Manager, Strategic Sourcing - Seafood - Orlando Based

Red Lobster • Orlando, FL

243d

About The Position

Contributing to the profitability and growth of Red Lobster, the Manager, Strategic Sourcing develops, communicates, and implements short and long-term sourcing strategies for fresh and frozen seafood, and/or other product categories as needed. The Manager, Strategic Sourcing works collaboratively with marketing/culinary, finance, corporate communications, quality and supply management teams in the sourcing and procurement process to support the business needs of Red Lobster. The Manager, Strategic Sourcing must be able to utilize his/her knowledge of the seafood industry, business, and commodity markets to independently negotiate sourcing and procurement agreements with approved suppliers that meet the policies and dynamic business objectives of Red Lobster Seafood Company. The Manager will also be responsible for developing annual category business strategies inclusive of comprehensive requirements for cost management, inventory management, supplier performance and product quality KPIs.

Requirements

• Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in food purchasing and/or supply management.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Experience with risk management/contingency planning.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other related business applications.

Nice To Haves

• MBA preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develops sourcing and procurement strategies and execution plans.
• Identifies and selects suppliers per company supplier approval guidelines.
• Develops and executes short, mid and long term sourcing and procurement strategies that support company business objectives and plans.
• Focuses efforts on the acquisition of products and/or services requiring medium to high levels of spend and/or complexity, including lobster, crab, shrimp, fin fish and other strategic complementary products.
• Identifies and delivers cost savings for managed products.
• Understands and conducts cost analysis and develops formula cost models for products.
• Prepares and executes Requests for Information (RFIs) & Requests for Proposals (RFPs).
• Provides usage forecasts to suppliers in accordance with Red Lobster's retention and storage requirements.
• Executes and communicates weekly inventory management executive summaries inclusive of product coverage / retention.
• Builds and maintains effective relationships with suppliers.
• Conducts supplier site visits in support of activities including product development, education, negotiation, issue resolution, etc.
• Reviews and evaluates supplier performance on a recurring basis in accordance with supplier performance management policies and KPIs.
• Monitors, analyzes, and projects commodity and product category markets to ensure supply and manage risks to supply and costs.
• Generates and presents ideas for product innovations in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Assists Total Quality in addressing supplier product quality or service issues.
• Develops and implements key policies for sourcing agreements with suppliers including vendor-managed inventory, product specification and inspection requirements.
• Coordinates supply for promotions and tests.
• Creates, reviews, and updates monthly, quarterly, and/or annual purchase / buy plans.
• Develops and presents category updates and business analysis for Quarterly Business Reviews and other recurring business updates.
• Implements strategy to ensure proper positioning of inventory, to prevent or minimize retention or shelf life exposures.
• Assists with Total Quality supplier audit and approval.
• Creates and implements seafood / protein sustainability strategies for managed products.
• Travels to domestic and international locations for product sourcing, supplier visit, resource and product development, trade conferences, etc.
• Maintains optimum service levels at all distribution points.
• Addresses existing product-related issues and concerns.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Industry: Food Services and Drinking Places
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree