Procurement Strategist

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Sr. Manager, Indirect & Corporate Services to join our team at Cracker Barrel. This is a newly created role that will define and execute processes, strategies, and policies focused on optimizing cost, driving efficiencies, managing risk, and improving supplier relationships across our indirect spend.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop and execute short-term and long-term procurement strategies for each category, with a focus on reducing cost and managing risk.
• Identify and execute go-to-market strategies, including internal RFx, group purchasing organization (GPO), and custom sourcing/e-auction.
• Lead RFx events and ensure accurate documentation and updates for cross-functional teams.
• Negotiate contracts, including term, pricing methodologies, option language, financial incentives, and other terms and conditions.
• Work with Legal to ensure compliance with contract attribute completion and accuracy within our contract lifecycle management tool.
• Analyze data from the contract lifecycle management tool to identify cost reduction opportunities.
• Develop and maintain category engagement calendars and establish an update cadence for stakeholders and leadership.
• Lead the Sponsorship program management, including supplier-vendor and Accounting engagements.
• Provide internal support for Sponsorship discussions and questions, including data tracking and reporting.
• Assist with communications, conference planning, and supplier engagements in support of our Supplier-Vendor Development and Engagement Strategy.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement, seeking opportunities to evaluate and implement new tools, technologies, and processes to enhance efficiency and reduce cost.

• Bachelor's degree with at least 8-10 years of direct and relevant work experience.
• Indirect procurement experience with a focus on optimizing spend.
• Leveraging GPOs and third-party service providers/consultants.
• Implementing, managing, and leading large-scale projects.
• Executive leadership presentations and written communications.
• Developing, documenting, and improving processes.
• Previous experience building or growing a function is a plus.
• Restaurant industry experience is a plus.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and reasoning skills with a problem-solving and results-focused approach.
• Ability to influence without authority.
• Ability to communicate a vision and gain followership.
• Expert negotiation, project management, time management, organizational, and influence skills.
• Comfortable handling and managing through ambiguity.
• Must be detail-oriented and excel at updates and follow-up.

• Competitive Annual Salary | Annual Bonus Opportunities.
• Medical, Rx, Dental, and Vision Benefits on Day 1 | Life Insurance and Disability Coverage | Paid Vacation/Employee Assistance Program.
• Business Resource Groups | Tuition Reimbursement | Professional Development.
• 401k Plan with Company Matching Contributions at 90 days | Employee Stock Purchase Program.
• 35% Discount on Cracker Barrel Food and Retail items.