Director, Strategic Sourcing - Orlando Based

Overview

***Must live in Orlando and be in office 4 days a week***

The Director of Strategic Sourcing at Red Lobster is a critical leadership role responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies that drive value, quality and business continuity across the Supply Chain. This individual will report to the Chief Supply Chain Officer and be responsible for managing a team of Orlando-based category leaders across multiple direct and indirect sourcing categories. The ideal candidate will build strong supplier partnerships, support culinary innovation through product expertise, optimize costs, leverage technology and support Red Lobster's commitment to excellence and responsible sourcing.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement comprehensive strategic sourcing strategies for food and indirect products and services
• Lead supplier selection, negotiation and management to ensure optimal value, quality, risk management and responsible sourcing standards are achieved
• Collaborate closely with culinary, operations, total quality, distribution and finance teams to develop and direct sourcing events (e.g., RFP, RFQ, direct negotiations) that align with the brand's values and business objectives
• Analyze market trends, commodity indices and global supply chain risks to inform sourcing decisions and mitigate supply disruptions
• Drive cost savings initiatives and continuous improvement projects while maintaining product quality and consistency
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for sourcing effectiveness, supplier performance, and compliance with Red Lobster's policies
• Lead supplier relationship management programs, including regular business reviews, supplier visits and joint value creation initiatives
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements related to procurement, food safety and ethical sourcing practices
• Champion responsible and sustainable sourcing practices, including traceability and certification of commodity products and ingredients
• Develop and coach a high-performing sourcing team, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, recognition and continuous improvement
• Prepare and manage budgets, forecasts and executive reports for sourcing activities in accordance with enterprise business plans
• Lead technology implementation and integration initiatives to drive strategic sourcing process efficiency and effectiveness

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain or related field
• 10+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, procurement or supply chain management, preferably in the foodservice, hospitality or consumer goods industry
• Demonstrated expertise in foodservice sourcing and supplier management
• Experience managing, developing and motivating a high-performance team
• Exceptional negotiation, analytical and project management skills
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and leadership abilities
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities effectively
• Strong technology acumen, including proficiency with procurement systems, data analytics and Microsoft Office Suite; proficiency managing collaborative supply chain software systems / tools strongly preferred
• Passion for the Red Lobster brand and commitment to upholding its values of quality, hospitality and responsible sourcing

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree in Supply Chain, Business or related field preferred
• Professional certifications in procurement or supply chain management
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence within a large and complex organization
• Financial acumen and experience managing departmental budgets and business plans

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Business Communication: Ability to write, speak, and present ideas clearly and succinctly across a variety of communication settings. Adjusts communication style to the audience by translating and articulating technical concepts to non-technical groups
• Cross-Functional Knowledge: Use knowledge of functional areas, organizational structure, and key business drivers to support company initiatives and long-term growth strategies, understanding individual and functional impact on the whole organization
• Influence: Use diplomacy, integrity, and tact to persuade others to accept recommendations, cooperate, or change their way of thinking based on clearly defined business reasons
• Process Improvement: Use Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodology to develop and execute efficient and cost effective solutions to align with the business objectives within the Supply Chain organization
• People Management: Assesses skills and manages the work and productivity of others, while coaching and developing talent
• Change Management: Drives, manages, influences, and inspires change though communication at all impacted levels

OTHER

• In-office (hybrid) position based in Orlando, FL - must work in office Monday to Thursday with Friday as an optional remote work day
• 20% domestic travel required