Category Buyer - Sweetgreen

Overview: The Category Buyer is responsible for planning and implementing category specific strategies; assuring a line of sight to the highest and best use of supply relationships in our portfolio; product and supplier to support the Director of Sourcing in developing and executing strategic sourcing initiatives. The Buyer will play a key role in delivering this year's business plan and aiding in the creation of next year's business plan, with specific responsibility for a select set of categories. This position is integral to ensuring cost management, supplier performance, alignment with Sweetgreen’s sustainability goals, and supporting key business functions such as culinary and marketing initiatives.

Responsibilities:

• Execute Current Business Plan:
• Support cost management and achieve cost savings targets.
• Ensure supplier performance metrics such as on-time delivery, order accuracy, and compliance with specifications are met.
• Assist in the implementation and monitoring of performance dashboards and KPIs.
• Collaborate with supply management, demand management, quality assurance, and sustainability teams to ensure comprehensive supply chain support.
• Develop Future Business Plans:
• Collaborate with the Director of Sourcing to develop comprehensive sourcing plans for the next fiscal year.
• Contribute to the development of business cases with positive Net Present Value (NPV) for assigned categories, while strategically involving key stakeholders.
• Utilize data analytics to support demand forecasting and optimization strategies.
• Category Specific Strategies:
• Aid in the development and execution of category-specific strategies.
• Conduct market analysis and research to inform category strategies and sourcing decisions.
• Manage supplier relationships within assigned categories, ensuring clear communication and alignment with Sweetgreen’s standards.
• Quantify business process improvements and value creation opportunities within sourcing activities.
• Proactively engage in continued learning about your categories—becoming an expert in your field.  
• Supplier Management:
• Maintain effective relationships with suppliers, focusing on performance management and continuous improvement.
• Support negotiations and contract management to achieve favorable terms and conditions.
• Assist in the implementation of Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) tools and processes.
• Risk Management:
• Assist in identifying and mitigating risks related to price, supply, and quality within assigned categories.
• Support the development of contingency plans and risk management strategies.
• Support Culinary and Marketing Initiatives:
• Collaborate with culinary and marketing teams to ensure sourcing aligns with product development and promotional strategies.
• Provide sourcing insights to support new product launches and marketing campaigns.
• Sustainability and Innovation:
• Ensure sourcing practices align with Sweetgreen’s commitment to sustainability and regenerative agriculture.
• Promote innovation and continuous improvement in sourcing activities.

Qualifications:

• Technical Expertise:
• Experience in sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management, preferably within the food industry.
• Strong understanding of procurement processes, supplier negotiations, and contract management.
• Proficiency in data analytics and supply chain optimization tools.
• Ability to quantify business process improvements and value creation.
• Sustainability Focus:
• Knowledge of sustainable sourcing practices and regenerative agriculture.
• Commitment to promoting sustainability in sourcing activities.
• Analytical and Organizational Skills:
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Communication and Collaboration:
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with suppliers and internal stakeholders, including culinary and marketing teams.
• Travel:
• Willingness to travel as required to engage with suppliers and stakeholders.
• Macro Key Metrics:
• Safety:
• Ensure 100% adherence to food safety regulations and protocols through regular audits and continuous improvement.
• Implement proactive personnel safety programs and training to maintain a safe working environment.
• Promote public safety by ensuring products meet all safety standards from supplier to customer.
• Service:
• Achieve a 98% service level agreement (SLA) adherence rate for internal and external partners.
• Ensure seamless coordination with third-party distributors to meet service expectations.
• Cost:
• Align product and service costs with company affordability targets, achieving a minimum of 5% annual cost savings.
• Maintain cost-effectiveness in logistics and procurement operations.
• Quality:
• Implement and sustain six-sigma processes to achieve a zero-defect rate in supply chain operations.
• Ensure business processes are consistently repeatable with minimal variation.
• Growth:
• Promote sustainability by developing and retaining top talent, achieving a 90% employee retention rate in the supply chain department.
• Ensure sustainable sourcing practices for 100% of products.
• Reduce environmental impact by achieving a 10% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions annually.

Key Metrics:

• Cost management and reduction within assigned categories.
• Supplier on-time delivery and order accuracy.
• Contribution to the development and execution of strategic sourcing plans.
• Implementation of risk management strategies within assigned categories.
• Alignment with Sweetgreen’s sustainability goals and initiatives.
• Support and success in culinary and marketing initiatives.

What you'll get:

• Highly competitive pay + bonus plan
• Three different medical plans to suit your and your family's needs
• Dental and Vision insurance
• Flexible PTO plan
• 401k program
• Employee HSA and FSA
• Complimentary greens
• An opportunity to make a real impact on the people around you, both by growing them and by connecting them to real food
• To live the sweetlife and celebrate your passion + purpose
• A collaborative team of people who live our core values and have your back
• A clear career path with opportunities for development, both personally and professionally
• Free sweetgreen swag

Come join the sweetlife!

About sweetgreen

sweetgreen is on a mission to build healthier communities by connecting people to real food. We passionately believe that real food should be convenient and accessible to everyone. Every day in each sweetgreen, our 3,500 team members make food from scratch, using fresh ingredients and produce delivered that morning. And in our local communities, we’re committed to leaving people better than we found them. We’re in the business of feeding people, and we’re out to change what that means.

sweetgreen provides equal opportunities for everyone that works for us and everyone that applies to join our team, without regard to sex or gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, any service, past, present, or future, in the uniformed services of the United States (military or veteran status), or any other consideration protected by federal, state, or local law.

sweetgreen participates in the federal government's E-Verify program to determine employment eligibility. To learn more about the E-Verify program, please click here.