Sr. Category Manager – KES (Distributor) Programs, Fabrication & Construction

Overview

The Sr. Category Manager (SCM) will oversee select category management functions as an integral part of NDCP’s Restaurant Solutions.

Category responsibilities include strategy and execution for all KES (distributor), custom fabrication, and construction product 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 Sr. Category Manager will provide dedicated support in the areas of supplier, cost, risk, and performance management. This includes ensuring the 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 Director, Restaurant Solutions. NDCP and this position are located in Duluth, GA.

Responsibilities

• Category Management: All 3rd party KES (distributor) programs, custom stainless/millwork fabrication (SCM), construction assets and building materials (ACM).
• Program Management: NDCP signage bid service (SS), NDCP walk-in refrigeration bid service (SS), CML support services (SCM).  
• 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 CML Manufacturing Sub ommittee.
• 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.
• 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 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.
• 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” 3rd party supplier management requiring elevated focus on compelling offer and program awareness strategies to grow franchisee adoption.

       Perform other duties as assigned.

 

      Supervision Exercised

       This position has one direct report – 1 Associate Category Manager (ACM).

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-10 years of experience in category management and strategic sourcing including supplier, cost, risk, and relationship management.
• Bachelor’s