Category Manager

Category Manager, Kitchen Equipment

Location: Duluth, Georgia or Boston, MA

Take your career to the next level with NDCP!

Company Overview: 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.

Position Overview: The Category Manager (CM) will oversee select category management functions as an integral part of NDCP's Restaurant Solutions. Category responsibilities include all kitchen equipment categories required as replacement or as part of a new restaurant opening package. 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 Category Manager 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. The Category Manager will report directly to the Director, Restaurant Solutions. NDCP and this position are located in Duluth, GA. In addition, Boston, MA will be considered.

Schedule: Remote/Hybrid, working onsite in the Duluth, GA Corporate office or Boston, MA.

Why Work with Us? 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.

NDCP offers a Competitive Salary plus Bonus potential

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!
• Compensation: Weekly payroll: Salary plus bonus potential
• Additional benefits: employee assistance programs, discount programs, tuition discount program, and more!

Responsibilities

What you will do:

• Category Management: All kitchen equipment (CM) supplied through NDCP DC fulfillment, our external 3rd party KESs, and directly from our approved manufacturers.
• Continuous Supply: Locate, analyze, develop, and maintain an efficient and effective supplier base to meet current and future needs of all purchased materials and services.
• Project Management: Oversee and manage franchisee commitment process, rollouts, and market testing support.
• Inspire Brands/Dunkin' Collaboration: Interface, collaborate, and support Dunkin'/Inspire Brands New Store/Remodeling teams, R&D and Equipment Innovation, Operations Services, and its franchisees to provide optimum cross-functional planning and execution of Category Management functions.
• Franchisee/Inspire Committee Representation: Represent Restaurant Solutions as lead (or co-lead) on the Restaurant Excellence Subcommittee (RESC).
• Supplier Management: Accountable for direct management of supplier relationships, service performance, adherence to quality standards, costs, delivery requirements, and risk mitigation.
• Negotiation: Negotiate the lowest possible landed cost based on product specifications, quality, service levels, and industry conditions
• Contract Execution: Optimize business terms/conditions and develop contracts for supply of products and services with all new and existing suppliers. Ensure timely completion of renewals.
• New Program Offerings: Identification, discovery, initiation, and development of new, user-friendly program offerings to drive incremental value and improve the Member experience.
• RFx Activity: Prepare and execute RFI, RFQ, and RFP events. Analyze responses and collaborate with internal counterparts to achieve best award decision. Prepare executive summary with results.
• Internal NDCP Requirements: As a distributor, timely compliance with internal audit and cross functional support requirements such as item, price, and supplier set up.
• Market Analysis: Understand and monitor spending trends, cost drivers, tariff impacts, market factors, origin & geographic considerations, and strategic importance of critical materials/services to manage assigned categories and implement optimal sourcing strategies.
• Scope of Responsibility (SCM): Strategic leadership across key categories, people development, high-level influence.
• • Develop and lead strategic initiatives across high-spend or critical categories
  • Mentor and develop team members and guide cross-functional category planning
  • Interface with senior leadership, finance, and legal on business cases
  • Identify emerging trends, market shifts, and risk mitigation strategies
  • Lead supplier performance reviews and escalate supplier issues when necessary
  • Heavy "external" third party supplier management requiring elevated focus on compelling offer and program awareness strategies to grow franchisee adoption.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Supervision Exercised
• This position is an individual contributor role.

Qualifications

What you bring:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in category management and strategic sourcing, including supplier, cost, risk, and relationship management.
• Bachelor's degree preferred in supply chain, business, engineering, or a construction-related field of study.

• Technology proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) required; proficiency with SAP, Smartsheet, AI (Co-Pilot, other) is a plus.
• Collaborative, "team first" approach with proven ability to develop strong business relationships 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.
• Curiosity and aptitude to understand complex requirements across multiple categories.
• Experience with a purchasing cooperative, foodservice distributor, franchise system, or within the foodservice/restaurant or hospitality industry is preferred.

Other Requirements:

• Periodic travel required.

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.