Summary Description: The Category Manager is a key role within an organization's procurement function, responsible for overseeing and managing a specific group of goods or services, also known as a category. The Category Manager's main objective is to optimize the procurement of goods and services within their assigned category/ies, ensuring value for money, quality, and compliance with the organization's policies and procedures. The role requires a strategic approach to procurement, strong negotiation skills, and a thorough understanding of market trends and supplier capabilities.

Responsibilities:

• Develops and implements a comprehensive category strategy, considering the organization's objectives, market trends, and potential risks.
• Identifies opportunities for cost reduction, process improvement, and innovation within the category.
• Conducts market research to identify and evaluate potential suppliers based on criteria such as quality, cost, reliability, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Develops and maintains a preferred supplier list for the category, ensuring that suppliers meet the organization's standards and expectations.
• Leads contract negotiations with suppliers to secure the best possible terms and conditions, including pricing, delivery, and payment terms.
• Ensures that contracts are in compliance with the organization's policies and legal requirements, and that they adequately address potential risks.
• Oversees the preparation and issuance of requests for proposals (RFPs), requests for quotations (RFQs), and other procurement documents.
• Monitors and analyzes category spend, identifying trends, opportunities for cost savings, and potential areas for improvement.
• Establishes and tracks key performance indicators (KPIs) for the category, reporting on progress and achievements to senior management.
• Ensures that procurement activities within the category are in compliance with the organization's policies and procedures, as well as applicable laws and regulations.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree Business, Supply Chain Management or equivalent combination of related collage education and experience

Experience:

• 3+ years’ experience preferably in a purchasing or category management preferably in a restaurant industry

Knowledge, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Proficiency in MS Office Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point, and Visio (as applicable)
• Proficiency in Workday (as applicable)

• Ability to communicate, influence, and negotiate decisions while motivating assigned staff

• Ability to work in a team environment
• Basic understanding of Category Management of in-direct goods and services

Working Conditions/Travel Requirements:

• Expected to work the necessary time to satisfactorily fulfill job responsibilities
• Must be able to report to work timely and as required by operational/business needs
• Must be able to work a full-time schedule and work outside of normal business hours when necessary
• Some travel, both locally and long distances, (including air travel), to worksites, meeting sites, and other locations may be necessary

300 Concord Plaza Dr San Antonio TX 78216-6903