assets
Fluent in both French and English (oral and written)
Highly autonomous — you manage your own priorities, move without waiting to be told, and take ownership of outcomes
Comfortable with complexity — multiple brands, multiple formats, multiple stakeholders, always moving
Familiar with CFIA regulations, food safety standards, and traceability requirements

Nice To Haves

Ideally in a multi-brand, franchised, or QSR/FSR environment

Responsibilities

Build and manage relationships with dairy processors, DSD suppliers, and broadline partners.
Own fluid dairy, cheese, butter, eggs, cream, and refrigerated ingredients across all banners.
Manage direct store delivery programs and coordinate with Sysco and other broadline partners.
Understand the cost implications of each channel and optimize accordingly.
Set and enforce freshness, handling, and storage standards.
Collaborate with QA on supplier audits and ensure compliance with food safety and CFIA requirements.
Monitor dairy commodity markets and anticipate pricing trends.
Adjust contracts and sourcing strategies to protect franchisee margins and manage cost volatility.
Negotiate supplier contracts and PA structures.
Work with Revenue Management to manage category P&L and identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or supply.
Partner with culinary teams to plan dairy requirements for core menu and LTOs.
Provide early cost and feasibility input before products go to franchisees.
Reduce complexity through vendor consolidation and SKU rationalization.
Improve delivery frequency, minimize waste, and tighten inventory practices at the restaurant level.