Manager, Strategic Sourcing - Seafood - Red Lobster

Contributing to the profitability and growth of Red Lobster, the Manager, Strategic Sourcing develops, communicates, and implements short and long-term sourcing strategies for fresh and frozen seafood, and/or other product categories as needed.  The Manager, Strategic Sourcing works collaboratively with marketing/culinary, finance, corporate communications, quality and supply management teams in the sourcing and procurement process to support the business needs of Red Lobster. The Manager, Strategic Sourcing must be able to utilize his/her knowledge of the seafood industry, business, and commodity markets to independently negotiate sourcing and procurement agreements with approved suppliers that meet the policies and dynamic business objectives of Red Lobster Seafood Company.  The Manager will also be responsible for developing annual category business strategies inclusive of comprehensive requirements for cost management, inventory management, supplier performance and product quality KPIs.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Develops sourcing and procurement strategies and execution plans:

• Identifies and selects suppliers per company supplier approval guidelines
• Develops and executes short, mid and long term sourcing and procurement strategies that support company business objectives and plans; strategies include both Red Lobster and vendor-managed inventory sourcing requirements defined by category          
• Focuses efforts on the acquisition of products and/or services requiring medium to high levels of spend and/or complexity, including lobster, crab, shrimp, fin fish and other strategic complementary products
• Identifies and delivers cost savings for managed products
• Understands and conducts cost analysis and develops formula cost models for products
• Prepares and executes Requests for Information (RFIs) & Requests for Proposals (RFPs)
• Provides usage forecasts to suppliers in accordance with Red Lobster’s retention and storage requirements
• Executes and communicates weekly inventory management executive summaries inclusive of product coverage / retention

Leverages understanding of products, resources, industries, and supply bases for effective sourcing and procurement:

• Builds and maintains effective relationships with suppliers. Conduct effective verbal and written communications with suppliers
• Demonstrates an understanding of one or more product categories/industries, specific market trends, and available suppliers; develops an understanding of key suppliers' operations; gains familiarity with trade associations
• Conducts supplier site visits in support of activities including product development, education, negotiation, issue resolution, etc.
• Reviews and evaluates supplier performance on a recurring basis in accordance with supplier performance management policies and KPIs
• Monitors, analyzes, and projects commodity and product category markets to ensure supply and manage risks to supply and costs  

Provides support to Red Lobster cross-functional teams as it relates to product sourcing and procurement:

• Generate and presents ideas for product innovations in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders
• Assist Total Quality in addressing supplier product quality or service issues; supports other functions in supplier escalation issues as needed
• Develops and implements key policies for sourcing agreements with suppliers including vendor-managed inventory, product specification and inspection requirements; collaborates with Total Quality team and third party inspectors on annual seafood inspections
• Works with Total Quality, Culinary Teams, and/or Operations teams to create, review, and approve product specifications and/or evaluate supplier compliance
• Coordinates supply for promotions and tests

Performs other duties specific to managed protein products   

• Creates, reviews, and updates monthly, quarterly, and/or annual purchase / buy plans. This involves maintaining inventory levels to ensure adequate supply and optimized costs
• Develop and present category updates and business analysis for Quarterly Business Reviews and other recurring business updates
• Implements strategy to ensure proper positioning of inventory, to prevent or minimize retention or shelf life exposures
• Assists with Total Quality supplier audit and approval  
• Creates and implements seafood / protein sustainability strategies for managed products
• Travels to domestic and international locations for product sourcing, supplier visit, resource and product development, trade conferences, etc. as required.  Be able to work and perform adequate duties as related to product and logistic cold chain environment
• Maintains optimum service levels at all distribution points (i.e.: order fulfillment rate and on-time delivery)
• Addresses existing product-related issues and concerns which involves collaboration with restaurant operations, Total Quality, distributors, and suppliers while striving to anticipate and prevent future issues from occurring.

REQUIRED TECHNICAL SKILLS:

• Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in food purchasing and/or supply management
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Experience with risk management/contingency planning
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other related business applications

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in business or a relevant field.  MBA preferred.