SENIOR DIRECTOR, VENDOR RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT - CHARLOTTE (HYBRID)

 

 

Who We Are

Compass Technology is a dedicated internal team for Compass Group delivering enterprise-wide initiatives that support our diverse customer base and enhance our business operations. 

 

Our domain encompasses a vast spectrum of opportunities, from hands-on desk support to Cybersecurity, Cloud Engineering, AI, and Modern Application development. We are committed to building robust IT infrastructures, driving digital transformation, and much more. 

 

Compass Group is the leading foodservice management and support services company, with $26 billion in revenue in 2023.

 

In 2023, Compass Group was named one of Forbes’ America’s Best Large Employers along Springbuk’s Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America (since 2019).

Job Summary

The Senior Director of Category Management – ‘In Unit’ Technology will lead the strategic development, execution, and management of the Customer and Operator Facing 3rd Party Technology category, including but not limited to Point-of-Sale (POS), mobile and kiosk ordering, loyalty platforms, digital signage, safety solutions, food waste, remote diagnostics, etc. This senior leader will partner closely with cross-functional stakeholders including Digital Strategy and Delivery, Operations, Marketing, Finance, Legal to deliver value through scalable technology solutions, innovative supplier partnerships, risk mitigation, and cost optimization.

This individual will be responsible for creating and implementing, in partnership with the other senior leaders on the team, a scalable vendor engagement model, contracting and negotiation, as well as driving the long-term vision for the category by balancing financial performance, service delivery, and digital transformation objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Category Strategy:

• Operationalize and challenge the long-term category strategy to align with enterprise priorities, consumer trends, and emerging tech.

Supplier Relationship Management:

• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with key technology providers. 
• Drive supplier innovation, governance, and performance management to ensure value delivery and continuous improvement.

Stakeholder Collaboration:

• Partner with senior leadership across Digital Strategy, Operations (Support, Implementation/Delivery, and Unit Operators), Marketing, Legal and Treasury to understand business needs, define requirements, and translate them into vendor selection and playbooks. 

Negotiating & Contracting:

• Negotiate complex commercial and legal terms, including SLAs, pricing models, data protections and exit strategies. Own the contract lifecycle, from drafting through execution and renewal, in partnership with Legal and Risk teams.

Team Leadership:

• Manage, coach, and develop a high-performing category management team. Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Risk & Compliance Management:

• Identify and mitigate risks related to vendor performance, data security, and regulatory compliance. Ensure adherence to procurement policies and key control standards.

Market Intelligence & Benchmarking:

• Stay current on industry trends, new technologies, and market shifts. Leverage insights to inform category strategies and maintain competitive advantage.

Qualifications:

Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree; MBA or equivalent advanced degree a plus.

Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in category management, vendor management or tech procurement, with significant demonstrated people management experience
• Strong expertise in Customer Facing Technologies (e.g., POS, loyalty platforms, kiosks, mobile apps, digital signage) and payment processing desired
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing complex vendor strategies with cross-functional impact. 
• Proven ability to manage high-level supplier relationships and negotiate large-scale, high-value contracts.
• Excellent communication, presentation, leadership, and influencing skills across all levels of the organization.
• Strong emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills; able to build trust, manage conflict, and foster collaboration across diverse teams.
• Comfort and exposure in leveraging AI technologies to optimize vendor strategies, automate manual processes, drive value through data-driven decision-making and elevate the members on the team.
• Experience in a multi-unit or multi-location environment (retail, foodservice, hospitality, etc.) is a strong plus.
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