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Category Manager, Procurement Job Details
Checkers Drive-in Restaurants, Inc.
Location : Tampa, FL, 33602
Job Type : Contractor
Date Posted : 1 December 2025
Category Manager, Procurement
Tampa, FL, US, 33607
Position Summary
At Checkers & Rally’s, being fearlessly original isn’t just on the menu—it’s in our DNA. As aCategory Managerdirect procurement food categories
You’ll lead sourcing strategy, supplier negotiations, contract management, and cost optimization for high-impact categories. With a sharp eye for data and a fearless approach to problem-solving, you’ll drive innovation, cross-functional collaboration, ensure supply continuity, and deliver value that reflects our unapologetically original brand.
Position Accountabilities
- Own end-to-end category management for direct procurement categories including but not limited to food.
- Develop and execute sourcing strategies aligned with brand goals and operational needs
- Lead supplier negotiations, contract development, and cost-saving initiatives
- Monitor market trends, emerging technologies, and improved efficiency opportunities
- Manage supplier relationships, performance scorecards, and escalation resolution
- Oversee item setup, lifecycle tracking, and documentation in procurement systems
- Ensure accuracy of item data, pricing, and specifications for packaging and equipment
- Support product transitions, equipment upgrades, and LTO packaging rollouts
- Analyze spend, pricing trends, and supplier performance using tools like Arrowstream, Excel, and Power BI
- Build reports to support sourcing decisions and executive reviews
- Translate data into actionable insights that inform strategy and drive results
- Partner with Distribution, Operations, Real Estate, Marketing, and Culinary teams to support product launches and business needs.
- Collaborate with Finance, Real Estate, and Legal on business cases, contracts, and risk mitigation
- Lead cross-functional initiatives to improve cost, quality, and sustainability
Employment Standards
- Demonstrates full accountability for category performance, supplier relationships, and sourcing outcomes
- Proactively drives initiatives, mentors team members, and influences cross-functional decisions
- Builds strong partnerships across departments and with external suppliers to align goals and drive execution
- Thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment with the ability to pivot strategies and manage ambiguity
- Relentlessly pursues cost savings, quality improvements, and operational efficiency
- Uses data-driven insights to inform decisions, uncover opportunities, and mitigate risks
- Maintains high accuracy in item setup, pricing, and documentation to ensure flawless execution
- Crafts clear, persuasive messaging for internal stakeholders and external partners
- Manages multiple priorities with precision, meeting deadlines and delivering on commitments
- Stays ahead of industry trends, regulatory changes, and innovation
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related fieldExperience:
- 8+ years in procurement, category management, or strategic sourcing
- Proven success managing direct spend food categories with experience in packaging, distribution, and other related roles in QSR, foodservice, retail, or other similar manufacturing industries
- Strong negotiation skills and experience with RFPs, supplier contracts, and cost modeling
- Familiarity with trends, regulatory requirements, and commodities in packaging and equipment
- Strong analytical and interpersonal skills
Essential Physical Requirements:
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a computer or attending meetings
- Occasional lifting of materials or products up to 25 pounds may be required
- Capacity to move throughout office or supplier environments as needed
- Must be able to travel domestically for supplier visits or business needs, up to 10%
Competencies:
- Strategic Problem Solving
- Resilience Under Pressure
- Ownership Mentality
- Influence & Collaboration
- Continuous Improvement
- Curious & Courageous –Willing to take risks and ownership.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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Nearest Major Market:TampaJob Segment:Supply Chain Manager, Procurement, Real Estate, Supply Chain, Contract Manager, Operations, Sales, Legal
Freqently Asked Questions
In Tampa, procurement Category Managers often progress by deepening expertise in food category sourcing and supplier negotiations. Experience with QSR and retail foodservice supply chains accelerates growth, with career paths expanding into senior procurement leadership or strategic sourcing roles within dynamic companies like Checkers Drive-in Restaurants.
Top candidates in Tampa blend sharp analytical abilities with strong negotiation prowess and cross-functional teamwork. Mastery of tools like Power BI and Excel, combined with hands-on experience in contract management for food categories, marks a standout Category Manager, especially in fast-paced environments like Checkers & Rally’s.
Managing direct food categories demands balancing cost optimization with supply continuity. Procurement managers often navigate fluctuating market trends, supplier performance issues, and regulatory compliance, requiring agile strategic adjustments and proactive collaboration to maintain brand standards and operational efficiency.
Checkers emphasizes fearless originality, encouraging Category Managers to innovate sourcing strategies and drive cross-departmental collaboration. This culture fosters a proactive mindset toward cost savings and sustainability, setting it apart from typical procurement roles in Tampa’s foodservice sector.
Expect involvement in end-to-end category ownership, including supplier negotiations, contract drafting, and item lifecycle management. Checkers leverages advanced analytics via ArrowStream and Power BI, emphasizing data-driven decisions to optimize packaging, equipment sourcing, and product rollout initiatives.
Tampa's expanding foodservice industry creates robust demand for procurement and category management professionals. The city's growing QSR sector, including Checkers & Rally’s, fuels openings, making it a competitive market with opportunities emphasizing expertise in direct procurement and supplier relationship management.
Tampa offers a moderate cost of living compared to larger metros, influencing competitive yet reasonable salary ranges for procurement Category Managers. Typically, professionals in this role earn between $85,000 and $110,000 annually, reflecting local market rates and industry-specific demands.
Based on Tampa’s procurement market and Checkers’ industry standing, Category Managers usually see salaries ranging from $90,000 to $105,000 annually. This reflects the role’s seniority, required negotiation skills, and expertise in food category sourcing within a high-growth QSR environment.
Certifications like CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) or CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional) are valued locally. Coupled with a bachelor’s in supply chain or business, these credentials boost credibility and demonstrate commitment to best practices relevant to Tampa’s competitive procurement roles.
Cross-functional teamwork at Checkers is pivotal; Category Managers partner with distribution, culinary, marketing, and finance teams to align sourcing strategies with business goals. This integrated approach ensures smooth product launches, cost control, and supplier performance, enhancing operational success.
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