Category Manager - New Product and Direct Sourcing

Purpose of the Role

To identify and source potential new products in the Asian market that may be introduced in our Quick Stop and Roadhouse outlets with the goal of working with the Category and Space Management Lead in order to implement a strategic procurement plan, optimize product mix, manage vendor relationships and maximize category profitability and innovation.

The ideal candidate is a strategic, hands-on, and data-driven professional who acts as a "mini-business owner" for their portfolio. This role requires a blend of procurement expertise, market research skills to identify new trends, and the ability to manage the product lifecycle

from ideation to launch.

risk of downtime.

Key Accountabilities

(Key activities, deliverables and metrics)

The responsibilities of the Category Manager for New Product and Sourcing will include, but not be limited to:

• Analyse industry trends, competitor activities, and consumer behaviours to identify opportunities for new product additions or enhancements.
• Develop a strategic roadmap for the Asian product category, defining which products to add, retain, or delete, and planning the overall assortment, including new product launches.
• Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers, negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms to ensure cost-efficiency and quality standards are met.
• Work closely with the marketing and supply chain teams to ensure new products are properly marketed and positioned in our retail outlets.
• Work with the Category and Space Management Lead to monitor the profitability and sales performance of the Asian product category.

• Track key metrics to measure market gains and cost savings.

Key Selection Criteria, Qualifications & Experience

• A blend of strategic, analytical, and interpersonal skills to identify, source, and launch products while managing supply risks and costs.
• The ability to turn market insights into profitable, high-quality products.

• Proven experience in conducting end-to-end sourcing processes, including RFIs, RFQs, and RFPs, to identify and onboard new vendors.
• Ability to negotiate advantageous terms on pricing, payment, and delivery lead times.
• Expertise in drafting and managing contracts, ensuring compliance with quality, performance, and legal standards.
• Knowledge of international supply chains, including importing, regulatory compliance, and managing global or multi-country suppliers.
• Ability to analyze market data, consumer trends, and competitor activities to identify growth opportunities and market gaps.
• Experience in leading products from concept through to "Buy Ready," including managing timelines, milestones, and cross-functional teams.
• Proven ability to leverage supplier expertise to drive product innovation, including collaborating on new materials or technologies.
• Strong skills in using data analytics tools (Excel, Tableau, Power BI) and ERP systems (SAP, Ariba) to interpret complex datasets and make informed decisions.
• Ability to analyze product profitability and set pricing strategies that optimize margins.
• Ability to partner with marketing and supply chain teams to align procurement initiatives with business goals.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills to influence stakeholders and build partnerships internally and with external vendors.
• Acting as a "mini-business" owner, displaying the initiative to introduce new products and improve existing sourcing systems.
• Bachelors degree in business, supply chain, or related field. Other degrees may be considered for over 5 years of related experience.
• 3 to 5+ years of procurement, sourcing, or category management experience, with a focus on new product sourcing.

Key Stakeholders

Internal:

• Category and Space Management Lead
• Retail Department
• Marketing

External:

• Vendors/Suppliers

Non Negotiableshelp_outline

Key Selection Criteria, Qualifications & Experience

• A blend of strategic, analytical, and interpersonal skills to identify, source, and launch products while managing supply risks and costs.
• The ability to turn market insights into profitable, high-quality products.

• Proven experience in conducting end-to-end sourcing processes, including RFIs, RFQs, and RFPs, to identify and onboard new vendors.
• Ability to negotiate advantageous terms on pricing, payment, and delivery lead times.
• Expertise in drafting and managing contracts, ensuring compliance with quality, performance, and legal standards.
• Knowledge of international supply chains, including importing, regulatory compliance, and managing global or multi-country suppliers.
• Ability to analyze market data, consumer trends, and competitor activities to identify growth opportunities and market gaps.
• Experience in leading products from concept through to "Buy Ready," including managing timelines, milestones, and cross-functional teams.
• Proven ability to leverage supplier expertise to drive product innovation, including collaborating on new materials or technologies.
• Strong skills in using data analytics tools (Excel, Tableau, Power BI) and ERP systems (SAP, Ariba) to interpret complex datasets and make informed decisions.
• Ability to analyze product profitability and set pricing strategies that optimize margins.
• Ability to partner with marketing and supply chain teams to align procurement initiatives with business goals.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills to influence stakeholders and build partnerships internally and with external vendors.
• Acting as a "mini-business" owner, displaying the initiative to introduce new products and improve existing sourcing systems.
• Bachelors degree in business, supply chain, or related field. Other degrees may be considered for over 5 years of related experience.
• 3 to 5+ years of procurement, sourcing, or category management experience, with a focus on new product sourcing.