Category Manager

Category ManagerThe 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.Total Rewards:Competitive Weekly PayBonus Program with 250% Upside PotentialPerformance for Pay Program Eligibility to Receive a Pay Increase Once a Year, Based on PerformanceOpportunities for Career Development and GrowthHealthcare and Life Insurance BenefitsPaid Time Off - 5 Weeks on Day 1Flex Weeks - Remote Work ArrangementPaid Corporate Holidays401(k) Savings Plan with a Competitive Company MatchPaid Parental Leave Subject to Eligibility RequirementsShort-Term DisabilityLong-Term DisabilityScholarship Program - You and Your Dependents are EligibleWhataburger Family Foundation (Hardship Grant Assistance)Discounted Meals For You and a GuestWireless Service DiscountsComputer & Software DiscountsFitness / Gym DiscountsAwards and Recognition For All You DoRetirement Celebration ProgramResponsibilities: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 experienceExperience:5+ years' experience preferably in a purchasing or category management preferably in a restaurant industryKnowledge, Skills & 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 staffAbility to work in a team environmentBasic understanding of Category Management of in-direct goods and servicesWorking Conditions/Travel Requirements:Expected to work the necessary time to satisfactorily fulfill job responsibilitiesMust be able to report to work timely and as required by operational/business needsMust be able to work a full-time schedule and work outside of normal business hours when necessarySome travel, both locally and long distances, (including air travel), to worksites, meeting sites, and other locations may be necessary