Category Manager, Strategic Sourcing

Job Title: Category Manager, Strategic Sourcing

Job Type: Full-time, Exempt

Reporting To: VP of Procurement & Analytics

Company: JustFoodForDogs LLC

Location: Remote (PST or MST) or Hybrid (Depending on geographical location to our HQ in Tustin, CA) 

About JustFoodForDogs:

At JustFoodForDogs, we’re revolutionizing pet nutrition by providing fresh, whole-food meals that extend the quality and length of life for pets everywhere. We are a rapidly growing company fueled by our passion for excellence, innovation, and delivering unparalleled value to our customers. If you thrive in a dynamic, mission-driven environment, we encourage you to apply for the Category Manager, Strategic Sourcing role.

Position Overview:

The Category Manager, Strategic Sourcing, plays a pivotal role in managing and optimizing procurement strategies for assigned categories. This individual is responsible for developing and executing sourcing plans, managing supplier relationships, and driving cost efficiencies while maintaining the highest standards of quality and sustainability. The ideal candidate will have a strong analytical mindset, excellent negotiation skills, and a commitment to operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive category development and supplier excellence by identifying opportunities within assigned categories to enhance product quality, improve delivery reliability, and strengthen supplier partnerships. Leverage category insights to implement strategies that align with JFFD’s mission of delivering exceptional products and service.
• Reduce the “Total Cost of Ownership” for a set of purchased material categories. This includes annual strategic planning / strategic project execution as well as day-to-day optimization and support for day-to-day execution.
• Ensure supplier alignment with JFFD’s quality standards and service expectations by actively monitoring and managing supplier performance, including product quality adherence and OTIF. Proactively address and resolve performance gaps through collaboration and strategic problem-solving.
• Support the innovation & renovation agenda by partnering with cross-functional teams (Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Innovation, and Quality) to identify and implement opportunities that enhance product quality, improve delivery reliability, and support JFFD’s mission of delivering the highest standard of service.
• Build privileged insights into the supply dynamics of in scope categories: existing and new suppliers, proven contracting techniques, relevant indices / markers to understand category evolution
• Help adopt and drive usage of standardized processes and systems. Be an agent of change in JFFD leveraging NetSuite to the fullest extent possible. Help ensure purchased items are set up correctly in the first place and maintained accurate throughout their lifecycle. Continue to refine how Blanket and/or regular purchase orders/annual contracts “work”.

Qualifications:

• 3+ years of Procurement / Category Management experience – strategic sourcing, category leadership, savings project delivery
• Track record of cross-functional collaboration in fast-paced, rapid growth environments
• Evidence of developing new suppliers / new supplier partnerships / new ways of partnering with suppliers to maximize value
• “System thinking” to understand how purchasing decisions impact broader company performance
• Bachelor's degree in a related field (strongly preferred)

Live Our Mission – At JustFoodForDogs, we act with integrity and build trust, treating everyone with dignity and respect. We bring passion to our mission, contribute positively to our environment, and strive to eliminate drama and negativity. Our commitment extends to exceeding expectations and supporting both our communities and the planet. 
Be a Team Player – JustFoodForDogs values positive teamwork and strong relationships. We prioritize trust, support, and team success over individual recognition. Our approach is to serve others and focus on collective goals, ensuring that collaboration and mutual support are at the heart of our work. 
Maintain a Positive Attitude – At JustFoodForDogs, we bring energy and enthusiasm to inspire our team. We stay optimistic, lead with empathy, and manage change with a positive outlook. Our focus is on constructive feedback and willingly assisting others to foster a supportive and confident workplace. 
Deliver Results – We are driven to win with determination and commitment at JustFoodForDogs. We honor our promises, take initiative, and pay attention to the details. Our goal is to consistently deliver on our objectives while holding ourselves and others accountable for results. 

JUSTFOODFORDOGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. JUSTFOODFORDOGS does not discriminate due to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital or parental status, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship status, veteran or military status, age, disability, unemployment status or any other legally protected basis, and to the extent permitted by law. Qualified candidates of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels