Equipment & Smallwares Program Manager

Summary Of Responsibilities

The Equipment & Smallwares Program Manager is responsible for the strategic sourcing, procurement, testing, commercialization, and system-wide implementation of equipment and smallwares across the TSC system. This role serves as the primary liaison between Supply Chain, Design & Construction, Operations, Training, Culinary, and supplier partners to ensure equipment and smallwares solutions meet operational, financial, and brand objectives.

Essential Functions

• Strategic Sourcing & Procurement

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for equipment, smallwares, and related operational assets across the system
• Lead competitive procurement events including RFIs, RFPs, RFQs, supplier/distributor evaluations, and contract negotiations
• Identify, qualify, and manage supplier partners to ensure alignment with quality, service, innovation, and cost objectives
• Conduct supplier capability assessments, factory visits, and product evaluations to support sourcing recommendations

• Testing, Commercialization & Cross-Functional Partnership

• Lead cross-functional equipment and smallwares testing programs, including pilot testing, operational validation, and commercialization activities; coordinate pilot testing and operational validation activities with Operations serving as the business owner to define key operational requirements, success criteria, and final approval for implementation
• Partner with Operations, Culinary, Training, and Design & Construction teams to evaluate new equipment and smallware technologies and operational solutions
• Develop business cases and procurement recommendations supported by financial analysis, total cost of ownership, ROI, lifecycle cost, and operational impact assessments
• Establish and maintain equipment and smallwares specifications, standards, and approved supplier programs
• Cook up the commercialization process, ensuring approved equipment and smallwares are transitioned into standard operating procedures, training, procurement, and implementation plans

• Program & Project Leadership

• Manage equipment and smallware packages and procurement strategies for new restaurant openings, relocations, remodels, and refresh initiatives
• Lead system-wide equipment and smallwares rollouts, including project planning, supplier coordination, implementation schedules, risk mitigation, and stakeholder communication
• Serve as project manager for multiple concurrent initiatives, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and according to business requirements

• Supplier Performance & Commercial Management

• Maintain supplier performance, service levels, lead times, quality metrics, warranty claims, and corrective action plans
• Conduct regular supplier business reviews that capture spend, performance, innovation pipelines, technology roadmaps, business growth strategies, and market developments
• Negotiate pricing, rebates, warranty terms, service agreements, inventory programs, and other commercial terms to maximize value for the brand
• Manage supplier contracts and ensure compliance with legal, operational, and commercial requirements

• Cost, Risk & Innovation

• Identify and execute cost savings and value engineering initiatives without compromising operational effectiveness or guest experience
• Evaluate emerging technologies, equipment innovations, and industry trends to improve restaurant efficiency, throughput, labor productivity, and profitability
• Develop contingency plans and alternate sourcing strategies to mitigate supply chain risks and business disruptions

• Stakeholder Communication & Leadership

• Communicate project status, sourcing recommendations, implementation plans, and business impacts to franchisees and internal stakeholders
• Build collaborative relationships with Legal, Operations, Design & Construction, Training, Culinary, QA, Finance, and other internal stakeholders to drive successful project outcomes, as well as with supplier working teams and key executive contacts
• Act as a leader, manager, and mentor within the organization

Required Experience

• 5+ years of experience in equipment procurement, strategic sourcing, supply chain, restaurant development, facilities, or related roles
• Experience sourcing and managing foodservice equipment and/or smallwares categories
• Experience leading cross-functional projects and large-scale operational rollouts
• Experience managing supplier relationships, contract negotiations, and procurement initiatives
• Experience with equipment testing, commercialization, implementation, or restaurant development projects preferred
• Supply chain, restaurant operations, design and construction, or equipment management experience within the foodservice industry
• QSR or Fast Casual experience preferred

Required Certificates, Knowledge, Or Licenses

• Strong understanding of strategic sourcing, procurement, supplier management, and contract negotiation principles
• Experience conducting RFx processes and supplier evaluations
• Knowledge of foodservice equipment, smallwares, restaurant operations, and equipment lifecycle management
• Understanding of project management methodologies and change management principles
• Adequate financial acumen, including total cost of ownership, ROI analysis, capital budgeting, and cost modeling
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and drive projects to completion
• Must be computer proficient (MS Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Intermediate to advanced expertise in Microsoft Excel
• Experience with project management software and procurement systems preferred (e.g., [name TSC’s specific PM/procurement systems])
• CPSM, CPM, PMP, or similar certifications are a plus

Travel Requirements

This position requires up to 20% travel as needed to support supplier visits, equipment testing, restaurant openings, pilot programs, trade shows, and key business initiatives