Senior Manager, Equipment Procurement

Senior Manager, Equipment Procurement  Category Equipment Procurement Job Location Louisville, Kentucky Tracking Code 214100-886 Position Type Full-Time/Regular Restaurant Supply Chain Solutions, LLC, a Yum! Brands Co-op, (RSCS) is seeking a Senior Manager, Equipment Procurement to join the Equipment and Asset Procurement team. This role will manage important categories within the Yum! Brands including Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, KFC, A&W, and Habit Burger & Grill. The Senior Manager, Equipment Procurement, is a crucial member of the Development & Equipment Solutions (DES) procurement team, reporting to the Senior Director, Equipment & Asset Procurement. This role oversees the procurement and management of assigned categories, which currently include fryers, production lines, and other key equipment. Furthermore, the role necessitates a thorough understanding of all strategic equipment and back-of-house categories. Key responsibilities encompass strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, supply and contingency planning, Restaurant Margin Improvement (RMI), innovation, market intelligence, program and project management, and strategy development. The position will develop and implement effective sourcing strategies for assigned categories to support the network of restaurants under Yum! Brands (Taco Bell, KFC, Pizza Hut, and Habit Burger & Grill) and A&W. The system includes over 18,000 restaurants and approximately 1,000 franchisees. Hybrid Schedule: 3 days in the office, 2 days remote Excellent Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, Vacation, Holidays, Floating Holidays, and Free Lunch on Wednesday, plus much more. Essential Functions: • Develop comprehensive category profile including, but not limited to, Market Reports, Demand Analysis, market trend analysis, competitive benchmarking, innovation searches, and voice of customer analysis to create and execute short- and long-term strategies for each assigned product category. • Develop supplier relationships, product category expertise, and manage all procurement activities and negotiations for the product categories assigned on behalf of RSCS and its franchisee members for all Brands. • Demonstrate strong proficiency in data management and analysis. Develop and use analytical metrics to evaluate both strategic and tactical execution. Create, wherever possible, a quantitative basis for defining success. • Gather, analyze, and effectively apply relevant market intelligence including key cost drivers, market dynamics, capacity utilization metrics, and macroeconomics to anticipate potential issues and opportunities and act accordingly for the best possible outcome. • Assertively influence decision making and outcomes, both internally and externally (including but not limited to brand leaders and franchisees), using expertise within assigned categories. Create compelling presentations to optimize communication of key data and insights. Oversee all purchasing responsibilities for the relevant categories including sourcing strategy, sourcing contracts, cost analysis, cost savings tracking, Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) appraisals, and other duties key to the performance of the position. • Support new product development, product launches, and other projects initiated by the Brands. Work closely with Brand Operations and relevant Brand Stakeholders to ensure flawless execution of all Brand projects and programs, including various conference calls and meetings. • Conduct Request for Proposals (RFP’s) using the RSCS Sourcing Process. • Collaborate with the Brand Operations team on identifying, prioritizing, and delivering Development & Equipment Solutions Restaurant Margin Improvement (DES RMI) process for all Brands. • Collaborate with the Supply and Operations Planning (S&OP) Team to ensure the continuous supply of assigned product categories during promotional and non-promotional periods. • Assume new assignments, routinely demonstrate interest in improving knowledge, offer suggestions and problem solutions. • Provide leadership and guidance to others when necessary. • Travel up to 10%, or as required. • Other duties as required and assigned. Required Education, Experience, and Skills: • Bachelor’s degree required. Prefer a major in Business or Supply Chain. Prefer Master’s or MBA. • 6+ years of experience in positions related to equipment procurement, business strategy, program management, and/or operations. Prefer experience in the restaurant/QSR industry or related manufacturing. • Proven self-starter with the ability to set priorities and meet and exceed all responsibilities in a fast- paced, dynamic, high output environment, while maintaining focus on the company mission and departmental goals. • Must have strong analytical, planning, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to self-manage prioritization of multiple tasks, with attention to detail and accuracy. • Exceptional relationship-builder with ability to engage with, assertively and respectfully influence, and garner trust and respect from a diverse group of peer and senior level constituents, including company executives, team members, franchisees, and suppliers. • Must have strong negotiation and analytical skills. • Must have experience in cost analysis, supplier development, forecasting, and contingency planning. • Will promote and champion the RSCS World Class with Class Values (WC2): act with integrity; deliver breakthrough results; be transparent and collaborate; recognize and celebrate; be humble and respectful; serve our members; and pursue growth and lifelong learning. • Advanced written and verbal communication skills required. Very high proficiency using PC based applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook). Prefer experience with NetSuite and associated applications.