The Associate Category Manager (ACM) will oversee select category management functions as an integral part of NDCP’s Restaurant Solutions. Category responsibilities include construction assets and building materials required for a new restaurant or remodel of an existing restaurant.

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 Associate 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 Associate Category Manager will report directly to the Sr. Category Manager, Restaurant Solutions. NDCP and this position are located in Duluth, GA.

• Category Management: Construction assets (ex. signage, walk-ins, lighting, HVAC, drive-thru elements), building materials (ex. tile, décor, roofing, siding), and other initiatives as assigned.
• Supplier Management: Accountable for direct management of supplier relationships, service performance, adherence to quality standards, costs, delivery requirements, and risk mitigation.
• Negotiation: Negotiate 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.
• Inspire Collaboration: Interface and collaborate with Dunkin’/Inspire Brands New Store/Remodeling teams, R&D, Operations Services, and its franchisees to provide optimum cross-functional planning and execution of Category Management functions.
• RFx Activity: Prepare and execute RFI, RFQ, and RFP events. Analyze responses and work with internal counterparts to achieve best award decision. Prepare executive summary with results.
• 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.
• Internal NDCP Requirements: As a distributor, timely compliance with internal audit and cross functional support requirements such as item, price, and supplier set up.
• Cross Functional (ACM): Support for direct supervisor, Restaurant Solutions leadership, and team members within Category Management, as required. This includes special projects and expanding cross-functional experience within other categories as part of growth path.
• Scope of Responsibility (ACM): Supports development and execution of strategies including data gathering, analysis, supplier research, and tactical implementation. Makes recommendations on pricing, product mix, and supplier partnerships.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervision Exercised

This position has one (1) direct report currently.

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in category management and strategic sourcing roles including supplier, cost, risk, and relationship management.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred in supply chain, business, or a construction related field of study.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point) required; proficiency with SAP and/or Smartsheet is a plus.

• Collaborative, “team first” approach with proven ability to develop strong business relationship 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.
• Experience with a purchasing cooperative, foodservice distributor, franchise system, or within the foodservice/restaurant industry is a plus; experience in construction industry or related field is also of value but not required.

Other Requirements

• Limited amount of travel may be required.

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Ability to operate a computer keyboard and to view a computer screen for extended periods of time.

• Ability to lift, tug, pull up to fifteen (15) pounds.

Competencies

Building Customer Loyalty: Effectively meet customer needs; build productive customer relationships; take responsibility for customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Benefits: We offer competitive compensation packages and excellent benefits. Our comprehensive offerings include: 

• A variety of affordable Medical, Dental and Vision coverage 

• Flexible Spending Accounts 

• Company-paid Group Life, AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability coverage 

• Voluntary Life and AD&D coverage 

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match 

• Employee Assistance Program 

• Paid time off for Vacation. Discretionary time, Sick time and Holidays 

• Education Discounts at Southern New Hampshire University, as well as access to online self-study materials through our internal Learning Management System 

• Fitness and Wellness Discount and Reimbursement Program 

• Employee purchase discounts programs 

• Employee apparel program 

Join Our Team: Ready to take the next step in your career? Apply now to become a part of NDCP and contribute to our mission of delivering innovative supply chain solutions to the foodservice industry. Your journey to success starts here! 

Equal Opportunity Employer: NDCP is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.