Manager of Procurement

Location : Atlanta, GA

About SMS:

Supply Management Services Inc. (SMS) is the dedicated supply chain department for Popeyes franchisees, delivering comprehensive field-to-restaurant supply chain management. Owned and funded by Popeyes franchisees, SMS excels in product sourcing, vendor and contract management, commodities management, 3PL logistics, distribution management, and customer care while supporting strategic direction, product quality, and supply chain efficiencies. Our mission is to supply our members with competitively priced, quality products and services when needed, aspiring to be the recognized leader in supply chain services for the QSR industry.

Role Summary:

The Manager of Procurement will support the procurement function, focusing on specific procurement categories while overseeing day-to-day sourcing activities. This role requires an experienced procurement professional with strong organizational skills and a proven ability to drive results in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 3-5 years of procurement experience, preferably within the foodservice industry, with a track record of contributing to cost savings and process improvements.

Responsibilities:

• Support the execution of procurement strategies for assigned categories, including supplier selection, contract negotiation, and supplier management.
• Own category-level COGS performance, including forecasting, variance analysis, cost savings initiatives, and identification of market-driven risks and opportunities impacting overall system food costs.
• Manage the day-to-day procurement operations, ensuring that all sourcing activities are conducted efficiently and within established timelines.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, operations, and finance, to align procurement efforts with business needs.
• Build and maintain relationships with suppliers to secure optimal pricing, quality, and delivery performance.
• Monitor and report on market trends, identifying potential risks and opportunities for assigned categories.
• Implement procurement policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.
• Contribute to cost savings initiatives by identifying opportunities to improve procurement processes and reduce costs.
• Collaborate with the Senior Director of Procurement to achieve departmental goals and support broader business objectives.
• Prepare procurement reports and maintain accurate procurement data within internal systems.
• Travel of 10-20% may be required for supplier visits and industry conferences.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3-5 years of procurement experience, with a preference for experience in the foodservice or related industry.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
• Experience in supplier negotiations and contract management.
• Proficiency in procurement software and tools.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to analyze market trends and make informed procurement decisions.
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business, or a related field is preferred.
• Commitment to SMS’s core values of fairness, integrity, honesty, respect, dignity, and ethics.

This position will report to the Senior Director of Procurement.

How to Apply:

• Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience related to this role. Please send your resume and cover letter to View email address on click.appcast.io.