Category Manager (Tempo)

About the role

The Category Manager for Tempo will lead the end-to-end strategy and execution for the protein category within our ready-to-heat meal brand. You will act as the primary business owner, navigating ambiguity to build new processes while balancing financial performance, supply continuity, and product innovation.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Define and implement category strategies that align with broader company objectives.
• Manage the full lifecycle of supplier selection, including identifying, evaluating, and onboarding new partners.
• Lead RFP processes, contract negotiations, and ongoing supplier relationship management to optimize costs and performance.
• Collaborate with the culinary team to source new ingredients and test potential suppliers.
• Oversee high-visibility protein A/B and market tests.
• Partner with legal to ensure contract terms are favorable and strictly followed.
• Coordinate with warehouse, procurement operations, and local site teams to resolve supply disruptions and ensure production timelines are met.
• Monitor category health, including quality, inventory levels, customer feedback, and supplier metrics.
• Attend industry conferences to track trends and discover new ingredient opportunities.
• Commercialize new product concepts that improve operational efficiency and customer experience.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree in a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in sourcing and procurement.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to turn complex data into business recommendations.
• Proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets, specifically with pivot tables and index/match functions.
• Proven ability to manage multiple cross-functional projects simultaneously.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills suitable for executive-level updates.
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time.

Nice to have

• Prior experience within the food and beverage industry.

Skills & tools

• Procurement and supply chain management
• Strategic sourcing and RFP negotiation
• Data analysis and reporting
• Cross-functional project leadership
• Contract management

Practical notes

• Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• Additional perks include a 401k program, paid time off, paid holidays, sick leave, and flexible spending accounts for medical, transit, parking, or dependent care.
• Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process.