Senior Manager, Equipment Procurement (214106-886)

Restaurant Supply Chain Solutions, LLC (RSCS), a Yum! Brands Co-op, is seeking a Senior Manager, Equipment Procurement to join the Equipment and Asset Procurement team. This role manages key equipment categories for Yum! Brands including Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, KFC, A&W, and Habit Burger & Grill, supporting over 18,000 restaurants and approximately 1,000 franchisees.

About the role

As a crucial member of the Development & Equipment Solutions (DES) procurement team, this position reports to the Senior Director, Equipment & Asset Procurement. The role oversees procurement and management of assigned categories, including fryers, production lines, and other strategic equipment and back-of-house items. Responsibilities span strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, supply and contingency planning, Restaurant Margin Improvement (RMI), innovation, market intelligence, program and project management, and strategy development.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive category profiles including 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 assigned product categories.
• Build and maintain supplier relationships, develop product category expertise, and manage all procurement activities and negotiations for assigned categories on behalf of RSCS and its franchisee members across all brands.
• Demonstrate strong proficiency in data management and analysis; develop and use analytical metrics to evaluate both strategic and tactical execution, creating a quantitative basis for defining success.
• Gather, analyze, and apply relevant market intelligence including key cost drivers, market dynamics, capacity utilization metrics, and macroeconomic factors to anticipate potential issues and opportunities.
• Assertively influence decision-making internally and externally (including brand leaders and franchisees) using expertise within assigned categories; create compelling presentations to communicate key data and insights.
• Oversee all purchasing responsibilities for relevant categories, including sourcing strategy, sourcing contracts, cost analysis, cost savings tracking, Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) appraisals, and other performance-related duties.
• Support new product development, product launches, and other brand-initiated projects; collaborate with Brand Operations and stakeholders to ensure flawless execution of all brand projects and programs.
• Conduct Request for Proposals (RFPs) using the RSCS Sourcing Process.
• Collaborate with the Brand Operations team to identify, prioritize, and deliver Development & Equipment Solutions Restaurant Margin Improvement (DES RMI) processes for all brands.
• Work with the Supply and Operations Planning (S&OP) Team to ensure continuous supply of assigned product categories during promotional and non-promotional periods.
• Assume new assignments, demonstrate interest in improving knowledge, offer suggestions, and provide problem solutions.
• Provide leadership and guidance to others as needed.
• Travel up to 10%, or as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; preferred majors include Business or Supply Chain. Master’s or MBA preferred.
• 6+ years of experience in equipment procurement, business strategy, program management, and/or operations; experience in the restaurant/QSR industry or related manufacturing preferred.
• Proven self-starter with the ability to set priorities and exceed responsibilities in a fast-paced, high-output environment while maintaining focus on company mission and departmental goals.
• Strong analytical, planning, and problem-solving skills with the ability to self-manage prioritization of multiple tasks, ensuring attention to detail and accuracy.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills with the ability to engage, influence, and garner trust from a diverse group of constituents, including executives, team members, franchisees, and suppliers.
• Strong negotiation and analytical skills, with experience in cost analysis, supplier development, forecasting, and contingency planning.
• Commitment to 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; high proficiency in PC-based applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook). Experience with NetSuite and associated applications preferred.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement plans
• Paid vacation, holidays, and floating holidays
• Free lunch on Wednesdays
• Additional benefits and perks

Schedule

Hybrid schedule: 3 days in the office, 2 days remote.