The Sr. Category Manager (SCM) will oversee select category management functions as an integral part of NDCP’s Restaurant Solutions. Category and leadership responsibilities include strategy and execution for all Kitchen Equipment, Smallwares, and Equipment Maintenance required as part of a new restaurant opening package, replacement, or repair/maintenance service after the sale.

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 Sr. 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.

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

• Category Management: All kitchen equipment (CM), smallwares (ACM), and equipment repair & maintenance (R&M) service and parts programs (CM) after the sale.    
• Program Management: NDCP franchisee equipment tech training (CM). Strategy and program development to optimize equipment maintenance and service after the sale.
• Inspire Brands/Dunkin’ 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.
• Franchisee/Inspire Committee Representation: Represent Restaurant Solutions as lead participant on Restaurant Excellence Sub Committee (RESC).
• Supplier Management: Accountable for direct management of supplier relationship, 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.
• 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.
• Supply Continuity: Locate, analyze, develop, and maintain efficient and effective supplier base to meet current and future supply 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. Specifically, oversee RS category management requirements associated with inflow and outflow of product across NDCP’s 10 distribution centers (DCs).  
• 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
• Oversight and direct involvement with both “internal” (10 NDCP DCs) and “external” requirements focused on supply continuity, efficiency, and sourcing excellence.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervision Exercised

This position has three direct reports – currently one Associate Category Manager (ACM) and two Category Managers (CM).

• Minimum 5-10 years of experience in category management and strategic sourcing 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

• Periodic travel 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.

Building Partnerships:  Identify opportunities and take action to build strategic relationships between one’s area and other areas, teams, departments, units, or organizations to help achieve business goals.

Communication:  LISTENS AND SHARES: Provides regular, consistent, and meaningful information. Listens carefully to others and ensures message is understood. Ensures important matters are shared with all appropriate parties.

Clairity: Communicates clearly and concisely. Uses appropriate grammar, pronunciation, and tone to enhance understanding. Demonstrates professionalism through

body language, including eye-contact and posture. Tailors' communication style to the needs of the recipient.

Delivering Results:  Set high goals for personal and group accomplishment; use measurement methods to monitor progress toward goals; tenaciously work to meet or exceed goals while deriving satisfaction from that achievement and continuous improvement.

Job Knowledge:  Understands duties and responsibilities, has necessary job knowledge, has necessary technical skills, understands company mission/values, keeps job knowledge current, is in command of critical issues.

Planning and Organizing:  Establish courses of action for self and others to ensure that work is completed efficiently.

Problem Analysis and Problem-Solving:  Considers multiple sides of an issue. Weighs consequences before making final decision. Makes informed decisions based on available information. Recognizes

issues, and determines actions needed to advance the decision-making process. Follows up, as necessary.

Self-Development: Seeks out and accepts feedback, is a proactive learner, takes on tough assignments to improve skills, keeps knowledge and skills up to date, turns mistakes into learning opportunities.

Teamwork:  Meets all team deadlines and responsibilities, listens to others and values opinions, helps team leader to meet goals, welcomes newcomers, and promotes a team atmosphere.

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.