Senior Manager, Packaging Procurement

Restaurant Supply Chain Solutions, LLC, a Yum! Brands Co-op, is currently seeking a Senior Manager, Packaging Procurement, to join the Food and Packaging Procurement Teams.

This key position manages the packaging supply chain initiatives for Yum! Brands (Taco Bell, KFC, Pizza Hut, Habit Burger, and A&W) with an estimated annual spend of $400 MM.

Essential Functions

Category/Procurement Strategy

• Lead the development of category strategies for assigned packaging items that are aligned to the Brands short-term and long-term objectives.
• Manage the forward-looking cost models to provide timely and accurate forecasting for Cost of Goods items (COGS). Communicate to relevant stakeholder significant deviation from the COGS plan.
• Lead the development of innovation projects, building Restaurant Margin Improvement (RMI/savings) project pipeline and the commercialization of new packaging by influencing and collaborating with Brand and Franchise Leaders, Engineers, Concept Board Members and Suppliers.
• Engage with the RSCS Commodity Risk Management Team to identify margin improvement opportunities and proactively manage supply and cost risk.
• Drive supplier relationship management program to improve relationship, ensure strategic alignment that yields meaningful improvement and results that are beneficial to both supplier and RSCS.

Procurement Strategy and Tactics Execution

• Drive the implementation of procurement strategies, procurement projects and restaurant margin improvement initiatives.
• Lead the negotiation of commercial terms and conditions on the assigned category.
• Drive execution of RMI projects and development of business contingency (business continuity) plans in collaboration with Brands, RSCS Teams, Suppliers, Distributors and Franchisees.
• Execute sourcing events as per plan that ensure best competitive value while providing supply assurance and driving margin improvement to support growth for operators.
• Ability to prioritize and manage projects with varying levels of complexity.

Administration and Reporting

• Manage administrative processes including COGS planning, sourcing proposals, global pricing systems, Board updates, Supplier Diversity programs, PRISM, contract administration and technology fees collection for assigned categories.
• Develop, negotiate, and execute contractual agreements with suppliers to ensure legal documents are in place for all items managed.
• Maintain and verify accuracy of Global Pricing System (GPS) and other company software applications as it relates to supplier commercial terms, item setup, pricing, and freight.

Position Skills / Core Competencies

• Ability to think strategically and entrepreneurially with capability to drive tactical execution to deliver expected results.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Strong critical thinking and advanced analytical and creative problem- solving skills.
• Ability to work at an elevated pace with efficiency and precision.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and critical issues simultaneously.
• Effective relationship management with the ability to influence and build consensus.
• Proficient with collaboration, attention to detail, and exceptional organizational skills.
• Strong ability to lead, manage and influence.
• Provide effective communication with others in a professional manner.
• Advanced communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal, with an emphasis on interpersonal and relationship building capabilities.
• Committed to quality assurance and continuous improvement.
• Must be self-motivated, able to lead change, and demonstrate leadership skills.
• Fast learner with a can-do attitude and a calm professional demeanor.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and able to create clarity and structure to enable improvement.
• Hybrid work schedule: 3 days in the office, 2 days remote - Excellent benefits: medical, dental, vision, retirement, vacation, holidays, floating holidays, sick time, wellness program, and much more. 

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in procurement or supply chain. Prefer 5+ years of progressive experience in sourcing strategy development and Packaging Procurement.
• Prefer experience with quick service restaurant procurement, packaging manufacturing, or engineering.
• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field required. Prefer MBA or Master’s.
• Strong negotiating skills, critical thinking ability, analytical skills, inventory management, industry knowledge, supplier development, planning and forecasting, and contingency planning.
• Strong organizational skills, including ability to prioritize and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong understanding of the supply chain processes including manufacturing, logistics and distribution.
• Ability to garner trust and respect of all constituents, while managing tight timelines in a dynamic environment.
• Strong computer skills: Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.