Manager Strategic Category & Sourcing

LHH Recruitment Solutions; Richmond (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

LHH Recruitment Solutions is helping a growing food distribution company fill a Manager, Strategic Category & Sourcing position in California. The role leads sourcing strategy, supplier partnerships, and category growth initiatives.

You will develop strategies, negotiate with suppliers to achieve cost savings, manage vendor performance, and partner with operations, inventory, and leadership teams to support product innovation and growth.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in food procurement, sourcing, category management, or food buying
• 3+ years of leadership experience
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
• Experience in food distribution, commodities, and inventory management in cold storage environments
• Knowledge of private label, co-manufacturing, and center-of-plate proteins
• Cold-chain or refrigerated food experience preferred

Responsibilities

• Develop sourcing and category management strategies
• Lead supplier negotiations and drive cost savings
• Manage key vendor relationships and performance
• Partner with operations, inventory, and leadership teams
• Support product innovation and commercialization efforts
• Lead and develop a high-performing sourcing team

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Supplier management

Leadership

Job description

LHH is partnering with a growing food distribution company seeking a Manager, Strategic Category & Sourcing to lead sourcing strategy, supplier partnerships, and category growth initiatives.

What You'll Do

• Develop sourcing and category management strategies
• Lead supplier negotiations and drive cost savings
• Manage key vendor relationships and performance
• Partner with operations, inventory, and leadership teams
• Support product innovation and commercialization efforts
• Lead and develop a high-performing sourcing team

What You'll Bring

• 8+ years in food procurement, sourcing, category management, or food buying
• 3+ years of leadership experience
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
• Experience in food distribution, commodities, and inventory management in cold storage environments
• Knowledge of private label, co-manufacturing, and center-of-plate proteins
• Cold-chain or refrigerated food experience preferred

Why Join?

Strategic leadership role with high visibility

Influence sourcing strategy and business growth

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers