Strategic Sourcing Manager

Strategic Sourcing Manager

At CAVA, our mission is to bring Heart, Health, and Humanity to food. We believe in sourcing responsibly, growing with purpose, and building meaningful partnerships that last. As we scale toward our goal of 1,000 restaurants by 2032, we're seeking passionate individuals who thrive in fast-paced, collaborative environments and want to drive real impact across the food industry.

The Strategic Sourcing Manager is a critical role within our Supply Chain organization. This position is responsible for sourcing key food, beverage and packaging categories and strategic supplier partnerships that support innovation, ensure quality, reduce cost, and drive long-term value. You will be both a strategic thinker and a hands-on doer—executing sourcing strategies, leading negotiations, and collaborating cross-functionally across Culinary, Brand, Finance, Food Safety, Sustainability and Operations to deliver results aligned with our mission.

What You'll Do:

• Individual contributor role managing critical commodity categories with significant growth opportunities in category spend and process development
• Lead sourcing strategy development, supplier selection, packaging innovation, contract negotiations, and performance management
• Discover and foster long-term relationships with suppliers aligned with CAVA's Culinary + Sourcing Standards
• Partner closely with Culinary and Brand teams to support innovation in food and packaging
• Drive enterprise-wide cost savings, risk mitigation, and supply chain resilience initiatives
• Develop and execute sourcing event calendars and project timelines to ensure transparency and cross-functional alignment
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure sourcing strategy meets quality, cost, service, and sustainability targets
• Identify tools, process improvements, and resources that enhance sourcing effectiveness
• Lead or support the development of category strategies and supplier relationship management frameworks
• Manage all potential category risks and ensure sufficient mitigation and business continuity plans are in place to avoid disruption
• Represent sourcing in executive presentations, cross-functional meetings, and business reviews

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field required; Master's degree a plus
• 5+ years of progressive experience in sourcing, procurement, or supply chain—restaurant or manufacturing for food & beverage, packaging industry experience required.
• Deep knowledge of sourcing best practices, including supplier negotiation, RFPs, contracting, and cost management
• Strong experience working with packaging, catering, food or related categories
• Demonstrated success in managing distributor and supplier relationships
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives with culinary, marketing, legal, and finance partners
• Experience with packaging, beverage and food commodities highly preferred, within a fast casual/food service context.
• Highly proficient in stakeholder management, written and verbal communication, and executive presentation
• Strong analytical, project management, and decision-making skills
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with changing priorities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and sourcing platforms/tools
• Passion for mentorship and servant leadership
• Strategic mindset with ability to zoom out while driving tactical execution

Why Join Us

• Be part of a purpose-driven company that's shaping the future of food
• Collaborate with a passionate team focused on sustainability, innovation, and growth
• Help build a sourcing function designed for scale and impact
• Competitive compensation, benefits, and professional development opportunities

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to maintain stationary position to be able to operate a computer and other office equipment
• Must be able to identify, analyze and assess details
• For certain positions, must be able to occasionally move or transport items up to 50 pounds
• Ability to communicate with others and exchange information accurately and effectively
• Constantly positions self and move about to support ordinary restaurant or food production support or office operations, as applicable
• Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner

What we offer:

• Competitive salary, plus bonus and long-term incentives*
• Unlimited PTO, paid parental leave, plus paid opportunities to give back to the community
• Health, Dental, Vision, Telemedicine, Pet Insurance plus more!
• 401k enrollment with CAVA contribution
• Company-paid STD, LTD, Life and AD&D coverage for salaried positions*
• Free CAVA food
• Casual work environment
• The opportunity to be on the ground floor of a rapidly growing brand
• *Indicates qualifying eligible positions only

CAVA – Joining "A culture, not a concept"

We run background checks on all new hires in this position.