This position is primarily responsible for managing Parker's Kitchen dispensed beverage programs, including both self-serve and full-service offerings. The role owns the full lifecycle of beverage program performance - from vendor relationships and equipment to quality standards, execution, and cost control across all locations.
In addition, this role manages the supply vendor relationship, overseeing the procurement and availability of non-edible operational supplies such as packaging, cleaning supplies, napkins, and other items that support daily store and kitchen operations. The Category Manager also serves as a secondary support resource for the prepared food program, assisting with execution and operational needs as directed, though this is not a primary focus of the role.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Responsibilities:
Beverage Program Management
- Own the performance, quality, and execution of self-serve and full-service dispensed beverage programs across all locations.
- Develop and maintain beverage standards for product quality, preparation, dispensing, calibration, portioning, temperature, cleanliness, sanitation, and presentation.
- Monitor beverage sales, product mix, margins, usage, and equipment performance, and implement strategies to improve results.
- Serve as the subject matter expert for beverage equipment, including maintenance schedules, performance tracking, repairs, replacements, and vendor coordination.
- Lead new beverage product rollouts from start to finish, including vendor setup, product availability, packaging, equipment readiness, recipes, pricing, training, communications, and store execution.
- Partner with the Pricebook team to ensure accurate recipe, pricing, and cost setup for beverage programs.
Supply & Vendor Management
- Manage the relationship with the primary supply vendor for non-edible operational supplies, including packaging, cleaning supplies, napkins, and other store support products.
- Ensure products and supplies are delivered on schedule, meet negotiated pricing, and align with company quality and specification standards.
- Monitor product availability, manage substitutions, resolve quality or service issues, and ensure vendor compliance with contractual requirements.
- Identify opportunities for vendor consolidation, cost savings, and improved service levels.
- Partner with the Pricebook team to maintain accurate item and cost data across managed supply categories.
Food Program Support
- Support the execution and quality of prepared food programs and operational standards as needed.
- Assist with new food product rollouts, including logistics, communications, and store-level readiness.
- Serve as a cross-functional resource to the prepared food program lead during major initiatives, peak periods, or staffing needs.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong analytical mindset with the ability to interpret sales, margin, and operational performance data.
- Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
- Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Ability to balance culinary creativity with operational execution and financial performance.
- Strong understanding of category management, menu engineering, and food service economics.
- Knowledge of foodservice trends, consumer behavior, and emerging innovation platforms.
REQUIREMENTS
Required:
- 3-5+ years of experience in beverage category management.
- Proven experience developing and launching new beverage products.
- Strong understanding of cost management, pricing strategy, and operational efficiencies.
- Experience conducting product testing, sensory evaluations, and pilot programs.
- Knowledge of regulatory requirements and food safety standards.
- Must be able to work on-site at our headquarters located in Savannah, GA.
Preferred
- Experience in multi-unit restaurant, convenience retail, QSR, or foodservice environments preferred.
- ServSafe or equivalent food safety certification preferred.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Prolonged periods sitting/standing at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
- Travel required as needed to store locations throughout Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida.