Manager - Packaging Procurement
ConfidentialQSCC is looking for a procurement pro to lead category management for packaging and indirect items that support nearly 6,000 Wendy's restaurants across the U.S. From fry cartons and wrappers to cups and bags, you'll help ensure our fresh, famous food is served with the same quality and care customers expect every day. This highly collaborative role partners closely with teams across Wendy's and QSCC, including Marketing, R&D, Operations, Quality Assurance, Finance, Logistics, and more. You'll also help support sustainability initiatives and contribute to Wendy's ESG and CSR goals as packaging and regulatory requirements continue to evolve. As a Procurement Manager, you'll help shape sourcing strategies, build strong supplier partnerships, negotiate contracts, manage costs, and drive innovation across your categories. Whether it's helping launch a new menu item or finding the next big packaging improvement, you'll play a key role in delivering on our promises of quality, service, and value. If you're energized by big ideas, strategic thinking, and making an impact, this role is for you. We're looking for someone who can juggle multiple priorities, build strong relationships, and bring an entrepreneurial mindset to everything they do. After all, behind every hot fry, fresh burger, and perfectly packed order is a great procurement team making it happen! Key Responsibilities Include: Assure supply by collaborating within internal project management department, cross-functional stakeholders, Wendy’s Quality Assurance, Operations, Marketing, and ESG/CSR teams as well as external supplier community to maintain adequate capacity, contingency plans, and other risk mitigating activities. Develop strategic sourcing plans and implement a structured process for assigned categories to ensure an uninterrupted supply of products and services that meet Wendy’s® quality specifications. Negotiate agreements for assigned categories and items. Understand and provide (Total Cost of Unit) or best value and compliance to standard legal and business terms and conditions. Category improvement and innovation. Identify improvement opportunities in quality, cost, and service and/or opportunities to reduce risk through effective category management, strategic sourcing, and supplier relationship management. Conduct business reviews with strategic suppliers, including: recommending suppliers for Key Business Reviews, assembling the reviews, and follow-up on action items from the reviews. Ensure that Wendy’s Pricing System is updated in timely manner with accurate item and supplier information. Stay abreast of current micro and macro market and industry issues, trends, and innovation by following pertinent industry-related sources of information and attending relative conferences and/or continuing education events.[SJ1.1] Mentor and coach junior and rising talent in the organization. Engage in and help grow the culture of the organization. Partner with the commodity risk management (CRM) team and suppliers to understand relevant markets and trends. In partnership with the CRM team, manage costs and risks associated with relevant commodities. Reporting and other duties as assigned. And Our Ideal Candidate Meets These Qualifications: Minimum of five years of experience in Procurement, supply chain management, or related field; experience in logistics, food, packaging, and commodities strongly preferred. Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management, or logistics (or equivalent combination of education and experience). Understanding of and experience in the food service industry. Understanding of the supplier community, how to build relationships and partner to effectively manage costs as well as drive innovation. Experience negotiating and managing contracts. Customer service & relationship management experience. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Able to adapt style to influence and drive clarity. Demonstrated …