GSSS- Kitchen Equipment Category Manager

Company Description

McDonald’s is proud to be one of the most recognized brands in the world, with restaurants in over 100 countries that serve 70 million customers daily. We continue to operate from a position of strength. Our updated growth strategy is focused on staying ahead of what our customers want and realizing further growth potential. Our relentless ambition is why McDonald’s remains one of the world’s leading corporations after almost 70 years. Joining McDonald's means thinking big and preparing for a career that can have influence around the world.

At McDonald’s, we see every day as a chance to create positive impact. We lead through our values centered on inclusivity, service, integrity, community and family. From support of Ronald McDonald House Charities to our Youth Opportunity project and sustainability initiatives, our values keep us dedicated to using our scale for good: good for our customers, people, industry and planet. We also offer a broad range of outstanding benefits including a sabbatical program, tuition assistance and flexible work arrangements.

Job Description

This position will reside within McDonald’s Global Supply Chain under the Global Strategic Sourcing Services (GSSS) organization. The team is a dynamic, progressive department which contributes directly to the bottom-line performance of the company. Global Supply Chain consults with leaders throughout the company and supports initiatives that are driving McDonald’s into the future.

The Global Equipment Category Manager will be responsible for developing and evolving Category Strategies and Tier 1 Suppliers to deliver a resilient and innovative supply chain that assures supply of cost-effective, reliable, and sustainable kitchen equipment. The individual will have accountability for the entire category including category strategy, equipment development, equipment performance, after sales service/support and supplier management. Additionally, the individual will drive key supply chain initiatives and provide strategic direction and evolution in category management, supplier qualification & selection, risk management, new product development, product specifications/validations, reliability, sustainability, sourcing initiatives, pricing reviews, data analysis, and communication.

This individual will have ongoing focus on improving the quality of products, services and performance of the equipment categories they manage while ensuring business requirements are fulfilled and value is optimized. In addition, this individual will be responsible for developing and evolving the Equipment Team’s internal processes to drive efficiencies and structure to category management. The Equipment Category Manager will report to a GSSS Director, and will work closely with Menu Management, Operations, Innovation, Legal, Supply Chain, Customer Experience, Safety, Marketing, Restaurant Design Group, Markets, Franchisees and Suppliers. This position may entail supervision of 1-2 Sourcing Analysts/Supervisors today or in the near future.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Leads the development of core equipment category strategies to deliver on the needs of the McDonald’s system at the best value with minimal risk and highest quality/reliability
• Leads and effectively works with cross-functional teams (internal/external)
• Translate industry trends, customer needs and opportunity analysis to design equipment specifications and long-term category strategy opportunities
• Project management from equipment ideation, to testing protocols, to commercialization and deployment
• Leverage data and insights to enhance decision-making
• Participates in setting and accomplishing strategic goals that define overall department direction
• Leads projects with a high degree of strategic and potential system impact
• Manages external consultants when necessary to support projects/initiatives
• Provides strategic communication such as content management, key messages, department initiatives and results
• Make strategic recommendations on critical supply chain data (i.e. sales, reliability, savings, sustainability)
• Stays informed on the latest industry trends

Minimum Requirements:

• Strategic analysis/planning, creative thinking, and category management
• Experience in Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) which includes but not limited to conducting business reviews, driving supplier performance and overall value proposition to effectively support the evolving business landscape of the markets globally.
• Strategic and effective communication (written/oral/follow ups)
• Strong project management and capability to influence at all levels.
• Effectively manages multiple projects and assignments. Product development experience a plus.
• Experience i