Summary:
We are looking for an experienced Supply Chain Category Manager to lead the development and execution strategic sourcing for a hospitality vendor services firm. This role involves identifying, qualifying, and recommending supply sources that minimize total cost of ownership. The manager will also drive strategic cost management through close collaboration with various business units and corporate offices. Additionally, the role includes providing procurement analysis and cost data to support planning, budgeting, risk management, and other functional needs.
Responsibilities:
- Lead the strategic sourcing process across corporate and business unit sites for assigned categories, including F&B, Travel, MRO, CapEx, Operating Supplies & Equipment
- Collaborate with functional and operational leadership to develop specifications, set prioritized objectives, assess risks, and define cost and budget goals.
- Monitor cost trends for key commodities, reporting impacts and proposing avoidance strategies to senior leadership.
- Researching and evaluating suppliers on a Total Cost of Ownership basis, considering factors such as price, service quality, capability, reliability, and strategic alignment.
- Manage and maintain spend and volume analytics throughout the life-cycle of category strategies, including forecasting, conversion, compliance, and trend analysis.
- Research new products and services, analyzing their alignment with company initiatives and business plans.
- Stay updated on industry trends, studying publications, trade journals, and market information to remain informed on procurement and hospitality industry developments.
- Champion contract implementation, maintaining ownership throughout the contract life-cycle, and serve as a point of escalation for business units.
- Assess supplier performance through QBRs and other methods.
- Leading strategic supplier relationship Management for assigned categories, maintaining supplier performance scorecards, managing action items, and resolving challenges.
Qualifications:
- A college degree or equivalent work experience, along with a minimum of 7 years of experience in the hospitality and food service industries, is required.
- Strong understanding of Supply Chain Management and Strategic Sourcing processes, including post-award administration, with expertise in assigned categories.
- Excellent financial analysis and forecasting skills, as well as in-depth knowledge of Total Cost of Ownership factors. Strong communication and negotiation skills are essential.
- A proven ability to build relationships and strategic alliances is necessary, as well as the ability to motivate internal teams and suppliers to achieve strategic objectives. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to multitask effectively in a fast-paced environment are essential.
- Experience working collaboratively across multifunctional teams in multiple geographies to align cost control and process improvement strategies with business requirements, delivering the desired results.
- Experience with Procure to Pay/Source to Pay ERP systems and content management is required, as is familiarity with blended contract strategy models, incorporating both Self-Managed and GPO solutions.