Red Lobster

Manager, Strategic Sourcing

Red Lobster$75K — $95K *
Business Services
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 4+ years in food purchasing or supply management
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Analytical skillset for cost analysis and modeling
  • Experience in risk management and contingency planning
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Bachelor's degree in business or related field; MBA preferred

Responsibilities

  • Develop sourcing and procurement strategies aligned with business goals
  • Identify and select approved suppliers per guidelines
  • Analyze costs and develop formula cost models for seafood
  • Prepare and execute RFIs and RFPs
  • Monitor supplier performance and manage inventory levels
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams for product innovations
  • Conduct supplier site visits and evaluations to ensure quality standards

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work in a dynamic seafood industry
  • Collaborative environment with cross-functional teams
  • Travel opportunities for sourcing and trade conferences
  • Focus on sustainability strategies in seafood sourcing
  • Engagement in product innovation and development
Full Job Description
Overview

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

The Manager, Strategic Sourcing plays a key role in supporting the profitability, growth, and operational success of the organization by developing and executing sourcing and procurement strategies across assigned product categories. This role is responsible for managing supplier relationships, negotiating agreements, supporting cross-functional business initiatives, and ensuring continuity of supply while balancing cost, quality, and service expectations.

The Manager, Strategic Sourcing will work collaboratively with internal teams including Operations, Finance, Marketing, Quality Assurance, Supply Chain, and Logistics to align sourcing strategies with overall business objectives. This position requires strong analytical, negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills, along with the ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing category strategies, managing supplier performance, supporting inventory and risk management initiatives, and identifying opportunities for process improvement and cost optimization.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Develops sourcing and procurement strategies and execution plans:
  • Identifies, evaluates, and selects suppliers in accordance with company standards and approval processes
  • Develops and executes short-, mid-, and long-term sourcing strategies that support company objectives and operational needs
  • Manages medium- to high-complexity spend categories and supplier relationships
  • Identifies and delivers cost savings and value improvement opportunities
  • Conducts cost analysis and develops pricing and forecasting models
  • Prepares, executes, and manages Requests for Information (RFIs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and supplier negotiations
  • Collaborates with suppliers and internal stakeholders to support forecasting, inventory planning, and continuity of supply
  • Monitors inventory coverage and communicate risks, opportunities, and supply updates to leadership teams


Leverages market and supplier knowledge for effective sourcing:
  • Builds and maintains strong supplier relationships through effective communication and collaboration
  • Monitors market conditions, industry trends, commodity movements, and supply risks to support strategic decision-making
  • Evaluates supplier capabilities, performance, and operational effectiveness on an ongoing basis
  • Conducts supplier visits and participates in business reviews, product development initiatives, and issue resolution activities
  • Supports supplier performance management programs and key performance indicators (KPIs) related to quality, service, delivery, and cost

Supports cross-functional business initiatives:
  • Partners with internal stakeholders to support product launches, promotions, operational initiatives, and innovation projects
  • Assists in resolving supplier-related quality, service, and supply issues
  • Collaborates with Quality Assurance, Operations, and Supply Chain teams to ensure supplier compliance with company standards and specifications
  • Supports development and implementation of sourcing policies, inventory strategies, and supplier agreements
  • Coordinates supply planning and execution for seasonal programs, promotions, and business initiatives

Manages category performance and operational support:
  • Develops and maintains monthly, quarterly, and annual purchasing and inventory plans
  • Prepares category reviews, business updates, and performance presentations for leadership teams
  • Implements strategies to optimize inventory positioning, minimize excess inventory exposure, and improve service levels
  • Supports supplier audits, compliance reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Maintains strong service levels across distribution and supply networks, including order fulfillment and on-time delivery performance
  • Works collaboratively with suppliers, logistics providers, and internal teams to proactively address operational challenges and mitigate future risks
  • Travels domestically and internationally as needed for supplier meetings, sourcing initiatives, trade events, and operational support

REQUIRED TECHNICAL SKILLS
  • Minimum of 4 years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, supply chain, or category management
  • Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Experience with supplier management, forecasting, and risk mitigation strategies
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and other business applications

REQUIRED EDUCATION
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, Operations, or a related field required
  • MBA or advanced degree preferred

About Red Lobster

Red Lobster is an American casual dining restaurant chain headquartered in Orlando, Florida. The company has operations in the United States, Canada, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Mexico, and Japan. Red Lobster specializes in seafood, including lobster, shrimp, crab, and fish. The company was founded in 1968 and has since grown to become one of the largest seafood restaurant chains in the world. In 2014, Red Lobster was sold by Darden Restaurants to Golden Gate Capital for $2.1 billion. As of 2021, Red Lobster has over 700 locations worldwide.
Learn more about Red Lobster
Size
58,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1968

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