category sourcing manager, Customer Distribution Centers

Now Brewing – category sourcing manager, Customer Distribution Centers (CDC)! #tobeapartner 

From the beginning, Starbucks set out to be a different kind of company. One that not only celebrated coffee and the rich tradition, but that also brought a feeling of connection. We are known for developing extraordinary leaders who share this passion and are guided by their service to others.

The Category Sourcing Manager, CDCs, is responsible for developing and executing the sourcing strategy for Starbucks’ North American distribution center network. This role manages strategic supplier relationships, leads complex commercial negotiations, drives value creation, and partners cross functionally with Supply Chain, Distribution Operations, Finance, Legal, and senior leadership to optimize cost, service, innovation, and operational resilience.

The role requires balancing commercial excellence with operational continuity while supporting one of Starbucks’ most critical supply chain networks.

As a category sourcing manager, CDCs, you will…

• Develop and execute multiyear category strategies for CDCs aligned with enterprise supply chain objectives.

• Lead complex sourcing events, competitive bids, contract negotiations, and supplier selection processes for large scale logistics and warehouse operations.

• Own strategic supplier relationships with third party logistics providers through structured governance including executive business reviews, performance management, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Deliver measurable cost savings, productivity improvements, and total cost of ownership optimization while maintaining operational excellence.

• Partner closely with Distribution Operations, Finance, Network Planning, Food Safety, Quality Assurance, Legal, and Risk teams to align sourcing decisions with business priorities.

• Lead commercial negotiations for contract renewals, expansions, new site launches, and network optimization initiatives.

• Develop robust financial models, should cost analyses, market intelligence, benchmarking, and business cases to support executive decision making.

• Monitor supplier performance against KPIs including service levels, cost performance, safety, quality, inventory accuracy, and operational excellence.

• Identify supply market trends, emerging capabilities, digital innovations, automation opportunities, and strategic partnerships that improve network competitiveness.

• Drive supplier innovation programs focused on productivity, automation, sustainability, and continuous improvement.

• Manage contractual risk, business continuity planning, and supplier compliance across the portfolio.

• Present sourcing strategies, negotiation outcomes, and executive recommendations to senior leadership.

• Mentor team members and contribute to the continuous evolution of sourcing best practices.

We’d love to hear from people with:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Law or related field.

• 7+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, supply chain, logistics, distribution, or warehouse operations.

• Experience leading complex sourcing events and commercial negotiations involving multi-million-dollar contracts.

• Experience developing category strategies and managing supplier relationships.

• Strong financial acumen including cost modeling, business case development, and total cost of ownership analysis.

• Experience collaborating with cross functional stakeholders across multiple business functions.

• Strong analytical, negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

• Ability to influence without authority to drive decisions across all organizational levels.

• Willingness to travel as business needs require.

Preferred qualifications:

• MBA or Master’s degree in Supply Chain, Busi