Category Manager

About the role

The Category Manager is responsible for sourcing and procurement execution across assigned categories for Bagel Brands. This role ensures the organization achieves optimal cost, quality, service, and risk outcomes in support of business performance across all brands and channels.

Responsibilities

• Own category and supplier relationship management for assigned spend categories (approximately $20M–$30M), including 90–120 SKUs
• Execute sourcing strategies that balance cost, quality, service, reliability, and supply risk
• Lead and support RFP/RFQ processes including supplier evaluation, data analysis, and recommendation development
• Identify and execute cost savings opportunities and sourcing initiatives that drive year over year financial improvement
• Maintain supplier relationships and performance across assigned categories
• Manage supplier performance across assigned categories
• Support negotiation and execution of supplier agreements including pricing, service terms, and commercial structures
• Develop contingency plans to mitigate supply risk, including sole source exposure
• Partner with R&D, Marketing, Operations, Quality, and Finance to support sourcing needs for LTOs, innovation, and new concept development
• Provide insights on supplier performance, market trends, and supply risk factors to internal stakeholders
• Support product commercialization efforts by identifying supplier options and evaluating sourcing feasibility
• Ensure supplier compliance with Bagel Brands quality, regulatory, and certification standards
• Analyze spend, supplier performance, and market data to support sourcing decisions and category insights
• Maintain accurate tracking of supplier performance metrics and sourcing outcomes
• Support process improvement initiatives within procurement and category management functions
• Provide clear, accurate reporting to Supply Chain leadership and cross-functional partners

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in strategic sourcing, category management, or procurement in food, beverage, packaging, or restaurant environment
• Strong experience in supplier negotiations, sourcing strategy development, and contract management
• Strong analytical and financial acumen with ability to interpret market data and model cost impacts
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities independently
• Effective communication skills and ability to work in a matrixed environment

Qualifications

• Adaptability and Perseverance: Responds effectively to shifting priorities, supply market changes, and ambiguity. Maintains focus on execution and outcomes despite challenges or constraints.
• Empowerment: Works collaboratively with internal partners and suppliers. Shares knowledge, supports decision making, and contributes to shared outcomes across the organization.
• Curiosity: Continuously seeks to understand supplier capabilities, market trends, and sourcing opportunities to improve cost, quality, and service outcomes.
• Self-Awareness: Seeks feedback, understands personal impact, and adjusts approach to strengthen partnerships and effectiveness across stakeholders.

Skills

• Effective Communication: Communicates clearly and concisely with cross-functional partners, translating sourcing data, supplier information, and market insights into actionable recommendations. Adapts communication style based on audience.

Benefits

Bagel Brands is committed to providing equal employment opportunity and fair treatment in employment for all individuals. We do not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Employment decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs. Bagel Brands makes employment decisions based solely on qualifications for the position.

Pay

Annual Salary: $95,000 to $105,000

Schedule

Not specified