ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, CATEGORY DEVELOPMENT - KITCHEN EQUIPMENT AND CAPEX

The primary duty of this position is to manage direct assigned categories and teams to establish short and long-term strategies for continued cost optimization, value improvement, supplier relationship development, and risk mitigation. Responsible for developing strategic category plans as well as negotiating and managing supplier performance. Duties include developing and directing the execution of analytical and strategic work, and most important, lead the development of talent within category management. Other duties include providing timely reporting updates and broader company leadership and support comprehensive business reviews and deliver best in class industry solutions that will enable growth and value for internal and external stakeholders. This role is located in Charlotte, NC and will be coming into the office Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday's.

Responsibilities:
* Accountable for achieving financial and value optimization targets developed as part of annual category planning for self and team.
* Participates in the financial planning and forecasting process as well as provides relevant market information and dynamics to internal stakeholders.
* Develop a Category Strategy in conjunction with key business partners in support of the businesses strategies that include comprehensive cost reduction opportunities, quality of service improvements, risk management, and innovation, thus driving value creation.
* Conduct supply market analysis, cost modelling and benchmarking on sourcing engagements and contract renewals and to provide proactive insight to 3-year category strategy.
* Execute on supplier performance/relationship management for strategic supplier partner.
* In conjunction with Sourcing, initiate, direct and conduct all activities related to negotiating, evaluating, selecting, and executing preferred supplier contracts.
* Manage and develop long-term relationships with strategic suppliers, distributors, and industry specific associations.
* Ensure the range of services and/or products has been sourced and negotiated at the lowest net price to maximize business profitability & meet service needs.
* Engages with senior procurement personnel and partners with key internal and external stakeholders to ensure category alignment with global/regional strategies and presents comprehensive reports to senior management.
* Design cost savings projects across multiple commodities and services.
* Provide operational direction to the category procurement activity and seek to add value to local procurement activities by developing processes which support the overall strategy.
* Analyzes data or insights to determine industry and material trends, devises long-term development strategies for categories and alternate options.
* Ownership of required internal processes including budgeting, contract attributes, benchmarking, pricing, product recommendations, etc.

* Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required.
* Minimum of 6 years' experience in supply chain, category, finance, or related field; including supplier management experience; significant experience with related category desired; experience in foodservice highly desirable
* Evidence of an ability to work cross-functionally with colleagues in operations, finance, customer service.
* Strong negotiation and relationship building experience at the most senior level into supplier organizations.
* Proven track record of ability to influence in a cross functional organization including conflict resolution.
* Must have a clear understanding of food service distribution, supply chain and has detailed route to market knowledge for key categories.
* Proven experience in managing a P & L or budget and deliver plan results.
* Outstanding presentation skills and selling skills to manage implementation of key programs.
* Minimum of 2 years' experience leading a team
* High proficiency level with MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
* Travel of up to 20% annually