Associate Category Manager, Direct Procurement Food (Entry Level)

Title: Associate Category Manager, Direct Procurement Food (Entry Level)

Location: Tampa, FL – Hybrid – 3 days onsite (Tues-Thurs), 2 days WFH (Mon+Fri)

Employment Type: Full Time

About the Company

At Checkers & Rally's were redefining what fast food can look like.

From Day one, our mission has been simple: deliver bold, crave-worthy food at an unbeatable value, without slowing down. That’s why we’ve built a brand known for iconic menu items, fast service, and experiences that keep guests coming back again and again. From the Big Buford to our award winning Famous Seasoned Fries, our menu Eats Different!

But what really sets us apart? Our people.

We believe in creating opportunities. Whether you're starting out or building your career, we provide the training, support, and real pathways to help you grow, lead, and succeed.

About the Role

As a Category Manager overseeing direct procurement food categories, you’ll be the strategic force behind the products that power our restaurants. In this high-visibility role, your decisions shape the guest experience and operational efficiency across hundreds of restaurants.

You’ll support and lead sourcing strategy, supplier negotiations, contract management, and cost optimization for food 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.

What You’ll Do (Core Impact Areas)

• Support end-to-end category management for assigned food ingredients and product categories.
• Assist in developing and executing sourcing strategies aligned with brand objectives, quality standards, and operational requirements.
• Participate in supplier negotiations, contract administration, and cost optimization initiatives.
• Monitor commodity markets, food industry trends, and supplier capabilities to identify opportunities and risks.
• Maintain strong supplier relationships and support performance reviews, scorecards, and issue resolution.
• Manage item setup, product specifications, and lifecycle tracking within procurement systems.
• Ensure accuracy of product data and supplier documentation.
• Responsible for entering food category pricing.
• Support new product launches, product transitions, and Limited Time Offer (LTO) rollouts.
• Analyze spend, pricing trends, and supplier performance using tools such as Excel, Power BI, and procurement platforms.
• Prepare reports and presentations to support sourcing decisions and leadership reviews.
• Convert data into actionable recommendations that improve cost, quality, service, and supply continuity.
• Collaborate with Distribution, Operations, Marketing, Culinary, and Supply Chain teams to support business initiatives.
• Partner with Finance and Legal teams on supplier agreements, business cases, and risk assessments.
• Support cross-functional projects focused on cost savings, quality improvement, sustainability, and process efficiency.
• Shows curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to professional growth by actively learning new processes, systems, and category management best practices while seeking feedback to enhance performance.
• Demonstrates accountability for assigned categories, supplier performance, and project deliverables.
• Takes initiative to identify savings opportunities, process improvements, and operational efficiencies.
• Builds effective working relationships with internal stakeholders and external supplier partners.
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment and adapts effectively to changing priorities.
• Uses data and analytical insights to support decision-making and problem-solving.
• Maintains a high level of accuracy in item setup, pricing, product specifications, and documentation.
• Communicates clearly and professionally with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Effectively manages multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
• Demonstrates strong organizational, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.
• Stays informed on food industry trends, commodity markets, and supplier innovations.

What You Bring (Must-haves)

Must-Haves (required):

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field
• 1-3 years of experience in procurement, category management, strategic sourcing, supply chain, or related field.
• Basic understanding of Food Supply Chains and Procurement
• Exposure to supplier negotiations, contract management, sourcing events, and cost analysis.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects, prioritize workload, and meet deadlines

Nice-To-Haves (preferred):

• Experience supporting food, ingredient, beverage, or other direct spend categories.
• Understanding of food supply chains, commodities, food safety requirements, and quality standards
• Experience using Power BI and procurement analytics tools

Core Competencies

• Strategic Problem Solving – Tackles complex challenges with confidence and clarity. Uses data, logic, and creativity to uncover root causes and deliver effective, scalable solutions.
• Resilience Under Pressure – Thrives in high-stakes environments. Maintains focus and composure through ambiguity, tight deadlines, and shifting priorities.
• Ownership Mentality – Takes full accountability for category performance, supplier relationships, and sourcing outcomes. Operates with a sense of urgency and pride in execution.
• Influence & Collaboration – Builds trust across departments and with external partners. Communicates with clarity and confidence, driving alignment and action.
• Continuous Improvement – Always looking for a better way. Challenges the status quo, embraces feedback, and leads initiatives that elevate team performance and process efficiency.
• Curious & Courageous – Willing to take risks and ownership.

Benefits

• This role is Bonus eligible
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits available
• Competitive PTO Policy with Paid Holidays Off
• 401k w/ a company match
• Cell Phone Reimbursement
• Employee Discount at restaurants

Why Join us

• Bold, performance driven-brand
• Growth opportunities
• Strong team culture
• Focus on results and accountability
• CARE Program
• Top 10 Cruise Prize

Work Environment & Essential Physical Requirements

• Location: Tampa, FL – Hybrid
• Travel Expectations: Must be able to travel domestically for supplier visits or business needs, up to 5%
• Individual must live in the Tampa area and is required to be in the Restaurant Support Center or Innovation Center 3 days per week, at a minimum.
• Ability to sit for extended periods (4–6 hours/day) in a hybrid corporate or home office setting.
• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout a corporate facility during in-office days, employee meetings, supplier environments, or multi-department coordination activities.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in person, by phone, and via virtual platforms throughout the workday, including during sensitive or emotionally charged employee conversations.
• Occasional lifting or carrying of materials up to 25 lbs.

Company Values

• We’re Fearless – We take bold risks and push past limits with a “can-do” spirit, tackling challenges creatively and fearlessly. We go beyond expectations and make every move count. Fearless isn’t just a mindset; it’s how we win.
• We’re Family – We’re a family, built on trust and respect, holding each other accountable and lifting each other up at every turn. Standing together, we create an environment where everyone thrives-franchisees, teams, communities, and guests-no exceptions.
• We’re Fast – Speed is in our DNA-we think, move, an adapt quickly. Whether it’s serving our guests, supporting our family, making bold decisions, or seizing new opportunities, we stay agile, so we are always ready to meet the moment.
• We’re Fan Fanatics – Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, inspiring us to deliver the crave-worthy experiences they deserve. We don’t just serve them; we’re fanatics about them, making sure every craveable bite, every moment, is worth coming back for.
• We Make Things Fun – At Checkers & Rally’s, fun is the main ingredient. We bring joy to everything-fueling creativity, connection, and unforgettable experiences in our RSC, in our kitchens, with our Guests, and in our communities.
• We’re Focused on 4-Wall Sales & Profitability – Sales and Profitability are key to our continued growth and innovative spirit. We’re here to build sustainable success that benefits our restaurants, franchisees, and teams.

Equal Opportunity

Checkers & Rally’s is an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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