Associate Category Manager, Direct Procurement Food; Entry Level

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 we're 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) Bachelor's degree in Supply…