Senior Manager, Strategic Sourcing - Food Commodities

Cracker Barrel; Lebanon (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounts on Cracker Barrel items

Tuition reimbursement

401k with company matching

Medical/Dental/Vision benefits

Paid vacation

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Cracker Barrel is seeking a senior sourcing professional to lead strategic procurement across assigned categories. You will own supplier relationships, negotiate terms, and drive cost, quality, and continuity improvements, partnering with Product, Culinary, Finance, and Demand Planning to align sourcing with business goals.

The role requires 7-10+ years in sourcing/procurement, a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, and experience with commodity markets and hedging strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• 7-10+ years in sourcing/procurement with category strategy ownership.
• Experience analyzing commodity markets and cost drivers.
• Restaurant industry experience preferred.
• Proven contract negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Experience with hedging strategies preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of sourcing strategies for assigned categories.
• Own supplier relationship management and performance; ensure contractual compliance.
• Negotiate and execute supply agreements aligning with objectives and risk tolerance.
• Monitor supplier capacity and market conditions to ensure uninterrupted supply.
• Assess market trends and identify strategic sourcing opportunities.
• Serve as SME for categories; provide guidance on commodities and supplier dynamics.
• Analyze markets and develop hedging strategies to mitigate risk and cost.
• Partner across functions to align sourcing with product development and business goals.
• Forecast pricing trends and support budgeting and long-term cost management.
• Drive continuous improvement in supply chain efficiency and supplier performance.
• Some travel may be required.

Skills

Sourcing strategy

Contract negotiation

Supplier management

Cross-functional influence

Cost analytics

Market analysis

Financial acumen

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or related field

Job description

They say you are the company you keep - and at Cracker Barrel, we take that seriously. At the Store Support Center, we're in the business of serving those who serve our guests. Whether you're designing solutions, telling our story, or setting our teams up for success, your work makes a difference every single day. Here, the work means more because we take pride in doing it together. So, join our team and find your place, because here...we're all in good company.

What You’ll Do - You'll Make the Moment

• Lead the development and execution of sourcing strategies for assigned categories, defining the optimal supplier base, agreement structure, pricing methodologies, and key commercial terms to ensure product availability at optimal cost and quality.

• Own supplier relationship management and performance, ensuring adherence to contractual obligations and driving continuous improvement in cost, quality, service and supply continuity
• Negotiate, structure and execute supply agreements, including analysis of proposals and development of contract terms that align with company objectives and risk tolerance.

• Monitor and proactively communicate shifts in supplier capacity, market conditions, and distribution capabilities to ensure uninterrupted supply and support operational excellence.

• Continuously assess market trends and the supplier landscape to proactively identify, evaluate, and develop strategic sources of supply for both new and existing products.

• Serve as the primary internal and external point of contact and subject matter expert for assigned categories, providing strategic guidance on commodities, products, and supplier dynamics.

• Analyze commodity markets and develop hedging strategies, delivering data-driven recommendations to mitigate risk and optimize cost.

• Partner cross-functionally to support company initiatives, including product development, testing, LTO's and core menu execution, ensuring alignment between sourcing strategies and business objectives.

• Influence and collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders, including Demand Planning, Culinary, Quality Assurance, Menu Strategy, and Finance, to resolve issues, align priorities, and identify value-driving opportunities.
• Forecast pricing trends and cost drivers for assigned categories to support financial planning, budgeting, and long-term cost management strategies.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance supply chain efficiency, cost effectiveness, and supplier performance.
• Some travel may be required.

Experience and Education

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or related field.
• 7-10+ years of progressive experience in sourcing, procurement, or supply chain, including commodity buying, category strategy ownership, and contract negotiation.
• Experience analyzing commodity markets and cost drivers to inform sourcing strategies; exposure to hedging strategies preferred.
• Experience in the restaurant industry or related environment preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in contract negotiation, supplier management, and cost management strategies.
• Experience analyzing market trends and commodity dynamics to inform sourcing decisions; exposure to commodity hedging strategies preferred.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
• Strong ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and drive alignment without direct authority.

Certifications

• CPSM, CSCP, or similar supply chain/procurement certifications (or equivalent experience) preferred.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong understanding of supply chain economics, procurement practices, and category management principles.
• Demonstrated expertise in supplier management, contract negotiation, and commercial terms development.
• Ability to analyze market trends, commodity dynamics, and cost drivers to inform sourcing strategies and business decisions.
• Experience developing and executing sourcing strategies that balance cost, quality, service, and risk.
• Strong financial and analytical acumen, with the ability to forecast pricing trends and evaluate cost impacts.
• Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and drive alignment without direct authority.
• Proven ability to manage through ambiguity, prioritize competing priorities, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly present complex information and recommendations.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective partnerships internally and externally.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and follow-through skills.

Environment and Working Conditions

• Primarily office-based, with occasional travel to vendor sites, distribution centers, and restaurant locations.
• Requires the ability to sit at a desk and utilize a computer for extended periods of time.

Focus on You

We're all about making sure you're taken care of too. Here's what's in it for you:

• Good Work Deserves Good Pay: Competitive Annual Salary | Annual Bonus Opportunities
• Support That Goes Beyond the Clock: Medical, Rx, Dental and Vision Benefits on Day 1| Life Insurance and Disability Coverage | Paid Vacation/Employee Assistance Program
• Grow and Thrive Your Way: Business Resource Groups | Tuition Reimbursement | Professional Development
• Culture of Belonging:Support that starts on day one | Onboarding, training, and development to help you thrive | Recognition programs and employee events that bring us together
• Invest in Your Future: 401k Plan with Company Matching Contributions at 90 days | Employee Stock Purchase Program
• More Perks, Just Because: 35% Discount on Cracker Barrel Food and Retail items | Exclusive Biscuit Perks like discounts on home, travel, cell phones, and more!

A Little About Us

Since 1969, Cracker Barrel has been a place to gather around delicious food, abundant servings, unexpected finds, and a warm welcome. Over time, it's become even more - somewhere folks can reconnect and feel at home. With more than 70,000 team members nationwide, we take pride in our roots -- always serving up more than a meal.

Cracker Barrel is an equal opportunity employer.

Qualified applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, age, marital status, medical condition, disability or any other class expressly protected by law.