Category Manager

As a Category Manager you will play a critical role in managing supplier relationships, optimizing cost structures, and ensuring a consistent and high-quality supply of ingredients and materials. You will develop and execute sourcing strategies, collaborate cross-functionally with teams such as Culinary, Operations, and Finance, and drive continuous improvement in procurement processes. Additionally, you will be responsible for consolidating vendors and transitioning to distributor-based procurement, leading RFP processes, and supporting the commercialization of private-label products. This role requires a hands-on leader who can drive initiatives and solve critical issues in procurement, operations, and culinary that impact COGs and overall business performance.

Location 

• This role will be based in our Chicago IL office and our Chicago based partner sites, it will be hybrid onsite 3 days a week. 

On the Plate 

• Lead vendor consolidation initiatives by transitioning from direct procurement to distributor-based sourcing, ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Conduct comprehensive RFPs, utilizing data-driven insights to drive strategic sourcing decisions and negotiate optimal pricing.
• Support private-label commercialization by analyzing market trends, cost structures, and supplier capabilities to enhance product offerings.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with product development, menu innovation, and operations teams to align sourcing strategies with business objectives.
• Develop and maintain supplier scorecards, tracking key procurement KPIs to assess performance, compliance, and continuous improvement opportunities.
• Utilize Excel and data visualization tools to monitor cost of goods sold (COGS), identify reporting inaccuracies, and drive corrective actions for cost allocation and BOM integrity.
• Analyze operational inefficiencies impacting COGS and implement strategic corrective measures to improve margins and reduce waste.
• Stay ahead of industry trends, emerging suppliers, and regulatory shifts to maintain a competitive sourcing strategy.Develop and implement category strategies to optimize supplier performance, cost savings, and quality assurance.

Main Ingredients for the Role 

• 4+ years of experience in procurement, supply chain, or category management, preferably within the foodservice or manufacturing industry.
• Strong negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship skills.
• Experience in vendor consolidation, distributor transitions, and private-label commercialization.
• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify cost-saving opportunities, and drive strategic decisions.
• Financial acumen, including experience with COGs analysis and BOM accuracy.
• Experience working with ERP systems and procurement tools.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Passion for plant-based food and sustainability is a plus.

Compensation

The anticipated salary range for this role is $86,000 - $135,000. Compensation is based on experience and qualifications, and the posted range is not a guarantee of any specific offer.

Garnish

We love our staff, and show it with benefits (including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, FSA, and life insurance), matching retirement plan, unlimited paid time off, Purple Carrot box allowance, professional development, and the opportunity to work in collaboration with teammates who are passionate about food!

Final Touches

Purple Carrot’s top priority is protecting the health and wellbeing of our team and candidates. The majority of our interviews and assessments occur virtually. If there is a need to interview onsite, we follow COVID-19 guidance from the CDC, WHO, and any state guidelines .

We are committed to a safe and inclusive work environment, free of discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetics, national origin, ancestry, age, medical condition, mental or physical disability, handicap, veteran status, or marital status.

About Purple Carrot

Purple Carrot started with just a seed of an idea in 2014. Our vision is a world where plant-based eating is at the core of living well. Every day, on this mission, we’re breaking boundaries with plant-based eating. We value learning from customers, an ownership mindset, integrity, winning together, and being bold. We need your expertise on our team to make things happen!

Purple Carrot’s irresistible, globally-inspired meal-kit recipes and prepared meals using fresh ingredients. We are a team of collaborative individuals who drive for results, strive for doing better, make good choices quickly, and embrace a growth mindset to win or learn. Here’s what you’re up for!