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Director, Category Management

National DCP, LLC., Duluth, GA, United States


Overview
The

Director, Category Management

(SDCM) will oversee the category management team and all aspects of category management as an integral part of NDCP’s Restaurant Solutions and NDCP’s extended leadership team (ELT).

This position will contribute to the growth and profitability of Dunkin’ by optimizing sourcing strategies, building mutually beneficial supplier relationships, and promoting continuous improvement. The Director and category management team will provide dedicated support in the areas of supplier, cost, risk, and performance management. This includes ensuring timely supply of high-quality products and services at the lowest sustainable cost to the Dunkin’ franchisees on behalf of NDCP.

Restaurant Solutions has procurement and supply chain responsibilities for indirect products and services, such as kitchen equipment, smallwares, custom fabrication, distribution, and consolidation programs, construction materials, furnishings, lighting, signs, and store level services. This position reports directly to the EVP, Restaurant Solutions.

Benefits you can count on

Medical, dental & vision insurance

Flexible Spending Account (FSA) / Health Savings Account (HSA)

Company paid life, AD&D, short and long-term disability

401(k) retirement plan with company match

Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, discretionary) & paid holidays and more!

Additional benefits: employee assistance programs, discount programs, tuition discount program, and more!

Responsibilities
What you’ll do

Own end-to-end category management performance, organizational leadership, and strategic direction for the function.

Define department vision, priorities, and long-term objectives aligned to NDCP and member value creation.

Oversee portfolio outcomes across cost optimization, innovation, and risk mitigation.

Build and maintain strong alignment with NDCP extended leadership team (ELT) and key partners across Dunkin’ and Inspire.

Establish and execute talent strategy including hiring, coaching, development, retention, and succession planning.

Lead enterprise supplier partnerships and sourcing strategies to maximize value, service, and scalability.

Drive continuous improvement, standardization, and adoption of enabling technologies to enhance productivity and efficiency.

Own development and delivery of clear, data-driven insights and updates for executive leadership and Board-level audiences.

Team Leadership & Performance Management

Manage Category Management team – broad range of items and services for new restaurants, remodels, and ongoing support.

Accountable for direct management of supplier relationships, service performance, adherence to quality standards, costs, and risk mitigation.

Negotiate lowest possible landed cost based on product specifications, quality, service levels, and industry conditions.

Optimize business terms/conditions and develop contracts for supply of products and services with all new and existing suppliers. Ensure timely completion.

Identify, discover, initiate, and develop new, user-friendly program offerings to drive incremental value and improve the Member experience.

Interface and collaborate with Dunkin’/Inspire Brands New Store/Remodeling teams, R&D, Operations Services, and franchisees to provide optimum cross‑functional planning and execution of Category Management functions.

Prepare and execute RFI, RFQ, and RFP events. Analyze responses and work with internal counterparts to achieve best award decision. Prepare executive summary with results.

Locate, analyze, develop, and maintain efficient and effective supplier base to meet current and future needs of all purchased materials and services.

Standardize and continuously improve category management and supplier processes in line with NDCP operating standards and SAP workflows.

Partner with Finance, Accounting, and Operations to ensure sourcing decisions, contracts, and supplier programs translate correctly into SAP transactional and financial outcomes.

Supervision Exercised

This position leads a team of six (6) currently.

Location

NDCP is located in Duluth, GA. Position location – Atlanta (ideally). Will consider remote with periodic travel to NDCP for right candidate.

Other Requirements

Limited amount of travel required.

Qualifications
Qualifications you bring

Minimum 10 years of experience in category management and strategic sourcing including supplier, cost, risk, and relationship management.

Proven track record of success leading, motivating, and developing teams and individuals.

Bachelor’s degree is preferred in supply chain or business/finance.

Strong financial acumen, process orientation, and technology forward mindset.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point) required.

Collaborative, “team first” approach with proven ability to develop strong business relationship and manage effectively.

Excellent communicator, both written and verbal.

Proven organizational and project management capabilities including ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

Proactive and dedicated with a drive for quality and results.

Experience with a purchasing cooperative, foodservice distributor, franchise system, or within the foodservice/restaurant industry is a plus.

Equal Opportunity Employer
NDCP is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status.

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