Category Manager, IT Procurement

Category Manager, IT Procurement Coppell, TX What does it mean to be a BrinkerHead? It means creating moments that make everyone feel special — whether you’re supporting our restaurants, celebrating wins with your team, or sparking ideas that keep Guests coming back. We play like a team, take pride in our culture, and know that life’s too short not to work happy. At Brinker’s Restaurant Support Center (RSC), every role fuels the success of our brands — Chili’s® Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy® — and directly impacts Team Members and Guests. From bold ideas to everyday support, we help create a fun atmosphere, great food and drinks, and the kind of hospitality that keeps everyone coming back. Here, you’ll discover opportunities for career growth, belonging, wellbeing, and plenty of chances to work hard and have fun. Brinker International is an equal opportunity employer. We’re proud to provide a welcoming, respectful environment where everyone can thrive. Job Summary The Category Manager on our Indirect Procurement team aligns procurement strategies with Brinker’s overall enterprise business objectives. This role supports strategic sourcing and category management activities with a focus on Information Technology (IT) and PeopleWorks (Human Resources) categories that enable and support restaurant operations and enterprise functions. This will include software, hardware, and professional services. This role may take on additional activities supporting Marketing as business needs evolve. The successful team member will lead strategic supplier identification, vetting and negotiations with the goal of achieving process efficiencies, cost avoidance/reductions and continuous improvements. This role is based in Dallas (Coppell), TX and follows a hybrid schedule (3 days in office). We are currently focused on local candidates or those open to relocating to the area at their own expense. At this time, we are unable to provide sponsorship support. What You’ll Do Set strategic direction for assigned categories and suppliers to deliver value both financially and operationally. Work closely with stakeholders and cross-functional partners to source indirect services effectively and efficiently in support of restaurant operations and enterprise functions. Develop collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers, Legal, Risk Management, Finance, and other key business partners. Lead strategic sourcing initiatives, including the creation, issuance, and management of Requests for Proposals, Quotes, and Information (RFPs, RFQs, RFIs). Negotiate commercial agreements by leveraging pricing, terms, conditions, volumes, and service levels to drive cost savings, operational efficiencies, and service quality improvements. Develop, review, negotiate, and manage contracts, statements of work (SOWs), and other supplier agreements in partnership with Legal and Risk Management. Analyze and effectively communicate commercial terms, sourcing recommendations, and supplier strategies to internal stakeholders and leadership. Develop and manage strategic supplier relationships, including serving as the primary escalation point and facilitating regular business reviews where appropriate. Support end-to-end Source-to-Pay (S2P) processes to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant procurement activities. Support supplier onboarding, supplier management, and ongoing compliance activities to maintain accurate supplier records and governance standards. Identify and implement opportunities for cost savings, process improvements, and operational efficiencies. Manage multiple sourcing projects and priorities simultaneously while ensuring timely and accurate deliverables. Stay informed on industry trends, supplier capabilities, and market conditions affecting assigned categories. Create and foster a positive team member experience through collaboration, responsiveness, and service-oriented support. What You Bring to the Team Required: Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 5+ years of procurement experience, including at least 2+ years supporting Information Technology. Strongly Preferred: Experience supporting additional professional services (indirect procurement) categories, such as Advertising and Marketing, PeopleWorks (Human Resources), or other similar functions, along with contract drafting/redlining and supplier negotiations Preferred: Previous experience supporting multi-site operating environments. Proven experience supporting the end-to-end procurement lifecycle, including strategic sourcing, negotiations, contract management, supplier management, budget/cost control, and risk mitigation. Experience independently managing commercial negotiations, statements of work, and supplier agreements in partnership with Legal and business stakeholders. Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced and evolving environments with a high degree of ownership, initiative, and accountability. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build productive relationships across stakeholders with varying levels of procurement, operational, and contractual expertise. Demonstrated ability to navigate ambiguity, balance competing priorities, and drive projects forward with limited oversight. Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously. Collaborative, adaptable, and service-oriented mindset with the ability to work effectively across diverse personalities and cross-functional teams. Self-starter mentality with the ability to proactively identify opportunities, engage stakeholders, and drive sourcing initiatives. Why Brinker At Brinker, we believe life is short, so work happy! That means creating an environment where you can grow your career, feel a sense of belonging and wellbeing, and have fun along the way. Here’s how we make that real for our BrinkerHeads at the RSC: Flexibility that fits your life: Hybrid schedules with weekly flex days to work from home. Benefits that support you: Competitive package with medical, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; 401(k) with company match; Employee Assistance Program with counseling, financial, legal, and life resources; and Best You EDU, offering education programs and tuition reimbursement. Enjoy our brands: Generous dining discounts at Chili’s® Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy®. Rewards for your impact: Annual bonus eligibility for every RSC Team Member. Wellbeing at work: On-site gym and fitness classes like yoga and boot camp. A culture worth celebrating: From company-wide events to a casual, collaborative atmosphere, you’ll find plenty of ways to connect, work hard, and play hard. #J-18808-Ljbffr Chili's