Director, Category Management

Director, Category Management

The Director, Category Management (SDCM) will oversee the category management team and all aspects of category management as an integral part of NDCP's Restaurant Solutions and NDCP's extended leadership team (ELT).

This position will contribute to the growth and profitability of Dunkin' by optimizing sourcing strategies, building mutually beneficial supplier relationships, and promoting continuous improvement. The Director and category management team will provide dedicated support in the areas of supplier, cost, risk, and performance management. This includes ensuring timely supply of high-quality products and services at the lowest sustainable cost to the Dunkin' franchisees on behalf of NDCP.

Restaurant Solutions has procurement and supply chain responsibilities for indirect products and services, such as kitchen equipment, smallwares, custom fabrication, distribution, and consolidation programs, construction materials, furnishings, lighting, signs, and store level services. This position reports directly to the EVP, Restaurant Solutions.

National DCP, LLC (NDCP) is hiring talented and driven professionals to join our growing team. We're a $3 billion supply chain leader supporting over 10,000 Dunkin' restaurants across the U.S. Our team powers one of the most recognized quick-service brands through innovative logistics, reliable service, and high-quality product distribution. Known for delivering real value and operational excellence, NDCP is at the forefront of supply chain management—and we're looking for passionate individuals to help us keep moving forward.

At NDCP, your work matters. We offer a collaborative, people-first environment where your ideas are heard and your growth is supported. From competitive pay and full benefits to career advancement opportunities, we invest in your success—because when you thrive, so do we. Join us and take the next step in a meaningful, rewarding career.

Benefits you can count on:

• Medical, dental & vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) / Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Company paid life, AD&D, short and long-term disability
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, discretionary) & paid holidays and more!
• Additional benefits: employee assistance programs, discount programs, tuition discount program, and more!

Responsibilities

What you'll do

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Scope of Responsibility (DCM): Own end-to-end category management performance, organizational leadership, and strategic direction for the function.

o Set Strategic Direction: Define department vision, priorities, and long-term objectives aligned to NDCP and member value creation

o Drive Category Performance: Oversee portfolio outcomes across cost optimization, innovation, and risk mitigation

o Lead Stakeholder Alignment: Build and maintain strong alignment with NDCP extended leadership team (ELT) and key partners across Dunkin' and Inspire

o Develop Organizational Capability: Establish and execute talent strategy including hiring, coaching, development, retention, and succession planning

o Own Supplier Strategy: Lead enterprise supplier partnerships and sourcing strategies to maximize value, service, and scalability

o Advance Operational Excellence: Drive continuous improvement, standardization, and adoption of enabling technologies to enhance productivity and efficiency

o Executive & Board Reporting: Own development and delivery of clear, data-driven insights and updates for executive leadership and Board-level audiences

Team Leadership & Performance Management:

o Category Management: Broad range of items and services leveraged to build new restaurants, remodel existing restaurants, and support Dunkin's ~10,000 existing restaurants.

o Supplier Management: Accountable for direct management of supplier relationships, service performance, adherence to quality standards, costs, and risk mitigation.

o Negotiation: Negotiate lowest possible landed cost based on product specifications, quality, service levels, and industry conditions.

o Contract Execution: Optimize business terms/conditions and develop contracts for supply of products and services with all new and existing suppliers. Ensure timely completion.

o New Program Offerings: Identification, discovery, initiation, and development of new, user-friendly program offerings to drive incremental value and improve the Member experience.

o Inspire Collaboration: Interface and collaborate with Dunkin'/Inspire Brands New Store/Remodeling teams, R&D, Operations Services, and its franchisees to provide optimum cross-functional planning and execution of Category Management functions.

o RFx Activity: Prepare and execute RFI, RFQ, and RFP events. Analyze responses and work with internal counterparts to achieve best award decision. Prepare executive summary with results.

o Continuous Supply: Locate, analyze, develop, and maintain efficient and effective supplier base to meet current and future needs of all purchased materials and services.

o Process Management: Standardize and continuously improve category management and supplier processes in line with NDCP operating standards and SAP workflows.

o Financial & ERP (SAP) Expertise: Partner with Finance, Accounting, and Operations to ensure sourcing decisions, contracts, and supplier programs translate correctly into SAP transactional and financial outcomes.

Supervision Exercised: This position leads a team of six (6) currently.

Location: NDCP is located in Duluth, GA. Position location – Atlanta (ideally). Will consider remote with periodic travel to NDCP for right candidate.

Other Requirements: Limited amount of travel required.

Qualifications

Qualifications you bring:

• Minimum 10 years of experience in category management and strategic sourcing including supplier, cost, risk, and relationship management.

• Proven track record of success leading, motivating, and developing teams and individuals.

• Bachelor's degree is preferred in supply chain or business/finance.

• Strong financial acumen, process orientation, and technology forward mindset.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point) required.

• Collaborative, "team first" approach with proven ability to develop strong business relationship and manage effectively.

• Excellent communicator, both written and verbal.

• Proven organizational and project management capabilities including ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Proactive and dedicated with a drive for quality and results.

• Experience with a purchasing cooperative, foodservice distributor, franchise system, or within the foodservice/restaurant industry is a plus.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

NDCP is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status.