POSITION SUMMARYThe Commodities & Risk Management Manager is responsible for supporting the sourcing, market analysis, and risk management activities for key food, packaging, and operational commodities across the organization. This role monitors commodity markets, analyzes pricing trends, supports supplier management efforts, and helps implement strategies that mitigate supply and cost risks while ensuring continuity of supply.
The position partners closely with Supply Chain, Finance, Operations, and supplier partners to provide market insights, support forecasting, and execute commodity purchasing strategies aligned with business objectives.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSMay perform any or all of the following duties:
- Develop and maintain commodity risk management strategies aligned with company financial and supply continuity objectives.
- Lead cross-functional commodity planning discussions with Finance, Operations, Culinary, Marketing, and Supply Chain stakeholders.
- Recommend timing and buying strategies based on market intelligence, seasonal patterns, and business demand.
- Establish category-specific risk thresholds and escalation protocols for key commodities and inputs.
- Drive longer-term sourcing strategies that balance cost, quality, service, and risk exposure.
Risk management / governance functions
- Own commodity exposure tracking and reporting across key spend categories.
- Evaluate and recommend hedging, forward-buying, fixed-price, index-based, or other risk mitigation strategies in partnership with leadership and Finance.
- Support development of scenario planning and cost-impact models for inflation, shortages, and market disruptions.
- Create and maintain playbooks for supply disruption response across high-risk commodities.
- Ensure compliance with procurement policies, contract standards, and risk management controls.
Supplier / market management functions
- Lead supplier business reviews focused on market conditions, pricing performance, service levels, and supply assurance.
- Assess supplier concentration risk and identify diversification opportunities where appropriate.
- Monitor global and domestic macroeconomic, weather, trade, freight, and geopolitical factors affecting commodity availability and cost.
- Support supplier negotiations, contract management activities, and cost-saving initiatives.
- Identify alternative sourcing options or substitute materials/products to reduce exposure during constrained markets.
Financial / analytical functions
- Translate commodity market movements into forecasted P&L impact for business leaders.
- Build models to quantify inflation, deflation, savings opportunities, and budget variance drivers.
- Develop commodity dashboards and KPIs to improve visibility into exposure, contract coverage, supplier performance, and realized savings.
- Partner with Finance on annual operating plan assumptions and reforecasting cycles related to commodity costs.
Process improvement / systems functions
- Standardize commodity reporting and forecasting methodologies across categories.
- Improve data quality, reporting automation, and analytical tools used in commodity planning and risk assessment.
- Document and continuously improve sourcing and risk management processes to increase agility and decision speed.
- Performs other duties and/or special projects as assigned in response to changing business conditions and/or requirements
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS/CORE COMPETENCIES- Must possess a minimum of 7 years' experience in Supply Chain, Business, Economics, or related field.
- Advanced understanding of commodity markets, procurement practices, and supplier management.
- BA/BS Degree preferred
- Experience within QSR, foodservice, restaurant, CPG, grocery, or food manufacturing industries preferred.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret market data and trends.
- Experience supporting supplier negotiations and contract management.
- Advanced Excel skills and proficiency with procurement, ERP, or supply chain systems.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
WORK ENVIRONMENT- Restaurant Support Center operates in a fast-paced, high-volume, deadline-driven environment. The role follows a hybrid work model, requiring on-site presence in the office every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS- Sitting for extended periods of time, using the telephone, typing, and/or operating a computer and/or mouse.
- Travel as needed: approximately five (5)%.
THE COMPANY RETAINS THE RIGHT TO CHANGE OR ASSIGN OTHER DUTIES TO THIS POSITION AS DEEMED APPROPRIATE WITH OR WITHOUT NOTICE. 
