Category Manager, Non-Food (Indirects)

Job SummaryGoTo Foods is seeking a Category Manager to oversee Furniture, Fixtures, Finishes, Millwork, Systems, & Services procurement for GoTo Foods’ seven domestic brands. This role ensures optimal value and cost efficiency by identifying, evaluating, and negotiating with suppliers. The GoTo Foods Non-Food Procurement team manages operationally essential categories like Apparel, Chemicals, Disposables, Equipment, Fabrication/Millwork, Finishes, Fixtures, Furniture, Packaging, Services, Smallwares, Software, and Systems.Key ResponsibilitiesLead RFIs/RFPs, vendor negotiations, and contract managementDrive product innovation and specification improvementsAnalyze category trends, cost inputs, and market risksMonitor supplier performance, inventories, and savings impactOversee commercialization of new products and services, designing of new restaurant prototype packages, etcBased in Atlanta, GA, this role reports to the Director of Procurement.Hybrid schedule: in-office (Tue–Thu), remote (Mon & Fri).Essential FunctionsCategory LeadershipDemonstrate subject matter expertise in assigned categories, products, and suppliers.Serve as organization’s sourcing authority for vendor decisions, best practices, negotiations, contracts, and systems/processes related to assigned categoriesEffectively navigate organizational complexities through a collaborative & decisive approachStrengthen cross-functional alignment with operations, marketing, culinary, design, and construction to drive innovative supplier and customer solutions.Track and report category cost improvements, strategic wins, and efficiencies.Present complex sourcing data to executives, translating insights into actionable strategies.Develop future sourcing talent by mentoring a Sourcing AnalystStrategic SourcingDevelop multi-year category roadmaps and structured sourcing strategies that align with business priorities, cost savings, risk mitigation, supplier relationships, innovation, and contract timelines.Drive supplier relationship management excellence, ensuring strong, high-performing supplier partnerships:Optimize strategic supplier engagementEstablish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for cost, quality, service, and innovation.Diversify and expand the supplier base to enhance resilience and competitiveness.Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, ensuring contingency plans for disruptions (e.g., financial instability, capacity constraints, tariffs, geopolitical risks)Lead sourcing events (RFI/RFPs), ensuring disciplined, data-driven decision-making, stakeholder alignment, and successful commercial execution.Negotiate supplier agreements that optimize cost, quality, and service while ensuring strong legal and commercial protections. Optimize supplier ship-from arrangements and lines of supply with the logistics and distribution teams to mitigate supply chain risks, optimize costs, and minimize downstream supply challenges.Present compelling business cases backed by analytics to secure executive buy-in.Project Management & CommercializationLead new product development and category enhancements through the Design & Construction collaborations and prototype revision processes.Manage end-to-end commercialization, including designing, sourcing, supplier vetting, quoting, prototyping/sampling, logistics, warehousing/storage/fulfillment, and quality assurance.Resolve commercialization challenges to ensure timely, cost-effective product launches.Financial Analysis & Data AnalyticsEnsure procurement decisions are data-driven and ROI-focused.Utilize analytics tools (Excel, Power BI) to interpret complex data, forecast trends, and guide strategy.Develop financial models and scenario planning tools for category optimization.Monitor market forces, commodity fluctuations, and cost trends to inform proactive sourcing strategies.Legal, Compliance, & System ManagementOversee pricing renewals to maintain competitiveness and pricing integrity.Ensure accurate supplier data and contract management within procurement systems.Enforce compliance with GoTo Foods’ legal, regulatory, and ethical standards.Continuous ImprovementDrive cost savings initiatives with measurable impact.Implement process optimizations and automation to enhance procurement efficiency.Explore innovative sourcing methods to improve agility, reduce costs, and increase supplier value.EducationBachelor's Degree, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Accounting, Mechanical Engineering, or related field, ReqWork ExperienceExperience in the foodservice, millwork and furniture manufacturing, and/or related industries 5+ years, related experience preferably in multiple aspects of Supply Chain/Procurement, Sales, Category Management, Design or Construction4-5+ years, experience with Design, Construction, Finishes, Furniture, Millwork, Signage, Wall Coverings, Décor Packages, Professional Services, Retail Technology, and/or other Indirect sourcing categories1-2 years, experience with global trade and importingAble to demonstrate proficient knowledge within the categories assigned - including cost drivers, trends, new product development/innovation opportunities, products and suppliers, pricing strategies, distribution channels, and manufacturing knowledge3-4+ years, related experience with strategic sourcing including negotiation, contract execution, business planning, supply chain strategies, complex pricing and costs structures associated with supply chains 3+ years, related experience developing and executing multiple projects simultaneously and within budget/schedule, ability to manage multiple prioritiesHistory of strong negotiation skills and the ability to lead effectively and resolve conflict Demonstrated analytical abilities and proficiency with financial modeling and dataDemonstrated ability to influence decision-makers and effectively interact with stakeholders SkillsSubject Matter Knowledge or Expertise✔ Knowledge of Restaurant Design and Construction, commodities/raw materials markets, key suppliers, imports/exports, and/or manufacturing technologies. ✔ Knowledge of relevant factors in the Foodservice indirects and specifically the Design & Construction industries✔ Knowledge of franchisor dynamics, particularly expertise in Foodservice Large Chains/QSRsStrategic Sourcing & Procurement Expertise✔ Deep understanding of sourcing best practices, supplier management, and contract negotiation.✔ Experience navigating RFI/RFP processes and supplier selection✔ Understanding of supply chain dynamics, including macro-economics, commodities, logistics, distribution, forecasting and/or inventory planning.✔ Ability to analyze supplier markets, identify cost drivers, and anticipate shifts in negotiation power.Supplier Relationship Management✔ Ability to manage high-value supplier relationships, ensuring strong performance and innovation contributions.✔ Experience with or understand of supplier scorecards, KPIs, and performance tracking✔ Ability to navigate supplier exit and start-up conversations, proving a measured and balanced communications approach✔ Proven ability to resolve conflict ✔ Skilled in supplier development and capability-building to align with business goals.Financial & Data Analytics✔ Proficiency in financial modeling, scenario planning, and cost optimization techniques.✔ Advanced skills in Excel, Power BI, or other analytics tools to interpret large datasets.✔ Ability to quantify procurement strategies, track cost savings, and demonstrate ROI.✔ Intermediate business acumen with P&L understanding, including cost structures, pricing mechanisms, and margin Negotiation & Contract Management✔ Contract negotiation skills - balancing cost, quality, risk, and innovation.✔ Ability to develop complex agreements and think creatively, including with pricing structures, contingency plans, floor stocking programs, and other exhibits✔ Intermediate legal and compliance knowledge, ensuring adherence to regulations and governance.✔ Redlining and language writing experienceProject Management & Commercialization✔ Experience in leading cross-functional initiatives, ensuring successful product launches and commercialization.✔ Strong understanding of new product development processes, including sourcing, sampling, quality assurance.✔ Ability to align stakeholders across operations, marketing, culinary, logistics, and finance for seamless execution.Executive Communication & Leadership✔ Executive presence, with the ability to present complex topics in a clear and compelling manner.✔ Ability to influence and align senior stakeholders on sourcing decisions and business priorities.✔ Coaching and mentoring skills to develop sourcing talent and foster team growth.Risk Management & Problem-Solving✔ Strong analytical mindset with the ability to identify risks, develop contingencies, and proactively mitigate disruption.✔ Ability to navigate scenario planning and crisis response, ensuring business continuity.Continuous Improvement & Technology Proficiency✔ Ability to use and implement procurement technology tools (e.g., spend analysis, contract management systems)✔ Strong process improvement mindset, with experience building more efficient tools.✔ Willingness to challenge the status quo, seeking innovative ways to optimizeEssential Technical & Communication Skills✔ Excel (Advanced): Advanced Formulas, Vlookup, Pivot Tables, Charts, Graphs, Slicers, Power Query, etc✔ Power BI: Dashboards and Data Visualization/Graphs✔ Procurement Tools: ArrowStream (analytics), IronClad (contracts)✔ Project Management: Atlassian (Jira, Confluence), Smartsheet✔ Presentation & Reporting: PowerPoint (Executive-Level), Word (Contracts, RFPs), Excel (Final Business Cases)✔ Communication: Strong verbal & written skills for negotiations, reporting, and executive presentations✔ Risk & Spend Analysis: Supplier scorecards, KPI tracking, cost modelingCertificationsTravel RequirementMay be required to travel up to 25% of the time