Category Manager

National DCP•Duluth, GA

17d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Category Manager (CM) will oversee select category management functions as an integral part of NDCP’s Restaurant Solutions. Category responsibilities include all kitchen equipment categories required as replacement or as part of a new restaurant opening package. This position will contribute to the growth and profitability of Dunkin’ by optimizing sourcing strategies, building mutually beneficial supplier relationships, and promoting continuous improvement. The Category Manager will provide dedicated support in the areas of supplier, cost, risk, and performance management. This includes ensuring timely supply of high-quality products and services at the lowest sustainable cost to the Dunkin’ franchisees on behalf of NDCP. Restaurant Solutions has procurement and supply chain responsibilities for indirect products and services, such as kitchen equipment, smallwares, custom fabrication, distribution, and consolidation programs, construction materials, furnishings, lighting, signs, and store-level services. The Category Manager will report directly to the Director, Restaurant Solutions. NDCP and this position are located in Duluth, GA. In addition, Boston, MA will be considered.

Requirements

Minimum 5 years of experience in category management and strategic sourcing, including supplier, cost, risk, and relationship management.
Bachelor’s degree preferred in supply chain, business, engineering, or a construction-related field of study.
Technology proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) required; proficiency with SAP, Smartsheet, AI (Co-Pilot, other) is a plus.
Collaborative, “team first” approach with proven ability to develop strong business relationships and manage effectively.
Excellent communicator, both written and verbal.
Proven organizational and project management capabilities including ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Proactive and dedicated with a drive for quality and results.
Curiosity and aptitude to understand complex requirements across multiple categories.

Nice To Haves

Experience with a purchasing cooperative, foodservice distributor, franchise system, or within the foodservice/restaurant or hospitality industry is preferred.

Responsibilities

Category Management: All kitchen equipment (CM) supplied through NDCP DC fulfillment, our external 3rd party KESs, and directly from our approved manufacturers.
Continuous Supply: Locate, analyze, develop, and maintain an efficient and effective supplier base to meet current and future needs of all purchased materials and services.
Project Management: Oversee and manage franchisee commitment process, rollouts, and market testing support.
Inspire Brands/Dunkin’ Collaboration: Interface, collaborate, and support Dunkin’/Inspire Brands New Store/Remodeling teams, R&D and Equipment Innovation, Operations Services, and its franchisees to provide optimum cross-functional planning and execution of Category Management functions.
Franchisee/Inspire Committee Representation: Represent Restaurant Solutions as lead (or co-lead) on the Restaurant Excellence Subcommittee (RESC).
Supplier Management: Accountable for direct management of supplier relationships, service performance, adherence to quality standards, costs, delivery requirements, and risk mitigation.
Negotiation: Negotiate the lowest possible landed cost based on product specifications, quality, service levels, and industry conditions
Contract Execution: Optimize business terms/conditions and develop contracts for supply of products and services with all new and existing suppliers. Ensure timely completion of renewals.
New Program Offerings: Identification, discovery, initiation, and development of new, user-friendly program offerings to drive incremental value and improve the Member experience.
RFx Activity: Prepare and execute RFI, RFQ, and RFP events. Analyze responses and collaborate with internal counterparts to achieve best award decision. Prepare executive summary with results.
Internal NDCP Requirements: As a distributor, timely compliance with internal audit and cross functional support requirements such as item, price, and supplier set up.
Market Analysis: Understand and monitor spending trends, cost drivers, tariff impacts, market factors, origin & geographic considerations, and strategic importance of critical materials/services to manage assigned categories and implement optimal sourcing strategies.
Scope of Responsibility (SCM): Strategic leadership across key categories, people development, high-level influence.
Develop and lead strategic initiatives across high-spend or critical categories
Mentor and develop team members and guide cross-functional category planning
Interface with senior leadership, finance, and legal on business cases
Identify emerging trends, market shifts, and risk mitigation strategies
Lead supplier performance reviews and escalate supplier issues when necessary
Heavy “external” third party supplier management requiring elevated focus on compelling offer and program awareness strategies to grow franchisee adoption.
Perform other duties as assigned.