Manager, Food & Packaging Procurement

Job Details

Job Ref:R26_0000002044 Location:2002 Papa John's Blvd, Louisville, KY 40299 Category:Food Production Employment Type:Full time

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Job Summary

Papa John's is seeking a strategic, results-driven Manager, Food & Packaging Procurement to lead sourcing and category management initiatives across food ingredients, packaging, and related supply categories. This role is responsible for developing and executing procurement strategies that optimize spend, ensure supply continuity, strengthen supplier partnerships, and support operational excellence across the organization.

The successful candidate will collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to deliver sustainable cost savings, manage supplier performance, identify market opportunities, and ensure the highest standards of quality, food safety, and sustainability.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Category Management

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies that align with business objectives and maximize value across food and packaging categories.

• Manage supplier portfolios to ensure optimal quality, service, innovation, and cost competitiveness.

• Conduct market and industry analyses to identify trends, risks, opportunities, and emerging suppliers.

• Utilize should-cost modeling and market intelligence to support strategic sourcing decisions and negotiations.

• Lead sourcing projects from strategy development through implementation and supplier onboarding.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key suppliers and industry partners.

• Negotiate contracts, pricing agreements, service levels, and commercial terms that deliver measurable value.

• Evaluate and qualify new suppliers based on capability, quality, reliability, cost, risk, and sustainability criteria.

• Establish supplier performance metrics and conduct regular business reviews to drive continuous improvement.

RFI/RFP Leadership

• Develop and lead competitive bidding processes, including RFI, RFQ, and RFP initiatives.

• Analyze proposals and lead supplier selection efforts in partnership with cross-functional stakeholders.

• Ensure sourcing decisions align with operational requirements, financial targets, and long-term strategic objectives.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, Quality Assurance, Finance, Marketing, and Product Innovation teams to support business initiatives.

• Translate business needs into procurement strategies that support growth, service, and profitability goals.

• Facilitate stakeholder alignment throughout supplier evaluation, selection, and implementation processes.

Risk Management & Continuous Improvement

• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks related to availability, pricing, logistics, and supplier performance.

• Develop contingency plans and ensure supply continuity for critical food and packaging categories.

• Drive process improvements, innovation opportunities, and operational efficiencies throughout the supply chain.

• Monitor supplier performance data and implement corrective actions when necessary.

Education, Experience & Certifications

• Bachelor\'s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, or related field required.

• MBA or advanced degree preferred.

• Minimum of 5 years of procurement, strategic sourcing, or category management experience.

• Experience within the foodservice, restaurant, manufacturing, consumer products, or related industries preferred.

• Proven track record of delivering cost savings, negotiating contracts, and managing supplier relationships.

• Experience leading RFI/RFP processes and cross-functional sourcing initiatives.

Functional Skills

• Strong negotiation and contract management skills are required.

• Excellent analytical, financial, and problem-solving abilities.

• Experience with spend analysis, cost modeling, and supplier performance management.

• Strong project management and organizational skills.

• Effective communication and presentation skills.

• Ability to influence stakeholders and build consensus across multiple functions.

• Knowledge of food industry standards, supply chain management, and procurement best practices.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Our Values

• EVERYONE BELONGS - We believe connectedness and belonging are the essential ingredients to our success

• DO THE RIGHT THING - We are relentlessly focused on quality and integrity and make the right choices, even when it\'s difficult

• PEOPLE FIRST - To craft positive experiences for our customers, we take care of each other first

• INNOVATE TO WIN - We champion and challenge for a better way in all we do

• HAVE FUN - We find joy, create meaningful impact and celebrate the journey together

Our Core Competencies

• CUSTOMER CENTRIC - We leverage data and insights to craft a customer experience that builds relationships, cultivates trust, and delivers excellence

• RESULTS DRIVEN - We focus on measurable outcomes by remaining optimistic, tenacious, and persistent even in the face of challenges

• CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT - We champion for better through strategic risk taking, experimentation and challenging the status quo

• BIAS FOR ACTION - We courageously lead, drive towards decisions, and maintain agility to meet the demands of our dynamic industry

• WINNING TOGETHER - We work together to unlock our full potential by actively collaborating and contributing in a cross-functional capacity

Papa Johns is an equal opportunity employer.

Papa Johns is a federal contractor that participates in the E-Verify program to confirm employment eligibility for each new team member. We also comply with all Right to Work requirements. Official E-Verify and Right to Work notices are available for applicants to review in both English and Spanish.

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